Western Mass Women's History Trail

Join us for a tour of West Springfield's museums on Saturday, November 2 from 10 AM - 4 PM!

West Springfield, MA
Saturday, November 2, 2024
10 AM - 4 PM

The Women of Western Mass History Trail will feature the history of the influential women across West Springfield and Agawam, from the four Day Sisters to Minerva Davis to Helen Storrow. These women all had major impacts on not just the Pioneer Valley’s history but the country’s history, and this trail will share their stories. It will also highlight the lives of women from the 18th century through to the 20th century, showing the realities of what it took to survive in drastically different time periods.

Tours are free, but donations are accepted at each location.

Download the event brochure here.

Locations

Storrowton Village Museum

1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089
(Enter through Gate 1 & ask for directions)
(413) 205-5051
storrowtonvillage.com

Storrowton Village Museum is a collection of 18th and 19th century buildings from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with various programs throughout the year.

Storrowton Village will host an additional free event this day featuring blacksmithing demonstrations (see below for more info).

Accessibility: The Union Meeting House and Blacksmith Shop at Storrowton Village are both wheelchair accessible. Audio tours are available outside of buildings, and can be used by scanning a QR code. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available at this location.

Josiah Day House

70 Park Street, West Springfield, MA 01089
(Parking in Rear)
(413) 636-1616
josiahdayhouse.com

The Josiah Day House is a brick saltbox house built in 1754, sitting on it's original plot of land. The Josiah Day House is full of 18th century history and covers the story of the prominent Day Family.

Accessibility: The Josiah Day House is not wheelchair accessible, but does feature an audio tour at the exterior of the house that can be accessed by scanning a QR Code.

Thomas Smith House

251 North West St, Feeding Hills, MA 01030

The Thomas Smith House was built around 1758 and was lived in until the 1950's. The house was built by Thomas and Esther Smith.

For this event the Thomas Smith House will be showcasing a women's role in the 1800's

Accessibility: First floor is wheelchair accessible, there are no public restrooms at this location

Eastern States Exposition Museum

1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089
(Enter through Gate 1 & ask for directions)
(413) 205-5051
https://www.thebige.com/p/thingstodo/esewalkthroug...

The Eastern States Exposition Museum represents a culmination of the unique history of the organization. From its origins in 1916 to latest and greatest entertainment at the Big E, the Museum covers a wide range of topics.

Accessibility: The ESE Museum is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available at this location.

Captain Charles Leonard House

663 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001

(413)-786-9421

Built 1805 as a stage tavern. Restored in 1939 by Minerva Davis for use as Agawam’s Community House.

The house was built in 1805 for Captain Charles Leonard, a local militia leader who was known locally as "the farmer who went to Harvard." Leonard operated an inn on the premises until his death in 1814.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, restrooms will be available to the public

History on the Go

The Pioneer Valley History Network (PVHN) presents “History on the Go” for 2024. “History on the Go” brings together historical institutions in an area to create a “trail,” on a coordinated day and time, for the history-loving public to follow. This will allow our smaller historical museums and institutions open their doors to a wider public and strut their stuff!

Learn more at https://pioneervalleyhistorynetwork.org/

Blacksmiths @ History on the Go!

Blacksmith Shop and Barn Bays
November 2, 2024
10 AM - 4 PM

Take a break from your journey between museums to see some blacksmiths hard at work at their craft! More than 10 of Storrowton Village's local blacksmiths will demonstrate their skills throughout the day.

Other activities will include:

Open hearth cooking in Gilbert Farmstead
Shopping hand-forged blacksmith products
Fiber Fest
Family Crafts & Activities
Train Rides

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the closest bathrooms?
The closest restrooms can be found in the green building behind the Phillips House, across from the New Hampshire Building.

Do you offer food and drinks at this event?
No we do not offer food or drinks at the Women's History Trail or Blacksmith Day events. However food is offered at the Fiber Festival.

Can I go to the Fiber Festival of New England from here?
Yes! There will be a trolley running to shuttle guests between this event and the Fiber Festival. The trolley will run throughout the day. The Fiber Festival has an admission fee of $7 per person. To learn about the Fiber Festival, check out their website!

What is Blacksmith Day?
Blacksmith Day is an event that celebrates the rich history of blacksmithing as a craft. As well as giving our blacksmiths a chance to shine and show off their crafts!

Can I Volunteer at Storrowton Village?
Yes! Click here to learn about volunteering at Storrowton Village Museum.