South Hadley Historical Society
Joseph Goodhue Chandler (American, 1813-1884)
Third Meeting House, South Hadley, oil on canvas, 1876.
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum
, South Hadley, Massachusetts.
Gift of Mrs. Thomas E. Brown, Jr.
The Old Firehouse Museum
The Old Firehouse Museum presents the history of South Hadley along with the history of the people and industries of South Hadley, the Old Firehouse Museum commemorates the work of the firefighters who worked in this fascinating building from 1899 to 1973. The museum contains a fine display of firefighting gear, including the museum's most prized possessions: two 19th-century hand pumpers and a 1926 Dodge Fire Engine.
The Fire District No. 1 Firehouse was constructed in 1888-89. In addition to a firehouse it was also used as a polling place,
a theater, a graduation site, a meeting hall and a social hall. This firehouse was used until 1974 when a new firehouse was
built in Newton Street. The South Hadley Historical Society was chartered in 1974 for the purpose of preserving the Old Firehouse.
The Old Firehouse Museum was dedicated on July 3, 1976.
Upstairs at the museum, visitors will find The Gallery whose exhibits change annually. The Museum also contains the 1890's Room, a permanent display of objects from everyday life in the town of South Hadley.
Do you have South Hadley memorabilia? The museum is staffed by volunteers, all belonging to the South Hadley Historical Society. They are always looking for memorabilia to add to the collection. If you have something historically significant they will be more than happy to display it in the museum.
Current Exhibits
Please plan to visit us in the Spring, when we reopen. In the meantime revisit our website and blog from time to time for news of upcoming exhibits and events at the museum. We look forward to hosting you and your family next year.
Opening Days and Times
| Months | Sunday | Wednesday |
|---|---|---|
| January - April | Closed for the winter season | |
| May and June | 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Closed |
| July and August | 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm | 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm |
| September | 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Closed |
| October - December | Closed for the winter season | |
Location
4 North Main Street
South Hadley, MA 01075