Preserving Our Past For Our Future

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belchertown Historic Trails

The development of the former state school property has brought and will bring many changes. As a trail system is created on the property the Historical Commission is planning for signage along the trails to illustrate what people would see if they could go back in time.

Did you know that the Historical Commission initiated the plans for the Lake Wallace Trail and the McPherson Sensory Garden?

belchertown Historic Homes

1982 Belchertown Historical Commission inventory of some of the town’s historical places is below. The Historical Commission is planning to update this in the future with new information and pictures.

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oral histories of belchertown

Hear about what it was like to live in town from those who were here. We are interviewing long-time residents to hear about what it was like growing up and building a life in Belchertown. These recollections will be presented here on our site where you will be able to listen to them. Coming soon… Charlie Howard (1918 - 2021), who lived in Belchertown for over 100 years speaks of life in Belchertown, and his daughter Holly (Howard) Rainaud-Loss; remembering the Belchertown State School (BSS).

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remembering the people of the state school

Plans are underway to remember those who lived and worked at the Belchertown State School with a memorial. The Historical Commission is taking part in the planning of an area that is inviting to all while providing the opportunity for reflection.

Other projects that the Belchertown Historical Commission has been involved in;

  • Restoring and maintaining the Bridgeman Block

  • Saving the Washington Street School that is now being renovated for exhibition on the property of the Stone House Museum