Sheffield Historical Society
Membership 
Our members are at the heart of what we do here. Click the button to the left renew your membership or to become a member
Keeping Room Series:
The Sheffield Historical Society recently received an “Expand Massachusetts Stories” grant from the Mass Humanities. The research project will uncover the history of the Black community in Sheffield between 1781 and 1915. 
 Very little is known about the community, yet it played a noteworthy role in the establishment of equal rights for African Americans in the state and beyond. The program explained the project so far and how input from those connected to the community could help in research.
This program, held on January 29, 2023, gave a brief history of samplers in America, with a focus on Berkshire-made samplers. Their use as an educational tool and an expression of girls' and young women's educational accomplishments was discussed.  The in-person and Zoom audience were invited to show and tell about samplers they own. Presenter, Jennifer Owens of the Sheffield Historical Society showed the audience close ups of samplers in the society's collection and brought to the program by society members. 
 Elizabeth Freeman Monument

​The monument unveiling was celebrated in 2022
​with a series of events.
Sat., Aug. 20, 2022
"Meet Elizabeth Freeman"
A play starring Wanda Houston
Sun., Aug. 21, 2022 
9:30 am Walk to Freedom
12:00pm Monument Unveiling Ceremony
Thank You to CTSB (Community Television of the Southern Berkshires) for filming these events!
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Read the winning essays from the 2022 Elizabeth Freeman Youth Essay Contest
  Mark Dewey Research Center
Our  volunteer archivists can research your genealogy, house, or general history questions. 
​The research center is OPEN Mondays & Fridays from 1:30-4 pm or by appointment. Masks required please.  We can also assist you in your research you by email or phone.​
​CLICK HERE 
to visit the Research Center website or contact us at the email address or phone number below 
mdrc@sheffieldhistory.org
413-229-3682
Spring into Summer
​Crafts Fair 
We are seeking Vendors for our upcoming crafts fair on Saturday, June 17, 2023.  Click below to find out more information and to purchase your spot. 
  Exhibits
Virtual Exhibits
Click HERE to watch our virtual tours of some of the historic homes and gardens of Sheffield. 
 Old Stone Store
Open Christmas Eve 11am-1pm
OPEN
​Saturdays & Sundays 11-4
Festival of Holidays
Gift Shop 11/25-12/24
Members get 10% off all taxable items the first Saturday of every month. Just tell the cashier you are a member. 
Like us on Facebook and  share in the discussion of our events, exhibits and Sheffield history  
    SHS in the News
Click the icon to the left to WATCH the  "Main Streets and Back Roads" segment on the Sheffield Historical Society.
 Thank You to Our Partners
The Mohican Journey
Homelands, History, and Hope
Outdoor Exhibit
 that ran
​September 25 thru October 11 
​2021
 
This interactive, multimedia exhibit breaks down the history of the Muhheconneok, the “People of the Waters that are Never Still.” From their ancestral homelands in the Berkshires, to their present home in Wisconsin, their journey is told through the collective lens of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, in collaboration with the Sheffield Historical Society and the Mount Everett Regional School Art Department.

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans have worked for decades in research, preservation, education, and governance to promote equality and programs that strengthen their culture and community heritage. Making connections to their ancestral homelands continues to be of sacred value.  The exhibit combines a variety of art forms, artifacts, audio and video elements, including content from Dorothy David’s  "A Brief History of the Mohican Nation" as well as many personal narratives. 

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This exhibit is available to be displayed free of charge in schools, residential facilities, and organizations. Contact us for more information.
sheffieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
413-229-2694

Dan Raymond House Museum / Mark Dewey Research Center /
Old Stone Store / Barnum Tool Museum 
​137-161 Main Street | P.O. Box 747 | Sheffield, MA 01257
Dan Raymond House 
Jennifer Owens, Administrator 
sheffieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
413-229-2694
Office Hours (not open to public but call or email)
Monday -Wednesday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm
Mark Dewey Research Center
James Miller, Archivist
K.C. Clow, Volunteer
mdrc@sheffieldhistory.org
413-229-3682
Office Hours (not open to public but call or email)
Monday 1:30pm-4:00pm
Friday  1:30pm-4:00pm​