Hilltown History Trail: Museums & Culture Tour
Sat., August 2nd, 10 am – 4 pm, 2025 EVERY FIRST SATURDAY OF AUGUST
Why do you love the Western Massachusetts Hilltowns? The villages and towns that draw you today are the product of the people who lived and settled here for hundreds of years. Each town, with its quaintness and rural appeal, is a product of the industry and culture of the native and colonial people who resided and worked here, and still do!
The stories and technologies of the European immigrant settlers to these lands are memorialized in each hilltown through a volunteer Historical Society or Historical Commission. Almost all towns have an historical property that the Society or Commission manages - a collection of artifacts and architectural wonders from the past. These rural museums have limited open hours throughout the year, but for one day this August, ten Hilltown museums will be open for you to visit – for free!
The annual Hilltown History Trail in the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts will take place Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 from 10 am - 4 pm. Hilltown historical societies in Buckland, Cummington, Hawley, Heath, Rowe and Shelburne will open their museum doors to the public on the same day for a free day of exploring. Hop in your vehicle and ride the trail!
Plan your trip in advance. Several destinations do not have cell service and you may not be able to dial in directions for your next stop on GPS while you are there.
The stories and technologies of the European immigrant settlers to these lands are memorialized in each hilltown through a volunteer Historical Society or Historical Commission. Almost all towns have an historical property that the Society or Commission manages - a collection of artifacts and architectural wonders from the past. These rural museums have limited open hours throughout the year, but for one day this August, ten Hilltown museums will be open for you to visit – for free!
The annual Hilltown History Trail in the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts will take place Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 from 10 am - 4 pm. Hilltown historical societies in Buckland, Cummington, Hawley, Heath, Rowe and Shelburne will open their museum doors to the public on the same day for a free day of exploring. Hop in your vehicle and ride the trail!
Plan your trip in advance. Several destinations do not have cell service and you may not be able to dial in directions for your next stop on GPS while you are there.
Donations to the FREE Hilltown History Trail: Museums & Culture Tour operating budget are gratefully accepted. |
Participating museums include:
Shelburne Historical Society Museum
33 Severance St., Shelburne Falls, MA www.ShelburneHistoricalSocietyMa.org |
Hawley's Old Town Common
Across from 235 East. Hawley Rd., Hawley , MA www.sonsanddaughtersofhawley.org |
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HHT Flyer, above.
Please print and share!
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Check out photos FROM PAST eventS!
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This program is funded, in part, by the Cummington and Shelburne, Massachusetts Cultural Councils.