Plainfield Historical Society

05/26/2026

Check out the article in the Hampshire Gazette on the our Old House project.

PLAINFIELD — What do a former crowned prince of Hawaii, an undercover CIA operative turned novelist, and the author who coined the term “The Gilded Age” have in common? Surprisingly, all roads lead to Plainfield, the hilltown of 800 residents settled in 1770. After a three-year process that in...

05/26/2026

Join us on June 20, 2025 at the Shaw Memorial Library from 10:00 am to 11:30 am for a round table discussion with present and previous owners of the house that are included in the Our Old House exhibit. Owners will discuss their house's histories, renovations and stories of living in an old house.

05/08/2026

Just a reminder that tomorrow, May 9 at 10:00 am the Our Old House: Uncovering the Past exhibit will open at the Shaw Memorial Library. The following houses will be explore:
355 West Main Street, 278 East Main Street, 8 Warner Hill Road, 109 South Street, 525 West Main Street, 98 West Hill Road, 12 North Central Street, 274 East Main Street, 27 Broom Street, and 123 Pleasant Street. The exhibit will run until June 27 so stop on over to the library and learn about the interesting history of these homes.

04/26/2026

Save the date. May 9, 2026.Our Old House: Uncovering the Past is a project that explores the histories of thirteen historic homes located within Plainfield’s Historic District. Together, these houses offer a glimpse into everyday life in Plainfield from the late eighteenth century to the present day. By examining the buildings themselves, along with deeds, maps, photographs, and other historical records, the project reveals how architecture, ownership, and community history intertwine to tell the larger story of the town. The Plainfield Historical Society will present this project in a special museum-like exhibition at the Shaw Memorial Library. The exhibition will feature posters, photographs, slideshows, historic artifacts, and a virtual tour highlighting the homes and the stories uncovered through research. The exhibit will run from Saturday, May 9 until Saturday, June 27. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 til 11:30. At 10:30 Lori Austin will introduce the project and discuss how to research the history of an old house, sharing the methods and sources she used to uncover the stories of the homes featured in the exhibition.
In early June, the Historical Society will host a gathering bringing together many of the homeowners featured in this project to share and discuss the stories of their historic houses. In addition, Lori will lead a Saturday morning demonstration offering practical guidance for those interested in beginning research on their own old homes. This project is partially funded by the Plainfield Cultural Council and the Plainfield Historical Society. A big thanks to the students at the Smith Vocational Graphics Design Department for the printing and design layout for this project.

04/26/2026

Save the date! May 9, 2026. Our Old House: Uncovering the Past is a project that explores the histories of thirteen historic homes located within Plainfield’s Historic District. Together, these houses offer a glimpse into everyday life in Plainfield from the late eighteenth century to the present day. By examining the buildings themselves, along with deeds, maps, photographs, and other historical records, the project reveals how architecture, ownership, and community history intertwine to tell the larger story of the town. The Plainfield Historical Society will present this project in a special museum-like exhibition at the Shaw Memorial Library. The exhibition will feature posters, photographs, slideshows, historic artifacts, and a virtual tour highlighting the homes and the stories uncovered through research. The exhibit will run from Saturday, May 9 until Saturday, June 27. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 til 11:30. At 10:30 Lori Austin will introduce the project and discuss how to research the history of an old house, sharing the methods and sources she used to uncover the stories of the homes featured in the exhibition. In early June, the Historical Society will host a gathering bringing together many of the homeowners featured in this project to share and discuss the stories of their historic houses. In addition, Lori will lead a Saturday morning demonstration offering practical guidance for those
interested in beginning research on their own old homes.
This project is partially funded by the Plainfield Cultural Council and the Plainfield Historical Society. A big thanks to the students at the Smith Vocational Graphics Design Department for
the printing and design layout for this project.

04/14/2026

Check out our latest blog on Samuel Streeter and the Centering of Plainfield Center by Dario Coletta. https://plainfieldmahistory.org/samuel-streeter-and-the-centering-of-plainfield/

02/23/2026

What to do on this wintery day? Check out our latest blog on farm life in Plainfield from about 100 years ago. The Farm in Winter by Tom Packard. https://plainfieldmahistory.org/the-farm-house-in-winter/

02/23/2026

Our thoughts are with the great road crew from Plainfield. Take a look at what equipment was used almost 100 years ago. Stay safe out there!

01/09/2026

When Plainfield was well known for its potatoes!

01/01/2026

The Plainfield Historical Society receives most of its financial support from donations. This year (2026) there is a change in the deducatbility of cash donations to charities such as the PHS that will benefit most donors. Please consider including the PHS in your charitable giving this year. https://plainfieldmahistory.org/donate/

New Above-the-Line Deduction for Non-Itemizers:
Starting in 2026, a new federal tax rule will allow taxpayers who take the standard deduction to claim a tax deduction for charitable giving.

If you don’t itemize your taxes, you’ll now be able to deduct up to:

$1,000 in cash donations (for individuals)
$2,000 in cash donations (for married couples filing jointly)

This is known as an above-the-line deduction, meaning this deduction applies in addition to the standard deduction. It’s designed to give everyday donors a meaningful incentive to give back.

According to the IRS, about 87% of U.S. taxpayers take the standard deduction and currently receive no tax benefit for their charitable giving. This change opens the door for millions of Americans to deduct up to $1,000–$2,000 of giving annually, even if they don’t itemize.

Who Qualifies for the Above the Line Charitable Deduction and What Gifts Count?

This deduction is only available for cash gifts made directly to 501(c)(3) public charities. The IRS places clear limits on what qualifies:

Qualifies: Cash donations to nonprofits that have active 501(c)(3) public-charity status
Does NOT qualify: Contributions to donor-advised funds (DAFs), private foundations, or supporting organizations
For example:

Writing a check to your local food bank or making an online donation to a hospital foundation? Eligible.
Transferring money to your DAF or private family foundation? Not eligible under this rule.

Support Membership Fees and Donation Information The Plainfield Historical Society is a non-profit organization run solely by local volunteers.  We rely on membership fees and donations to support: Educational programs for children and adults Care and conservation of the Society’s collections Ste...