Amherst History Museum

Amherst History Museum Our mission is to connect people to the Town of Amherst, its history and its culture. We do that for Amherst. To fulfill our mission, we need your help.

For five generations, Amherst residents have donated pieces of their lives to the Historical Society. We hold these pieces in trust, and aim to discover the heart of Amherst's history. In order to reinterpret the past, the "old documents and objects" need to be preserved and made available for study. Understanding community history fosters civic pride and this valued institution serves us all. We

depend entirely on private donations and volunteer efforts for maintenance of our extensive collections, the Simeon Strong House (c. 1750, one of the oldest in Amherst) and its grounds, and for support of our educational and outreach activities. Our mission is to connect you to the town of Amherst, its history and its culture.

08/27/2026

Emily’s Dress

This week learn more about the sole surviving garment of Emily Dickinson and some of its history. Why do you think Emily chose to wear white in an age of colorful dresses? 👗

See the famous white dress yourself at The Amherst History Center! 45 Boltwood Walk Amherst, MA📍

08/20/2026

Who Taught Emily Dickinson?

Meet Caroline Phebe Dutch Hunt, educator of Emily Dickinson and her mother Emily Norcross, who worked at Amherst Academy where Emily Dickinson attended for seven years.

📝Explore more of Emily & Amherst’s History at the Amherst History Center! 45 Boltwood Walk Amherst, MA📍

08/13/2026

Learn about Frazar Stearns & His Ties to Emily Dickinson

Frazar Augustus Stearns was a friend of Austin Dickinson who became a soldier and sadly died far from home at the Battle of New Bern. Frazar’s portrait is on display in the Amherst History Center and a permanent part of the Amherst Historical Society’s collection.

📯Explore more of Amherst’s History at the Amherst History Center! 45 Boltwood Walk Amherst, MA📍

08/06/2026

You Know Emily, Now Meet Mabel

Mabel Loomis Todd was the first editor of Emily Dickinson’s Poetry and the Founder of the Amherst Historical Society

📖Explore Mabel and Emily’s story at the Amherst History Center! 45 Boltwood Walk Amherst, MA📍

07/06/2026

Amherst Then & Now: the Sequel! Now on view at the Inn on Boltwood to mark the Inn’s 100th Anniversary!

Come to the steps of Town Hall at noon the Independence Day to hear the words of the Founders spoken by members of the c...
06/30/2026

Come to the steps of Town Hall at noon the Independence Day to hear the words of the Founders spoken by members of the community and the gathered public. Town of Amherst, MA Official Amherst Downtown Ancestral Bridges Foundation Amherst Cultural Council MA250

06/26/2026

Thanks to all who came out last night for the opening reception for “In Defense of Our Just Rights & Liberties” at the Amherst History Center. It is in view through May 2027 at 45 Boltwood Walk, open Thurs and Fri 1-4pm and Sat 11am - 3pm. Thank you WWLP-22News for the wonderful coverage and Amherst Cultural Council for making this exhibition possible.

On view now at the Amherst History Center! And join us next week for an opening reception to celebrate this new exhibit...
06/18/2026

On view now at the Amherst History Center! And join us next week for an opening reception to celebrate this new exhibit telling the story of the community during the Revolution. Amherst Downtown MA250 Amherst Cultural Council Mass Cultural Council Town of Amherst, MA Official

As the Amherst Regional High School Class of 2026 gets ready to graduate, check out this school song published in 1922! ...
06/02/2026

As the Amherst Regional High School Class of 2026 gets ready to graduate, check out this school song published in 1922! While ARHS may not have an official school song any more, we are sure the sentiment remains: “Amherst here’s to you. Highest in learning, proudest in sports, we praise thy name anew!” Congratulations Class of 2026🎓🎓🎓

The Amherst’s History Center will closed today, Saturday, May 30th. We are getting the space ready for our coming exhib...
05/30/2026

The Amherst’s History Center will closed today, Saturday, May 30th. We are getting the space ready for our coming exhibition “In Defense of our Just Rights & Privileges: Amherst in the Revolution.” Stay tuned for more updates!

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67 Amity Street
Amherst, MA
01002

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