Agawam Historical Association

05/29/2026

Another capacity crowd was on hand at the last night for the Agawam Historical Association’s annual meeting.

President David Cecchi, Vice President Anne Liptak, Secretary Carolyn Cortis, and Treasurer Katy Krause were all reelected to their positions.

Directors Sheryl Mardeusz and Joe Potter were reelected to another term on the board.

Don Anderson, Judy Anderson, and Sue Scantlen were elected to the newly created position of Director Emeritus.

Don and Judy had previously served on the board from 2004-2024, and Sue served on the board from 2011-2024 and as president from 2016-2024.

Director Janet Wysocki retired from the board after 23 years, and was recognised for her decades of service to the association.

Katy Krause and Anne Liptak were also thanked for their longtime contributions to the organisation.

President David Cecchi noted some highlights of the past year, including a 10% increase in membership, annual attendance at association events of over 1,200 people, the reopening of the Agawam Historical & Fire House Museum and dedication of the Marilyn P. Curry History Room, the dedication of Agawam’s Liberty Tree at the Thomas Smith House, and the selection of the association to participate in the Roving Archivist Program of the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board.

He also noted, and expressed appreciation for, the continued support of the Agawam Cultural Council, Agawam Community Preservation Act Committee, association members, and the community in general that allows the Agawam Historical Association to continue its important work of preserving and presenting the history of Agawam.

Following the business meeting, George Baker presented his one-man show "Meet John Adams – A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President." Baker regaled the audience with stories of historical interest, a rousing rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy, and humorous anecdotes.

A grand time was had by all.

05/27/2026

Another interesting and informative program sponsored by our friends at the Longmeadow Historical Society.

Richard Salter Storrs Library


LHS Presents: New England Militia in the Early Republic In-Person
In our nation’s first 50 years, the citizen militia was the primary means of defending the nation and its laws. Twice a year, almost every white man from 18 to 45 was required to attend training days to practice musket drills and marching maneuvers. Martial music played a major role in these training days to both convey commands, help keep the troops in step, and entertain both the militia and civilian onlookers. Tonight, we will delve into the roots of the militia in New England, the composition and training of the militia, and the martial music of the era.

This program helps Longmeadow Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

This program sponsored by the Longmeadow Historical Society.

Please Register in Advance at Storrs Library website

05/07/2026

Please support historic preservation in Agawam by attending this fun event at the Captain Charles Leonard House.

Built as a stage tavern in 1805, the Captain Leonard House has served as Agawam’s Community House since 1939, after it was restored by Minerva Davis.

It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and is the jewel of the Agawam Center Historic District.

Our popular Summer Craft Beer Tasting and BBQ fundraiser will return to the grounds of the historic Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main Street, Agawam, on Friday evening, June 19, 2026.

The event will take place rain or shine, from 6pm–9pm, and will benefit preservation efforts at the 1805 former stage tavern, which has served as Agawam’s Community House since 1939.

The event, sponsored by McCarthy’s Liquors of Agawam and Phipps Discount Liquors of Feeding Hills, will feature a wide variety of local and craft beers, live music, raffles, and food.

Joey’s Deli & Market will provide barbecue and Captain Leonard House Trustees will grill hot dogs and hamburgers.

Advance tickets are $50 per person, available at

McCarthy’s Liquors
430 Main Street, Agawam
(413) 786-9537

and

Phipps Discount Liquors
1350 Springfield Street
Feeding Hills
(413) 786-8471

Ticket price includes food.
Tickets will also be available at the door for $55 per person.

Guests must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID to attend this event.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Agawam Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Captain Charles Leonard House is available to rent for business functions and social events. For more information, please call 413-786-9421.

05/06/2026

Every house has a story, whether it’s 20 years old or 200.

If you’ve ever wondered when your house was built, who lived there, and for how long, join us in the Judith Clini Community Room of the Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper Street, Agawam, on Monday, 8 June 2026 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm and learn how to uncover the past of any home.

In a program co-sponsored by the Agawam Public Library, the Agawam Historical Association, and the Agawam Historical Commission, house historian Marian Pierre-Louis will present “10 Steps to Researching the History of Your House.”

Pierre-Louis will introduce where to find the deeds to your house, how to chain a deed, and locate other sources of information such as the US Federal Census records, maps, and tax records. You’ll learn how to find the stories that bring the history of your house alive.

Come learn 10 steps to get you started on your house history research. This talk is appropriate for both beginners and those who have research experience.

Please register for this event beginning at 9:00 AM Monday, May 18, 2026 at https://agawamlibrary.libcal.com/event/15527701

This event is free, open to the public, and supported by the Agawam Center Library Association.

Pictured here are some Agawam homes, some still standing, others long-demolished.

05/05/2026

We are excited to welcome the Agawam Garden Club back for their annual Plant Sale!

Thomas Smith House
251 North West Street
Feeding Hills

Saturday
30 May 2026
9 am - noon

The sale will include many annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable starts, and shrubs, all from members’ gardens, and all priced to sell.

Because the plants are grown locally, they are well acclimated to the area’s growing conditions.

Proceeds from the sale help fund the Garden Club’s annual scholarship and other educational programs throughout the year.

Arrive early for the best selection!

The c. 1757 Thomas Smith House and 1920 Delmore Hawthorne Garage will be open for tours!

05/04/2026

You are invited to the historic Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main Street, Agawam, for the annual meeting of the Agawam Historical Association at 6:30 pm, Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Following the election of officers & directors, announcement of the Agawam Historical Association-Marilyn P. Curry Memorial Scholarship recipient, and a short business meeting, will be the featured presentation “Meet John Adams – A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President.”

Acclaimed John Adams portrayist George Baker will transport audience members to the Revolutionary era with his engaging and entertaining portrayal of America’s second president. Wearing historically accurate clothing and performing songs from the period, Baker will capture the Massachusetts native’s sharp wit, principled leadership, and deep commitment to the American experiment.

Baker’s portrayal is part of the association’s year-long celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Sheryl Faye’s one-woman show “Abigail Adams - Liberty & Legacy” was presented to a capacity crowd at the group’s March meeting. An 18th century encampment is among activities planned for a July Fourth event at the association’s historic Thomas Smith House in Feeding Hills.

Baker has performed his one-man show throughout the country, at venues such as the New York Historical Society, the Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George H. W. Bush Presidential Libraries, and was featured on National Public Radio's weekend program, Studio 360. A lawyer by profession, Baker brings clarity and credibility to Adams’s ideas through a blend of history, music, and storytelling, making Adams feel immediate and human, rather than distant and monumental. The program concludes with time for thoughtful audience questions and conversation.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is suggested. Please send the names of those attending to [email protected] with ANNUAL MEETING in the subject line. Due to limited seating, preference will be given to Agawam Historical Association members. Membership information can be found at agawamhistory.org.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Agawam Cultural council, a local agency which is
supported by the mass cultural council, a state agency.

05/03/2026

It needs to be said: the Agawam Historical Association’s members/supporters/followers/guests (and speakers) are the best!

It was pouring the morning of 2 May 2026, but by 10am the rain had stopped and the forecast read "0% chance" of rain for the rest of the day.

By the time we arrived at the Thomas Smith House to set up in anticipation of General & Mrs. Grant’s arrival, the sun was shining. We finally caught a break with the weather! We dragged our benches and chairs out under the old maple tree.

Sam and Julie Grant arrived and set up their table and chairs next to the house, along with saddles, easels, posters, and other items they would use in their presentation.

Shortly before their 1pm start time, the skies turned grey and rain started to fall.

There was a teasingly blue patch of sky over Provin Mountain. Would the rain let up? Would that blue sky move a little eastward?

No.

The rain did not let up, and the blue sky vanished to parts unknown.

So we dragged everything into the 1920 Delmore Hawthorne garage. Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne, for having the foresight to know how useful we would find it.

In came the the table, chairs, saddles, easels, posters, and benches.

As people kept arriving, our popup tent was erected outside the garage and we dragged more benches and chairs under it.

All told, nearly 80 people showed up, most packed into the garage; some in lawn chairs under umbrellas; a few standing in the rain, to hear Mrs. Grant speak about her husband, and were riveted as the General shared tales from his storied life and career.

After the formal presentation, the Grants graciously remained for photos and additional conversation.

And, of course, the rain stopped as everything was being wrapped up.

Thank you, Julie and Sam, for a first-rate presentation under less than ideal circumstances.

And thanks to everyone who came out to hear the Grants and support the historical association on another rainy day – especially those of you in the “cheap seats.”

You are all very much appreciated!

05/03/2026

On 19 April 2026, a raw April afternoon, more than two dozen intrepid souls gathered at the Thomas Smith House as the Agawam Historical Association dedicated an American Elm as Agawam’s Liberty Tree.

Agawam High School student Chelsea Casamento sang a beautiful rendition of our national anthem and members of the 25th Continental Regiment fired a musket salute following association remarks by president David Cecchi.

“More than 250 years ago, groups such as the Loyal Nine and the Sons of Liberty began our country’s long tradition of civil disobedience.

It was less than 100 miles from here that these groups would gather under a large elm tree near the Boston common and protest the policies of a tyrant ruler and begin the fight for the civil liberties of the colonists.

That elm tree came to be known as the Liberty Tree. It, and the groups that
gathered beneath its branches, would serve as inspiration for similar groups
and meeting places throughout the colonies, as the spirit of independence
grew in the years preceding the American Revolution.

With the planting of this tree –

in remembrance of Boston’s original Liberty Tree –

in honor of those who have fought for our liberties –

in memory of all those who have lost their lives defending our liberties –

and in recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial –

the Agawam Historical Association, on this April 19th, a day sacred to the history of the United States, dedicates this American Elm as Agawam’s Liberty Tree.”

10/09/2025

Thanks to everyone who helped make last Saturday’s Open House and Apple Pie Contest at the Thomas Smith House such a success!

It was perfect weather for members of the Connecticut Valley Working As car club to display their vehicles, and for “Whips of Westfield” author Bruce Cortis to share his expertise about the the industry that once powered the Westfield economy.

Apple Pie Contest judges Don Anderson, Agawam Historical Association Board Member Emeritus; Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson; and 2024 AHA Apple Pie Contest First Place Winner Sarah Curran took their responsibilities seriously, and after sampling all the entries, declared Liz Johnson winner of the blue ribbon.

Congratulations, Liz!! We’ll see you again in October ’26 when you return as one of next year’s judges!

The second place ribbon was awarded to Gina & Peter Smus, and third place to Gary Winn. Christine Root was runner up.

The Agawam High School Marching Band, under direction of Bill Hueglin, made their Smith House debut, performing stand tunes and pieces from their 2025 field show, “Westward Bound.” Thank you for adding to the day’s festivities!

The Smith House will be buttoned up for the winter soon, but we’ll be back next year with an exciting schedule of events to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary!

In the meantime, the Agawam Historical & Fire House Museum will be open on select dates over the winter, starting on Saturday, 1 November, from 1-3 pm.

Thank you for supporting the Agawam Historical Association!

🍎