The historical society for the towns of Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott
The Swift River Valley Historical Society is the leading resource in preserving the artifacts, stories and records of the lost towns of the Quabbin Valley; in collaborating with communities, organizations and agencies to provide educational opportunities and programs about the history of this region; and in ensuring appropriate management and protection of those resources and artifacts including the Quabbin watershed to engage public interest and support.
The Swift River Valley Historical Society is located at 40 Elm Street in the village of North New Salem, just west of Rt. 202. For a glimpse into the life of each of the four lost villages, visit the Whitaker-Clary House, Prescott Church Museum, and Carriage Shed at the historical society’s site.
MUSEUM OPENING 2023
Museum open Wednesdays and Sundays
1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
June 21st through September 13th
Admission to the museum is free.
SRVHS depends on donations to sustain their mission of preserving the history of the taking of the Swift River Valley.
GRANT HELPS FUND RABBIT RUN RAILROAD PROJECT
Ken Levine of Peterham has crafted a diorama of the Rabbit Run Railroad which will be open this season for viewing. This program is supported in part by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The museum is very appreciative of the Cultural Council’s recognition of the work we do to preserve the history of the Lost Valley and the four towns of Dana, Enfield, Prescott and Greenwich.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, September 9
ANNUAL FRIENDS MEETING
On the grounds of SRVHS at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 9
LOST TOWNS OF THE SWIFT RIVER VALLEY
Presented by author Elena Palladino. Program will be held in the Prescott Church on the grounds of SRVHS at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 13
MUSEUM CLOSING DATE
Sunday, September 24
EARLY FALL HIKE
Gate 37 area/North Dana
Meet at Petersham Town Common for 11:00 a.m. departure. Carpool may be necessary.
Sunday, October 15
PRESCOTT HIKE:Gate 17
Exploration of Sherer Road/farm area and Hill Street in Enfield. Meet for 11:00 a.m. departure at Cooleyville Crossing (field at intersection of Gate 17 road and Route 202). Carpooling will be necessary as only a limited number of vehicles are allowed in the restricted area. All hikers must enter and leave together due to DCR restrictions. This hike is limited to 25 guests. You must pre-register by email to dotfryesrvhs@gmail.com or telephone 978-544-6882.
Carriage Shed and Barn
The Peirce Memorial Carriage Shed was built in 1991 to house a large variety of tools, farming equipment and North Dana’s 1929 Ford fire truck. The truck still operates and can sometimes be seen in front of the property when the museum is open, at the Dana reunion and an occasional fair or festival.
Whitaker Clary House
The main museum building, the Whitaker Clary House was purchased from the Massachusetts District Commission (MDC, now DCR Watershed Division) in 1961 for $1.00 plus $35 for processing the deed. The building was available because the MDC had abandoned the plan to destroy all properties on this westerly side of the road.
Prescott Museum
The church, built in 1837, spent its first 100 years on the Prescott Peninsula. In the 1930’s, at the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir, it was moved to South Main Street in Orange and be-came the Prescott Historical Society. In 1986, it was moved again to the present location. It is, arguably, the best travelled church in the country.
Help support SRVHS
Donate or become a member
USING ARCHIVES
Archives exist both to preserve historic materials and to make them available for use. Read “A Guide to Effective Research” from the Society of American Archivists.
ARCHIVAL NEWS
GRANT HELPS FUND RABBIT RUN RAILROAD PROJECT
Ken Levine of Peterham has crafted a diorama of the Rabbit Run Railroad which will be open this season for viewing. This program is supported in part by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The museum is very appreciative of the Cultural Council’s recognition of the work we do to preserve the history of the Lost Valley and the four towns of Dana, Enfield, Prescott and Greenwich.
“The Wonder out There”
Rambling around the Quabbin Reservoir
From Harvard Magazine, October 2023
For Elena Palladino, Ed.M. ’13, the Quabbin Reservoir preserve in central Massachusetts is more than a wild place to explore. Read More
VOLUNTEER
We are currently seeking volunteers. If you are interested, please email swiftrivermuseum@gmail.com and let us know what area you are interested in helping with.
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