Agawam Historical Association

06/15/2026

Join us at the historic Thomas Smith House on Saturday, 4 July 2026 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm as the Agawam Historical Association commemorates the United States Semiquincentennial.

The Smith house, located at 251 North West Street, Feeding Hills, was built ca. 1757 and is one of the few surviving Agawam structures extant during America’s fight for independence.

Joining us on the Fourth will be members of the 25th Continental Regiment and Green Valley Homestead living history groups, who will model 18th century military and civilian life.

Musket drills, demonstrations of blacksmithing, open fire cooking, tinsmithing, basket weaving, flax spinning, and 18th century fashion and textiles will take place throughout the day.

Sheep, ducks, and rabbits will be present on the grounds, and younger visitors will be able to partake in 18th century children’s activities.

Other activities will include:

• An archeological dig on the grounds

• A display of artifacts marked for the association’s America250 time capsule. Visitors are encouraged to provide letters to future Agawam residents describing 21st century life for inclusion in the time capsule, which will be sealed later this year and not opened for another century.

• A public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Those wishing to read a portion of the Declaration of Independence should contact the association by email at [email protected] by 1 July.

• A community bell ringing at 2:00 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bell of any sort to join in.

This event is free and open to the public.

It is supported in part by a grant from the Agawam Cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

#1776

06/12/2026

Support the preservation of Agawam’s Community House!

Always a well-attended event:

06/08/2026

The 2026 Agawam Historical Association / Marilyn P. Curry Memorial Scholarship was recently presented to Agawam High School senior Maddie Balzano.

Maddie’s interest in history, along with her outstanding academic, extracurricular, and community service record helped guide our scholarship committee to her selection.

Maddie will attend Endicott College in the fall and major in History Secondary Education, with plans to one day teach high school history.

Her interest in history was apparent during her visit to the association’s Thomas Smith House, where she and her family were given a tour and presented with the scholarship and a four-year family membership to the association.

Noting that Maddie’s application mentioned three years of employment at Six Flags New England and a specific interest in the park’s history, she was also presented with a signed copy of AHA president David Cecchi’s book "Riverside Park."

Pictured, from left, are Maddie’s parents Sherry and Joe Balzano, Maddie, AHA Scholarship Committee Chair Alan Rogers, and AHA Vice President Anne Liptak.

Congratulations, Maddie!

05/29/2026

Another capacity crowd was on hand at the last night for the Agawam Historical Association’s annual meeting.

President David Cecchi, Vice President Anne Liptak, Secretary Carolyn Cortis, and Treasurer Katy Krause were all reelected to their positions.

Directors Sheryl Mardeusz and Joe Potter were reelected to another term on the board.

Don Anderson, Judy Anderson, and Sue Scantlen were elected to the newly created position of Director Emeritus.

Don and Judy had previously served on the board from 2004-2024, and Sue served on the board from 2011-2024 and as president from 2016-2024.

Director Janet Wysocki retired from the board after 23 years, and was recognised for her decades of service to the association.

Katy Krause and Anne Liptak were also thanked for their longtime contributions to the organisation.

President David Cecchi noted some highlights of the past year, including a 10% increase in membership, annual attendance at association events of over 1,200 people, the reopening of the Agawam Historical & Fire House Museum and dedication of the Marilyn P. Curry History Room, the dedication of Agawam’s Liberty Tree at the Thomas Smith House, and the selection of the association to participate in the Roving Archivist Program of the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board.

He also noted, and expressed appreciation for, the continued support of the Agawam Cultural Council, Agawam Community Preservation Act Committee, association members, and the community in general that allows the Agawam Historical Association to continue its important work of preserving and presenting the history of Agawam.

Following the business meeting, George Baker presented his one-man show "Meet John Adams – A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President." Baker regaled the audience with stories of historical interest, a rousing rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy, and humorous anecdotes.

A grand time was had by all.

05/27/2026

Another interesting and informative program sponsored by our friends at the Longmeadow Historical Society.

Richard Salter Storrs Library


LHS Presents: New England Militia in the Early Republic In-Person
In our nation’s first 50 years, the citizen militia was the primary means of defending the nation and its laws. Twice a year, almost every white man from 18 to 45 was required to attend training days to practice musket drills and marching maneuvers. Martial music played a major role in these training days to both convey commands, help keep the troops in step, and entertain both the militia and civilian onlookers. Tonight, we will delve into the roots of the militia in New England, the composition and training of the militia, and the martial music of the era.

This program helps Longmeadow Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

This program sponsored by the Longmeadow Historical Society.

Please Register in Advance at Storrs Library website

05/07/2026

Please support historic preservation in Agawam by attending this fun event at the Captain Charles Leonard House.

Built as a stage tavern in 1805, the Captain Leonard House has served as Agawam’s Community House since 1939, after it was restored by Minerva Davis.

It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and is the jewel of the Agawam Center Historic District.

Our popular Summer Craft Beer Tasting and BBQ fundraiser will return to the grounds of the historic Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main Street, Agawam, on Friday evening, June 19, 2026.

The event will take place rain or shine, from 6pm–9pm, and will benefit preservation efforts at the 1805 former stage tavern, which has served as Agawam’s Community House since 1939.

The event, sponsored by McCarthy’s Liquors of Agawam and Phipps Discount Liquors of Feeding Hills, will feature a wide variety of local and craft beers, live music, raffles, and food.

Joey’s Deli & Market will provide barbecue and Captain Leonard House Trustees will grill hot dogs and hamburgers.

Advance tickets are $50 per person, available at

McCarthy’s Liquors
430 Main Street, Agawam
(413) 786-9537

and

Phipps Discount Liquors
1350 Springfield Street
Feeding Hills
(413) 786-8471

Ticket price includes food.
Tickets will also be available at the door for $55 per person.

Guests must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID to attend this event.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Agawam Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Captain Charles Leonard House is available to rent for business functions and social events. For more information, please call 413-786-9421.

05/06/2026

Every house has a story, whether it’s 20 years old or 200.

If you’ve ever wondered when your house was built, who lived there, and for how long, join us in the Judith Clini Community Room of the Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper Street, Agawam, on Monday, 8 June 2026 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm and learn how to uncover the past of any home.

In a program co-sponsored by the Agawam Public Library, the Agawam Historical Association, and the Agawam Historical Commission, house historian Marian Pierre-Louis will present “10 Steps to Researching the History of Your House.”

Pierre-Louis will introduce where to find the deeds to your house, how to chain a deed, and locate other sources of information such as the US Federal Census records, maps, and tax records. You’ll learn how to find the stories that bring the history of your house alive.

Come learn 10 steps to get you started on your house history research. This talk is appropriate for both beginners and those who have research experience.

Please register for this event beginning at 9:00 AM Monday, May 18, 2026 at https://agawamlibrary.libcal.com/event/15527701

This event is free, open to the public, and supported by the Agawam Center Library Association.

Pictured here are some Agawam homes, some still standing, others long-demolished.

05/05/2026

We are excited to welcome the Agawam Garden Club back for their annual Plant Sale!

Thomas Smith House
251 North West Street
Feeding Hills

Saturday
30 May 2026
9 am - noon

The sale will include many annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable starts, and shrubs, all from members’ gardens, and all priced to sell.

Because the plants are grown locally, they are well acclimated to the area’s growing conditions.

Proceeds from the sale help fund the Garden Club’s annual scholarship and other educational programs throughout the year.

Arrive early for the best selection!

The c. 1757 Thomas Smith House and 1920 Delmore Hawthorne Garage will be open for tours!