The libraries of Deerfield’s two museums, Historic Deerfield and the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, are housed together in one building, known as the Memorial Libraries.
The Henry N. Flynt Library serves primarily as a research center for Historic Deerfield’s collections and programs. Holdings are particularly strong in the decorative arts, architecture, and material culture of early New England, and include approximately 22,000 printed volumes, numerous periodicals, and more than 2,000 microforms accessible through an online catalog. The Stephen L. Wolf Collection of books on paint, varnish, and the history of color provide a remarkable degree of depth on those subjects.
The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association Library collections document the life and thought of Deerfield from the close of the 17th century to the 20th. The library’s 24,000 books, many with histories of local ownership, include literature, sermons, history, travel, biography, and works on agriculture, animal husbandry, and domestic economy. The library also has an extensive manuscript collection, rich in material on families and local history.
Research Policy:
Priority is given to assisting researchers who use the library in person, making it advisable to do so whenever possible. For those unable to visit the library, limited research assistance is available by phone, email, or US mail, as time permits, according to the following fee schedule:
Longer questions: $25 per hour + $0.25 per copy (limit 25 copies)
When contacting us regarding your research question, please specify all sources you have already consulted, including titles and authors of books when applicable. This will ensure the most efficient use of our time, thus helping to minimize the cost to you.
Searchable Resources:
The following finding aids are available online: Colton Family Papers, Mary Earle Gould Papers, William H. Guthman Papers, Julia D.S. Snow Papers, the Women’s History Sourcebook, and the A.L. Avery General Store Records. View transcriptions of 18th-century Deerfield probate records.
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed all state and federal holidays.
Location:
6 Memorial Street in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
Contact:
(413) 775-7125; library@historic-deerfield.org; or P.O. Box 53, Deerfield, MA 01342.
Curious about how things were made in the past before machinery or plastic? How was a table, a blanket, or a cup made from things found in nature? How were natural materials chosen and prepared by craftspeople? Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., July 4 through August 16, families are encouraged to come to the History Workshop and satisfy their curiosity about how and why common natural materials were used to make everyday products needed in the past.
Check out this great list of fun activities to take advantage of in Deerfield this summer.
Historic Deerfield will offer a fascinating three-part lecture series this summer by some of leading scholars on early American music. “Joyful Noise: Musical Instruments, Composers and Musicians in Early America,” will be held on July 9, 16, and 23 in the White Church Community Center, and is free and open to the public.
Darcy Kuronen gives the final lecture of Historic Deerfield's free Summer lecture series, "Joyful Noise: Musical Instruments, Composers and Musicians in Early America."
Robert Eisenstein will give the first of three lectures in Historic Deerfield's Free Summer Lecture Series "Noise: Musical Instruments, Composers and Musicians in Early America."
Visit with students from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, working under the direction of Dr. Robert Paynter.
Join archaeologists from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Summer Field School in Historical Archaeology and experience a day of hands-on learning.
Over 50 leading dealers bring their finest antiques to Deerfield.
Laurence Libin will deliver the second of three lectures in the series "Joyful Noise: Musical Instruments, Composers and Musicians in Early America."
View 75 powder horns that offer a wealth of documentary information about the original owners and carvers who created them.
Examine one of the finest collections of early American textiles and costumes ever assembled!
This 100% cotton fully lined mop cap is made locally. Fully elastic for a comfort fit.
This kit includes all materials and instructions to make your own Round Berry Basket. Finished size 6"x6"x8". This basket will have many uses.
This wooden toy will make your child feel like part of the action. Push the hanlde forward to "fire" and pull back on the handle to "re-loard" the gun. Not recommended for children under the age of 3.
Details the history and lasting legacy of this brutal war, which marked a crucial turning point in the battle for control of land in the New World. Both an in-depth history and a guide to the stites where the great ambushes, raids, and full-scale battles took place and can still be seen today. The book provides invaluable insight into this dark and formative period of America's past. Softcover, 416 pages.
Bring back childhood memories and have fun with your children with these games and toys from the past.
Stitch your own memories of a winter afternoon in Deerfield. Featuring the Ephraim Williams house, the Deerfield Academy Administration Building, the Brick Church, Post Office, and Museum Store (J. G. Pratt House), the Deerfield Inn, and the Joseph Stebbins House. Counted cross-stitch on 14 count blue Aida cloth.
See the places with this 1000 piece puzzle where specific battles took place. Learn about the different historic figures that were the players during the revolution. The entire East Coast is represented from Maine to Florida. Made in the U.S.A.
This cap is great for fishing, golfing and gardening.
A study in depth of ordinary life in Plymouth colony using artifacts, wills,and official enactments to investigate family relationships.
Native Americans taught our early settlers to make dolls of cornhusks, the outer covering of an ear of corn. Cornhusk dolls were usually made in the fall. Now you can make your own at any time of the year with this kit. Kit contains cornhusks and genuine horse hair to create one authentic Native American Cornhusk Doll.
Our redware candlestick is made locally by Stephen Earp. Dimensions are 4" round and about 2" high. Perfect for those long cold winters or for the relaxing candle-light evenings. Perfect for table or bedside use.
Grate or shave the Chocolate Block on your favorite dessert, or melt and drizzle on a bowl of ice cream. Also great for baking.
American Heritage Chocolate - from the Historic Division of Mars, Inc.
5.13 oz.Block
An important resource for geneologists and historians of Western Massachusetts.
Part 1 - History of Deerfield
Part 2 - Family Genealogies
Originally published in 1895-1896
Learn your history of the state of Massachusetts with the 1000 piece puzzle to put together. Puzzle sights include Martha's Vineyard and Natucket. This will keep the family busy for hours. Made in U.S.A.
A compilation of photos from Deerfield's past with a brief history of the town.
New! Doorways of Deerfield features 16 historic houses and buildings throught the village of Old Deerfield. Under each doorway is the name of the house or building. Photographer Dan Dougherty. Poster comes rolled ready for you to frame. 18" x 24"
This book is a collection of 436 full color photographs that depict this rare American folk art, the carved and engraved powder horn, a personal accoutrement that , along with their flintlock musket or rifle, was integral with the American colonist's survival in a wild and untamed wilderness. 110 examples, with carvings that range from exquisite map horns of the 18th century war torn New York, Pennsylvania and the Carolina's to a young man with girls on his mind. Hardcover, 240 pages.
80 pages of full color photos by Richard Cheek celebrating the four seasons in the historic village.
This 100% cotton fully lined mop cap is made locally. Fully elastic.
An informative source for daily life in early New England from 1600 to 1750.
A classic sourcebook, originally published in 1898, that covers food, clothing, travel and other aspects of colonial domestic life.
A traditional English pub game of dice and numbers. Roll the dice and lay down matching numbered tiles. Players can challenge each other for the lowest score. Lay down all the tiles and you've "Shut-The-Box". For 1 plus players ages 8 and up. Makes a great game to teach your child simple addition. Fun for all ages.
A commemorative look at the 1704 raid on Deerfield, its cultural significance and its aftermath for native and English descendents.
The awesome burdens and considerable power of a New England housewife's life, lively with scandal and homely detail.
An intimate and densely imagined portrait of Martha Ballard and her society and its medical practices, religion and sexual mores.
This card is blank inside so you may include your own best wishes for whatever the occasion. Photo of the Ashley House Doorway during the holiday winter season. Envelope included with card. 4 1/2" x 6 1/4"
Basket kit includes all materials and instructions so that you can make your very own 1 quart berry basket. Use to store berries or fill with a dried flower arrangement. Whatever use you find you can be proud to say that you made it yourself. Finished size 6"x6"x8".
80 pages of full color photos by Richard Cheek celebrating the four seasons in the historic village.
Kids get a rush out of rivers. Deerfield has two waterways surrounding it's towns, the first beign the Deerfield River and the other being the Connecticut River. These 30 fun filled games, activities and experiments are a wonderful introduction to learning how rivers are formed, the water cycle and the variety of animals and habitats that exist along rivers. Activities include: Build your own Dam, Play the Salmon Trap Game and Experiment with Settling Sediment to name a few. Softcover 147 pages.
First published in 1828, it went through many editions and proved to be an extremely popular 19th century manual for homemakers. Interesting recipes and remedies, advice on parenting and the myriad of responsibilities of housekeeping are all put forth in straight-forward no-nonsense, Yankee prose. Hardcover 130 pages.
This book tells the story of the American Revolution from the hated Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party to the British surrender at Yorktown and the creation of the United States Consititution. All American schoolchildren are required to study the Revolution and the Consistution. This book includes 21 activities to make it fun and memorable. Kids can Make a fringed hunting shirt, Reenact the Battle of Cowpens, Dance a minuet and other fun activities. Softcover 139 pages
The evolution of legends and traditions of four major native American groups from early encounters with settlers to the present.
This moving story spans from the 1637 attack on the Pequot fort to the 1704 raid on Deerfield and on through Queen Anne's War.
You're the artist! Create 24 full-color illustrations from Felicity's stories. Everything you need is included: 24 detailed line drawings, 6 watercolor pencils, a professional blending tool, tips and tricks along with 8 frames for your creations. This all fits into a take-a-long kit-perfect for indoors, outdoors, or family trips.
Support Historic Deerfield with this 100% cotton twill cap.
This 100% cotton fully lined mop cap is made locally. Fully elastic for a comfort fit.
Known as the Taunton flag this red flag has the Union Jack in the upper left corner with "LIBERTY and UNION" across the bottom. Flag flies on Deerfield's Liberty Poles. Measures 4" x 6".
Read about America's intriguing beginnings. Explore the life and times of the Earliest Americns. The Woodland Indians and their ancestors are North America's "missing link". Learn how the bow and arrow became the weapon of choice. How did the "Red Paint People" come by their name. This book addresses some of these compelling questions. Softcover 102 pages
Hand hooked wool rug depicting 7 of our village buildings in Springtime. Taken from a painting by Anne Bell Robb, a MA artist. 2' x 3'.
Examines the choices open to people living in an agrarian culture and how they adjusted to the coming of an industrial order.
Step back in time and write as they did in colonial days.
![Engraved Powder Horns from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution: The William H. Guthman Collection [2009]](/sites/all/files/imagecache/coverflow/pics/events/Powderhorns-exhib-page-image-2-rev_1.jpg "Engraved Powder Horns from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution: The William H. Guthman Collection [2009]")
