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 UPDATE 2021
We are in the discussion stages of whether or not we will be able to open for the 2021 season. So much depends on Covid-19, the CDC, Massachusetts and our local Board of Health’s protocols. Preliminarily we are looking toward being open on our usual Wednesday and Sunday afernoons but by appointment only. We are also pursuing scheduling some hikes. Please stay in contact with our website and facebook page for updates. Thank you for your understanding.
The Swift River Diary
Read the Spring, 2021 newsletter. Included in this edition are these articles:
- Of Interest
- News
- Construction Projects
- Out of the Past
- The Quabbin Club
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 ARCHIVAL PROJECT
Megan O’Loughlin, Independent Archivist, was back with SRVHS this summer to inventory and catalog items in the Whitaker-Clary House for future relocation to the Archives Room. 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.
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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