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About Us
The Great Barrington Historical Society (GBHS) is a non-profit organization formed in 1977 for the purpose of collecting and preserving material pertinent to the history of Great Barrington. Its objectives are to provide an organization for people interested in learning about, recording, preserving, and disseminating the history of our community, and to stimulate awareness of local history now and for future generations.
Throughout the year, GBHS fulfills its mission by:
o Hosting a monthly lecture series with local historians and special guest speakers;
o Welcoming guests to the Truman Wheeler House;
o Publishing a Newsletter filled with interesting facts about Great Barrington’s past, edited by local historian and author Bernard A. Drew;
o Conducting walking tours of historic Great Barrington; and
o Working with the Town and Chamber of Commerce to proudly promote Great Barrington’s rich history, historic buildings and cultural significance for residents and visitors alike.
GBHS also manages an archival collection of over 5,000 artifacts of the Town’s history, including paintings, prints, photographs, negatives, postcards, advertising, maps, theater programs, ephemera, literature, manuscripts, account books, business records, photographic equipment, glass slides, porcelain, awards, medals, textiles, clothing, bedspreads, weaponry, souvenirs, models, glass, bottles, containers, signs, folk art, Native American items, furniture and tall clocks. Together, they tell the stories of the town and help to educate and engage our students, community and visitors. The collection is currently stored in space provided at the Ramsdell Library in Housatonic but the Society hopes to eventually remove it to the recently acquired Truman Wheeler House where it can be accessed, displayed and interpreted.
In 2007, GBHS purchased the historically significant Truman Wheeler farmstead in Great Barrington with the vision of restoring it and turning it into the Society’s headquarters, museum and education research center; its fully restored home and barns serving as a cultural attraction and community-meeting place.
In 2011, with the history of the farmstead and Wheeler family well-documented, and restoration of the main house underway, the Truman Wheeler House was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, preserving and adding to Great Barrington’s rich history.
GBHS is a volunteer organization. Membership is open to anyone interested in learning more about, preserving and supporting local history. Become a Member.
As a non-profit, GBHS depends on the financial support of Members and friends to carry on its mission. Help Support our Mission.
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