Why do you love the Western Massachusetts Hilltowns? The villages and towns that draw you today are the product of the people who lived and settled here for hundreds of years. Each town, with its quaintness and rural appeal, is a product of the industry and culture of the native and colonial people who resided and worked here, and still do!

The stories and technologies of the European immigrant settlers to these lands are memorialized in each hilltown through a volunteer Historical Society or Historical Commission. Almost all towns have an historical property that the Society or Commission manages – a collection of artifacts and architectural wonders from the past. These rural museums have limited open hours throughout the year, but for one day this August, six Hilltown museums will be open for you to visit – for free!

The annual Hilltown History Trail in the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts will take place Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 from 10 am – 4 pm. Hilltown historical societies in Ashfield, Buckland, Cummington, Plainfield, and Shelburne Falls will open their museum doors to the public on the same day for a free day of exploring. Come visit the Ashfield Historical Society, the Wilder Homestead in Buckland, Buckland Historical Society, the Shaw-Hudson House in Plainfield, the Kingman Tavern in Cummington & the Shelburne Historical Society.

Hop in your vehicle and ride the trail!

Drive the entire trail to visit all participating Hilltown History Trail museums in one day! These volunteer-run, rural museums have very limited open hours throughout the year, but for one day this August, six will be open for you to visit – for free!