The continuing presence of historic properties in Massachusetts immeasurably enhances the quality of our lives; they help to establish our sense of place and to define the very character of our communities. To meet the challenge of preserving this important heritage, the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) was established by the legislature in 1963* to identify, evaluate, and protect important historical and archaeological assets of the Commonwealth.
COUNTY AND STATE HISTORICAL GROUPS
HISTORICAL COMMISSIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS
The Historical Commissions of Massachusetts were founded in 1963 to identify, evaluate, and protect important historic properties that help to establish our sense of place and define the character of our communities. The staff available to the community through state and local organizations includes historians, architects, archeologists, and preservation planners. Our Archives, where our MACRIS (Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System) files and genealogical records are kept, are open the first Saturday of each month, from 9 to 12, or by appointment.
MANUSCRIPT PLAN OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY 1777
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
“As the nation’s first historical society, the Massachusetts Historical Society strives to enhance the understanding of our nation’s past and its connection to the present, demonstrating that history is not just a series of events that happened to individuals long ago but is integral to the fabric of our daily lives.”
PHOTO: This plan of Berkshire County captures a much larger area than the county represents today. In 1777, Berkshire County extended from Westfield and Colrain in the east to Egremont and "West Hoosuck" (later Williamstown) in the west. This plan lists landowners by family name, acres owned, the date of purchase, and previous owner. The plan also details the acreage available in unnamed towns, areas identified as either 'unappropriated land' or 'province land.'
COURTESY: Massachusetts Historical Society
HERMAN MELVILLE & ARROWHEAD
BERKSHIRE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Berkshire County Historical Society is a non-profit corporation dedicated to collecting, preserving, and disseminating the history of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts. In addition, the Berkshire County Historical Society is committed to the preservation and interpretation of Arrowhead, home of author Herman Melville, designated a National Historic Landmark. Adopted by the BCHS Board of Directors, 1989; updated April 23, 2018
COMMONWEALTH MUSEUM
COMMONWEALTH MUSEUM
The first public schools, the first battles for American independence, the first abolitionist newspaper, Massachusetts has always been a leader in the quest for equal rights and opportunities.
The Commonwealth Museum brings the story to life with state of the art interactive exhibits. Its dramatic “treasures gallery” holds the great historic documents that protect our liberties. Spend an hour or an afternoon and share our common heritage.
Commonwealth Museum
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