We are Williamstown’s History Center!
The Williamstown Historical Museum is the official custodian of Town artifacts, as voted by the town meeting in August 1994.
The Williamstown Historical Museum is an admission-free museum and research center dedicated to explaining the history of the most northwestern township of Massachusetts.
Founded in 1941 as the House of Local History, we endeavor to preserve and promote knowledge of the Town’s past. Over the years, we have evolved into a volunteer-run museum housing rotating exhibits, in addition to a research center with a substantial archive of photos, objects, and documents tracing the history of Williamstown. Our collection stretches from the 1700s into the present day, alongside a library of published works related to the town’s history.
Our board of directors, staff, devoted volunteers, and loyal members help our organization thrive. To learn more about our organization, please visit our museum, explore our website, or give us a call.
Land Acknowledgement
with words from the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Community
“It is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge that we are learning, speaking, and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican people, who are the indigenous peoples of this land. Despite tremendous hardship in being forced from here, today their community resides in Wisconsin and is known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all.”
Mission Statement
The mission of the Williamstown Historical Museum is to promote interest in the history of the Williamstown area by collecting, cataloging, and preserving items of historical significance, and to increase the public’s knowledge of Williamstown’s past through educational exhibits, programs, events, research, publications, and any other functions that further this purpose. The Williamstown Historical Museum is committed to collecting and sharing the stories of all of the residents of this area across the centuries.
The WHM Collection
The museum’s collection contains artifacts from prehistoric times through the present day. The collection is always growing! The museum encourages all residents and museum members to share their stories, make suggestions about areas of research and program presentation, and participate in the museum’s activities to contribute to a broader understanding of Williamstown’s history.
The museum needs your help to ensure everyone is represented. Please contribute to the diversity of the collection by sharing your story, thoughts, and artifacts related to the town’s history. Thank you for your investment in our town.
The Williamstown Historical Museum provides
- Cataloging and archival preservation of items historically significant to Williamstown, MA
- Exhibitions
- Public programs on historical topics
- Programs for school classes
- Assistance to researchers
- Resources for genealogists
- Consultation with teachers, town groups, and other historical societies
Contact Us
We are at the historic South Center School, located at
32 New Ashford Road, Rt. 7 South, Williamstown, MA 01267
Next to the Store at Five Corners
Telephone: 413 458-2160
Email: info@williamstownhistoricalmuseum.org
Hours
Thursday, 10 AM – 2 PM
Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM
Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM
(Appointments can be scheduled at other hours if necessary. Please email or call us to schedule.)
Staff
Michael Nixon michael@williamstownhistoricalmuseum.org