Historic Deerfield

Historic Deerfield Welcome to the Historic Deerfield page.
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Historic Deerfield is a museum of early American life situated in an authentic 18th-century New England village in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts. Its historic houses and world-famous collection of early American decorative arts open doors to new perspectives that inspire people to seek a deeper understanding of themselves, their communities, and the world.

05/30/2026

We’re staying cozy today in the open hearth kitchen at Historic Deerfield!

Tomorrow (May 30), step into the stories, skills, and traditions of early New England. Walk into Hall Tavern to experien...
05/29/2026

Tomorrow (May 30), step into the stories, skills, and traditions of early New England. Walk into Hall Tavern to experience demonstrations of block printing on fabric with Jennifer Roy, a Revolutionary-era doctor with Greg Morin, and eighteenth-century herbal remedies and women’s medicine with Amy Lanham. It will also be the last day of our current open hearth cooking demonstration "Great Cakes!" at Hall Tavern Kitchen.

Historic trade demonstrations start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Come spend the day with us and experience history brought to life!

This spring, Historic Deerfield unveiled more than 70 new exterior signs along Old Main Street!This major project had ma...
05/28/2026

This spring, Historic Deerfield unveiled more than 70 new exterior signs along Old Main Street!

This major project had many goals in mind: improving wayfinding and readability, updating information, strengthening branding, and creating a fresh, modern look for visitors throughout the village.

The project was funded in large part by a Destination Development Capital Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. The signage was designed by Small Universe and produced and installed by Agnoli Signs, with coordination and oversight provided by an internal committee of Historic Deerfield staff.

Projects of this scale truly take a village — and we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life!

On June 26–27, Dublin Seminar will mark its 50th anniversary by looking both backwards and ahead, with "Futurecasting, F...
05/27/2026

On June 26–27, Dublin Seminar will mark its 50th anniversary by looking both backwards and ahead, with "Futurecasting, Futurekeeping: New Englanders Imagine Worlds to Come."

One of the presenters of this year's seminar, multimedia artist Brece Honeycutt, will present the paper, "building Harmony | constructing Color," giving us all new perspectives on Shaker impacts on design sensibilities.

Another presenter, CJ Martin, Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of the Holy Cross, will share his deep knowledge of Black Millerites, specifically how Reverend John W. Lewis's abolitionist agenda combined a humanistic, Baptist-inspired approach with a Milleristic desperation, an under-studied aspect of the movement to abolish slavery.

Dublin Seminar takes place June 26–27, both virtually (via Zoom) and in-person (at Historic Deerfield). Register at https://www.historic-deerfield.org/events/dublin-seminar-2026-futurecasting/.
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This image will be featured in sculptor and textile artist Brece Honeycutt’s paper, "building Harmony | constructing Color."

05/25/2026

There's so much to learn about building archaeology at Stebbins House! Director of Historic Preservation & Architectural Research Michael Emmons showcasesthe process of learning about its historic kitchen and pantry.

Want to learn more? Stebbins House is open today (May 25) and May 27–31 and is included with general admission!

In addition to our normal hours (Wednesday–Sunday), we will also be open this Monday from 9:30–4:30. Exhibitions, demons...
05/22/2026

In addition to our normal hours (Wednesday–Sunday), we will also be open this Monday from 9:30–4:30. Exhibitions, demonstrations, and tours abound! Events and house-tour schedules are linked below.
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Photo by Brienne Thomson

05/20/2026

This Saturday, May 23, come to the Apprentice's Workshop at Historic Deerfield to see Rick Hamelin demonstrate redware pottery from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. He will be joined by Ted Ingraham, demonstrating joinery, and Gariné Arakelian, demonstrating candle-making! All included with general admission.

05/19/2026

This spring, we are preparing the beehive oven and cooking revolutionary cakes!

During the 18th century, towns in New England held muster days for men to practice military drills. These became community affairs and people made special food, including a treat that became known as Muster Cake. Later versions were named Election Cake or Washington Cake after the first President.

Come by Hall Tavern Kitchen this Saturday, May 23 (and next Saturday, May 30), between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to see which cake our cooks choose to bake! Included with general admission.

For more historic trade videos, you can also follow us on TikTok (HistoricDeerfield).

What is Plays in Place and how do they create site-specific historical plays based on archival evidence—like the one tak...
05/18/2026

What is Plays in Place and how do they create site-specific historical plays based on archival evidence—like the one taking place at Historic Deerfield this July and August?

In our most recent blog post, Historic Deerfield’s Claire Carlson interviews Producing Artistic Director Patrick Gabridge and Producer and Playwright Talya Kingston of Plays in Place about A Stake in the Ground: 1774.

Read the interview at https://www.historic-deerfield.org/bringing-the-revolution-to-life-with-plays-in-place.

Address

80 Old Main Street
Deerfield, MA
01342

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(413) 775-7214

Website

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