The Monterey Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Monterey, Massachusetts, and the Southern Berkshire region. We start by recognizing the long stewardship of this land by the indigenous Mohicans; the early colonial settlements, historic mills, and evolution into a year-round resort town beloved by many generations. We collect stories and memorabilia that showcase the people, places, and events that shaped our town. Through exhibits, programs, and archives, we bring local history to life for residents and visitors, year-round and seasonal, present and former, and researchers.
Established in 1963 as a non-profit organization and led entirely by volunteers, the Monterey Historical Society curates exhibitions, sponsors public history talks and programs, and maintains historical archives for education and research. From lectures, exhibits, monthly articles in the Monterey News, an archive of Monterey artifacts, and digitized collections, we serve as a hub for connecting residents and visitors with the past.
Monterey, Massachusetts, rests on the ancestral lands of the Mohican people and was first settled by Europeans in 1739. Originally part of Tyringham, the area developed around mills powered by the Konkapot River. Monterey was incorporated as a separate town in 1847. With a past shaped by agriculture, milling, and charcoal production for iron furnaces in the Berkshires, the town eventually grew into a vibrant summer retreat surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountain trails. Today, Monterey is home to a close-knit year-round population and a large community of part-time residents, many of whom have lived here for two or three generations. Many residents attended summer camps here in the middle of the 20th century and have returned to their dream home.
Step into Monterey’s story through images that span generations, from tools and textiles to letters, landmarks, mills, and cherished community snapshots. Each piece in our archive offers a glimpse into the lives, labor, and legacy of those who built this town. Researchers are invited to make an appointment to view artifacts or research documents in the archive.
Help us grow, share, and protect what makes Monterey vibrant. As a volunteer-run nonprofit, the Monterey Historical Society depends on donations to continue our work behind the scenes—putting on programs and exhibits, maintaining archives, cataloging new materials donated to the archives, digitizing rare books and materials, and providing a place to store the memories of Monterey's past and present. We are always excited to discover new stories. Your gift directly supports community programming, exhibitions, and the ongoing effort to ensure that Monterey’s heritage endures.
Help safeguard rare artifacts, photographs, and materials that tell the story of our town and its people.
Your donation funds exhibits, lectures, and public programs that bring the community together through shared learning.
Enable the continued acquisition, organization, and digitization of valuable historical items and family records.
Support the dedicated volunteers who keep our work going. Every dollar goes directly toward mission-based work
Stay connected with the stories, traditions, and community that make our town vibrant. From walking tours and lectures to hands-on workshops and seasonal celebrations, our events offer something for everyone. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, we invite you to step into the past and be part of the future of the Monterey Historical Society.
Join us for two special programs commemorating Henry Knox’s historic “Noble Train of Artillery” and its passage through Monterey during the winter of 1775–76. These events highlight the region’s connection to the Knox Trail through guided exploration, storytelling, and historical research presentations.
The program begins at the Bidwell House Museum with a brief introduction and historical overview of the Knox Trail and Henry Knox’s journey through Monterey. Participants will then carpool to Old Brett Road to walk approximately 1.5 miles along a preserved section of the original colonial route, passing by Chadwick’s Tavern.
This guided walk, led by Rob Hoogs, invites participants to imagine the challenges of hauling 60 tons of artillery through the Berkshire hills during the winter of 1775–76. The group will return to the Bidwell House Museum around noon for a bonfire, refreshments, and informal discussion.This guided walk, led by Rob Hoogs, invites participants to imagine the challenges of hauling 60 tons of artillery through the Berkshire hills during the winter of 1775–76. The group will return to the Bidwell House Museum around noon for a bonfire, refreshments, and informal discussion.
Rain date: April 12, 2026. Capacity is limited to 25 participants; pre-registration required.
Tom Ragusa will present his research tracing the route of the historic “Great Road” used by Henry Knox and others through Sandisfield and Otis. Drawing from nearly twenty years of documentation, this talk focuses on an 8-mile stretch of the Knox Trail, now recognized as the longest undisturbed portion of the historic road in Western Massachusetts.The presentation will include maps, historical context, and preservation insights, along with efforts to document and list the route on the National Register. Ragusa, a longtime member of the Otis Historical Commission and former Massachusetts DCR employee, is also a co-author of the upcoming book Ye Trodden Path.
This event is free and open to the public; registration available for in-person or Zoom attendance.
Some events may require pre-registration due to limited capacity. The April 11 walking event is limited to 25 participants. The April 16 lecture is free and open to the public.
Bidwell House Museum (Monterey, MA)
Monterey Historical Society
Monterey Public Library
