The West Side History Trail, a part of the “History on the Go” Tours by Pioneer Valley History Network, was funded by grants from the Mass Cultural Council. This tour covers the four major museums in West Springfield, all of which highlight unique aspects of history from the mid 18th century up until the 20th century.
Tours are free, but donations are accepted at each location.
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.
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. You can also catch an open hearth cooking demonstration in the Gilbert Farmstead.
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.
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.
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 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.
55 Altamont Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 263 – 3284
tinyurl.com/altamontmuseum
The Altamont Museum is West Springfield’s Town Museum, covering West Springfield history throughout the ages. Discover interesting exhibits that cover the, perhaps, mostly unknown bits of local history.
Accessibility: The Altamont Museum is wheelchair accessible. There is an available restroom that may not be wheelchair accessible.
Download the event brochure here.
