pvhn Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, History, Politics, Uncategorized

When a Bull Moose Crashed the Republican Party

By Cliff McCarthy After the clamor and hyperbole of the 2012 presidential election abates, we cannot help but be drawn to the past for comparison, or at least perspective, on our quadrennial media orgy. What a difference a century makes. Campaigning was different in 1912, when the nation experienced one of its wildest and most … Continue reading When a Bull Moose Crashed the Republican Party

pvhn Architecture, Buildings, Hampshire County, History, Pioneer Valley, Uncategorized, Westhampton

RECOVERING 19th CENTURY CORNERSTONES

Submitted by:  Barbara Pelissier, Westhampton Historical Society  What do 19th century churches and lunatic asylum’s have in common?  Both had dedication ceremonies that included the placement of a cornerstone either at or near the entrance or within the facade of the structure. Often accompanied by music and a simple Masonic ritual involving corn, wine and … Continue reading RECOVERING 19th CENTURY CORNERSTONES

pvhn Activities, History, Lifestyle - Domestic Life, Outside Pioneer Valley, Uncategorized

THE MAKING OF A “HISTORY NERD”

Submitted by Penni Martorell, Wistariahurst Museum Curator and Holyoke City Historian. In recent years, I have proudly brandished the title of “history nerd.” It was only recently that I realized that I was not like most of my peers. I have always been the one who wanted to know more about an item or artifact--who … Continue reading THE MAKING OF A “HISTORY NERD”

pvhn Activities, Boats, Connecticut River, Franklin County, History, Ideas, Northfield, Pioneer Valley, Transportation

NORTHFIELD RIVERBOAT TOURS

By Betsy McKee  Earlier this summer we booked a tour on the Quinnetukut II, which is supposed to be a replica of the boat from the old movie “African Queen.”  Our captain took us on a tour down the Connecticut River to Turners Falls, with a guide telling us facts about the river, the geology, … Continue reading NORTHFIELD RIVERBOAT TOURS

pvhn Activities, Genealogy, Hampshire County, History, Ideas, Pioneer Valley, Uncategorized, Westhampton

CARNEGIE HERO FUND AWARDEES

By Barbara Pelissier Did the individual you are researching perform a heroic deed or even die while trying to save the life of another?  If so, there’s a possibility that a Carnegie Hero Award was bestowed upon that individual or, posthumously, upon their surviving family members.  Such was the case for Patrick O’Connor of Southampton, … Continue reading CARNEGIE HERO FUND AWARDEES

pvhn Activities, Architecture, Buildings, Exhibitions, Glass, Hampden County, History, Lifestyle - Domestic Life, Springfield, Tiffany, Uncategorized

TRAVEL THE TIFFANY TRAIL – SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS

By Maggie Humberston On a hot, muggy afternoon in the Valley sometimes an exhibit comes along that just seems to re–write your soggy, wilted script. TheTiffany Trail at the Springfield Museums is doing that for me this summer. The D’Amour Museum of Fine Art is hosting Tiffany Lamps: Articles of Utility, Objects of Art. You enter a cool, … Continue reading TRAVEL THE TIFFANY TRAIL – SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS

pvhn Activities, China, Exhibitions, Global, History, Outside Pioneer Valley

THE EMPEROR’S TOY SOLDIERS: CHINA’S TERRA COTTA WARRIORS

By Cliff McCarthy, Museum of Springfield History Zheng was only thirteen when, in 246 BC, he became King of Qin, the westernmost state of China.  By his thirty-eighth year, he had achieved what no other warlord before him had done -- he had conquered and unified all of the "warring states" of China, proclaiming himself … Continue reading THE EMPEROR’S TOY SOLDIERS: CHINA’S TERRA COTTA WARRIORS