Preservation Month this May
Preservation month is something to celebrate across the nation and in our local communities! It is a time to engage in shared histories, promote the benefits of preservation, and take pride in community. Established in 1973, preservation month continues today, and we are thrilled to participate and share our efforts!
Built in 1752 by Moses Porter, the rooms and architecture of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum remain as they were arranged by members of the family to accommodate the procession of relatives, neighbors, community leaders and workers who crossed the house’s threshold. From farmers and businessmen, to religious leaders and social workers, to servants and enslaved people, the stories of many men, women, and children spanning 250 years of American History are told within the house. The Porter-Phelps-Huntington House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After almost three centuries, the house remains in excellent condition due to preservation efforts made by The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation Inc. In order to preserve the integrity of its history, the house regularly requires routine maintenance and repairs, including painting, roofing, and carpentry. This work is made possible through generous grants and donations from members of the public. Over the past forty years, the museum has received grants from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and the Mass Cultural Facilities Fund, which we are also honored to be a grant recipient from this year.
Your generous donations and interaction with the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum allow for projects that preserve this historic house for community events and engaged learning. Under normal circumstances, we would invite you to take a tour, explore the grounds, and join us for “A Perfect Spot of Tea” or our Wednesday Folk Traditions. This year we encourage you to visit our online resources, check out the musicians that would have been performing this summer, and share a cup of tea from home!
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum is located at 130 River Drive, Hadley MA on Route 47 just two miles north of the junction of Routes 9 and 47 North in Hadley. For information concerning tours or special events, phone (413) 584-4699 or check the museum website: www.pphmuseum.org .
