For 174 years the Springfield Armory was the epicenter of United States small arms research, development, and production until its closure in 1968. Employees worked to provide our military with the best infantry weapons necessary to safeguard the nation and its interests. Take a walk through Armory history on a tour led by National Park Ranger Susan Ashman. Learn the importance of this location to the Daniel Shays Rebellion.

Direction

Explore a former Pelham Sawmill and Broom Handle Shop on a tour led by Karl Martini. If time permits, we will visit the sites of additional former Pelham Mills and Shops.

Meet at the Corner of N. Valley Rd. and Brewer Rd.

Join us for a traditional New England boiled dinner of corned beef, cabbage and vegetables catered by David Jean. Following dinner, bid on a homemade pie auctioned off by Stan Rosenberg, whose wit and humor have delighted us for decades. Purchase your tickets at the Pelham Library, Pelham Historical Society Museum or online at www.pelhamhistory.org. Tickets go on sale June 1, 2025 and must be purchased or reserved before the Harvest Supper. We were sold out last year.

UMass Geology Professor Michael Williams will give a presentation on the geologic history of Pelham and then guide us on a field trip. The rocks of Pelham originated thousands of miles away, forming the roots of a Himalayan-scale Mountain belt. In this talk and trip, we’ll see how the geology of Pelham is changing our understanding of the Himalayas and Andes today. We will carpool to visit examples of Pelham’s geology and see some evidence of our town’s dynamic history.

Antique Glass Bottles *
Until the late 19th century, glass bottles were hand-blown, so each one was unique. Amherst resident Jim Thomas, a past president of the Berkshire Antique Bottle Association, will explain how the bottle’s shape, color. and presence of embossing are all clues to its age and provenance. He will share stories and samples from his extensive collection. Bring in an antique bottle or two of your own for Mr. Thomas to evaluate!

The program will follow the Pelham Historical Society’s Annual Meeting.

Early in the last century Eugene Bartlett, CEO of the Pelham Fish rod Factory, funded an annual December celebration at Pelham’s Community Hall. Join us in continuing this tradition with a social hour and sit-down potluck dinner. ALL ARE WELCOME!

The Pelham Historical Society Museum is always FREE and is OPEN select Sunday Afternoons (1:30 to 4:30 p.m.)
From June 1 through September 28 2025.
Check our website for updated information on special Sunday Museum activities for young and old alike!

The Historical Complex grounds are open year round dawn to dusk..