Sheffield Historical Society

Sheffield Historical Society The Sheffield Historical Society aims to tell the stories of those who came before us. The Society maintains seven historic structures.

The Sheffield Historical Society was organized in 1972 by a group of local residents who sought to preserve the story of the oldest town in Berkshire County. It is a volunteer driven, nonprofit corporation, actively involved in local historical research that also offers a variety of educational programs for every age group. The Society’s goal is to stimulate interest in local history and to interp

ret the town’s past. It collects and preserves records and materials relevant to the town, which includes the hamlets of Sheffield and Ashley Falls, exhibits them and makes them available for exhibits, research, and educational program. The mission of the Sheffield Historical Society is to promote a wider understanding of the people and events that preceded us in this area, and to preserve and transmit that heritage to current and future generations. The 1774 Dan Raymond House is both a period museum and houses the Society’s main office. Other buildings on the campus include the 1820 Parker Hall Law Office; a 19th century Carriage Barn that contains an exhibit of agricultural and related tools; an 1876 brick Education Center which was an early Sheffield greenhouse; an unusual early 19th century double chamber Greek Revival Smokehouse; the early 19th century Hatter’s Shop which now contains the collection of the Mark Dewey Research Center; and an circa 1834 commercial building, known locally as the Old Stone Store, which now functions as the Society’s gift shop and gallery. The Society’s campus is located in the center of historic Sheffield, Massachusetts on Rte. 7, just north of the Connecticut state line and immediately south of Great Barrington. It is easily accessible from all major highways in the region including Interstate 90 (Mass. Pike) and is served by two regional airports, Albany, NY and Hartford, CT as well as by public bus lines.

Today, on Juneteenth, we commemorate the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their...
06/19/2026

Today, on Juneteenth, we commemorate the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

As we celebrate freedom and reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality, we are reminded that Sheffield has its own important connection to this history through Elizabeth Freeman.

Known to many as Mum Bett, Elizabeth Freeman was enslaved in Sheffield until 1781, when she successfully challenged her enslavement in court. Her victory, alongside the Brom & Bett case, helped establish that slavery was incompatible with the Massachusetts Constitution and paved the way for the end of slavery in our state.

Juneteenth invites us to honor the courage, resilience, and determination of those who fought for freedom across generations. We remember Elizabeth Freeman's remarkable legacy and the countless individuals whose stories continue to shape our understanding of liberty, justice, and human dignity.

Happy Juneteenth from the Sheffield Historical Society.

We are humbled by the generous contributions we've received from this community. Thank you to our amazing Gala sponsors!...
06/05/2026

We are humbled by the generous contributions we've received from this community. Thank you to our amazing Gala sponsors! With your support, we are able to continue telling stories of those who came before us, and making sure those stories are always free and accessible to everyone!

05/29/2026

Open again this weekend! Come see what everyone is talking about! Sat & Sun 11-3

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.In...
05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

In towns like Sheffield, generations of families have marked this day with remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. As we care for and share our local history, we are reminded that behind every monument, photograph, and name is a human story — one of sacrifice, community, and hope.

We wish everyone a meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

Sheffield Historical Society will open its new immersive exhibit, “We Hold These Truths … Sheffield and the American Revolution,” on Memorial Day weekend, exploring the town’s Revolutionary-era history through interactive

05/20/2026

Step back in time this Memorial Day Weekend at the Grand Opening of our new Revolutionary War-era exhibit at the Sheffield Historical Society! 🇺🇸

Explore four rooms filled with local history, stories, artifacts, and immersive displays highlighting:
• The Mahicans — the original inhabitants of this land
• Early life in Sheffield
• The historic Meeting House and Colonel Ashley
• The Sheffield Resolves — America’s first call for independence
• Local patriots and the Revolutionary War

This exciting new exhibit brings Sheffield’s remarkable role in early American history to life for visitors of all ages.

📍 Sheffield Historical Society
📅 Opening Weekend: Saturday, Sunday & Monday
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

After opening weekend, the exhibit will continue throughout the summer on Saturdays and Sundays from 11–3.

Come celebrate history, community, and the spirit of revolution with us this weekend!

What a great night! Thank you Southern Berkshire Chamber for giving us a chance to showcase all we do 😊
05/15/2026

What a great night! Thank you Southern Berkshire Chamber for giving us a chance to showcase all we do 😊

The wonderful Paul O’Brien, our Community Education Coordinator at Mount Everett today getting young people excited abou...
05/15/2026

The wonderful Paul O’Brien, our Community Education Coordinator at Mount Everett today getting young people excited about careers and opportunities in all things historical!

Address

159-161 Main Street/PO Box 747
Sheffield, MA
01257

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 1:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 1:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 1:30pm
Thursday 8am - 1:30pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+14132292694

Website

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