Great Barrington Historical Society and Museum

Great Barrington Historical Society and Museum Together, they tell the stories of the town and help to educate and engage our students, community, and visitors.

Our permanent collection consists of over 5,000 artifacts, including paintings, prints, photographs, negatives, postcards, advertising, maps, theater programs, ephemera, literature, manuscripts, account books, business records, photographic equipment, glass slides, porcelain, awards, medals, textiles, clothing, bedspreads, weaponry, souvenirs, models, glass, bottles, containers, signs, folk art, N

ative American items, furniture and tall clocks. The Society's ongoing mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the unique history of Great Barrington.

Freedom is more than just a word; it’s a legacy built on the stories and sacrifices of those who came before us. Our cur...
08/18/2026

Freedom is more than just a word; it’s a legacy built on the stories and sacrifices of those who came before us. Our current exhibit, "Freedom isn’t Free," explores this deep history through authentic artifacts and powerful photography that document our local journey toward liberty. It’s a moving experience for anyone looking to connect with the roots of our community and the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy today.

We invite you to come explore these stories firsthand this weekend! The exhibit is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about our town's past, there’s something here for everyone to discover. See you there!

History isn’t just found in textbooks; sometimes, it’s hanging right on the side of a barn. There is a quiet, profound b...
08/16/2026

History isn’t just found in textbooks; sometimes, it’s hanging right on the side of a barn. There is a quiet, profound beauty in the details of the past, from the weathered grain of aged wood to the delicate lines of a framed sketch. These moments of heritage remind us that every corner of Great Barrington has a story to tell if we only take the time to look.

We invite you to join us at the museum to discover these stories for yourself and find inspiration in the craftsmanship of those who came before us. Share this post with someone who loves staying connected to community events and local history.

Take a seat and step into local history. Our museum porch is ready to welcome you!
08/15/2026

Take a seat and step into local history. Our museum porch is ready to welcome you!

Step into history with our "Freedom isn't Free" exhibit. A powerful look at the service and sacrifice that shaped Great ...
08/14/2026

Step into history with our "Freedom isn't Free" exhibit. A powerful look at the service and sacrifice that shaped Great Barrington.

Come visit us this Saturday or Sunday from 10am–2pm!

There is a unique warmth found in the simple objects that have graced our local homes for generations. From hand-turned ...
08/11/2026

There is a unique warmth found in the simple objects that have graced our local homes for generations. From hand-turned wooden stools to sturdy stoneware crocks, these items represent the tangible threads of our community’s history. When we gather for events like our tag sales, we aren't just looking for curiosities; we are reconnecting with the stories and the people who shaped Great Barrington into the town we love today.

Our heritage is a living thing, kept vibrant through the shared appreciation of our neighbors and friends. We invite you to explore the many treasures housed in our museum and join us in celebrating the enduring spirit of our town. Share this post with someone who loves local history and staying connected to community events!

Did you know the Bennington flag, with its iconic '76', represents the enduring spirit of our revolutionary roots? Watch...
08/09/2026

Did you know the Bennington flag, with its iconic '76', represents the enduring spirit of our revolutionary roots? Watching it catch the breeze over our museum grounds is a powerful reminder of the heritage we work so hard to preserve here in Great Barrington.

Come walk through history and experience our exhibits firsthand this season. Share this post with someone who loves staying connected to local history or community events.

📸Photo credit: Liz Krol

A single photo can bridge decades. Come rediscover our shared heritage at the museum! Share this with a history lover.  ...
08/07/2026

A single photo can bridge decades.

Come rediscover our shared heritage at the museum! Share this with a history lover.

Finding yourself in the pages of the past is a journey that starts with a single book. There is a profound stillness in ...
08/06/2026

Finding yourself in the pages of the past is a journey that starts with a single book. There is a profound stillness in the search for knowledge, a quiet exploration of the archives that connects us to the generations who walked these streets before us. Uncovering your roots isn’t just about looking back; it’s about understanding the foundation of the community we share today.

Our Book Nook is a community favorite. Come see us soon!

07/14/2026

We love hosting tag sales for the community. Stay tuned for our next event and don't forget to visit us soon!

July 4th, 1876. Click below for the story.
07/11/2026

July 4th, 1876. Click below for the story.

The Centennial year saw celebrations throughout Great Barrington.

Address

817 South Main Street PO Box 1106
Great Barrington, MA
01230

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 10am
Thursday 8am - 10am
Saturday 10am - 2pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

(413) 591-8702

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