SHELBURNE FALLS
Some 15,000 visitors a year come from around the world to walk over the Bridgeof Flowers. The former 400 foot trolley bridge spans the Deerfield River in Shelburne Falls and was built in 1908. In 1929 it was transformed and is still meticulously tended by the Shelburne Falls Womens Club. Over 500 varieties of plantings assure beautiful flowers from April tulips thru the chrysanthemums of fall in October.
Just down river a few hundred yards from the Bridge of Flowers is a hydroelectric dam, which reveals below it an incredible geological find. Over 50 ancient glacial potholes some as small as 6 inches in diameter to some as large as 39 feet across dot this natural wonder.
The potholes were ground in the granite during high water of the glacial age by the whirlpool action of water and gyrating stones. The variety of shades contained in the rock make it one of the most beautiful spots in Western Massachusetts.
This area was originally known as Salmon Falls, a favorite fishing spot of native American Indians and early settlers. Now Shelburne Falls, it is the location of the largest pothole on record and is one of the largest known concentrations of potholes as well. This stop is a must for geology students and nature enthusiasts alike!
Area History
The Shelburne Falls area is rich in history. The Village of Shelburne Falls, MA is comprised of the downtown area of the Town of Shelburne and the Town of Buckland, which sit adjacent to each other on the banks of the Deerfield River. Historical Societies are active in both towns and more information on them is included on this page. It is also expected to include information submitted periodically by local schools and organizations.
The Town of Shelburne was incorporated in 1768. The Shelburne Historical Society and Museum is housed in an architectural treasure built in 1880 as a private school (Arms Academy), funded by Ira Arms, a wealthy benefactor of the town. The Museum is located at the corner of Church and Maple Streets, on the Shelburne side of the Deerfield River.
The Museum is open to the public on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. Special group visits or appointments can be arranged by phone, call 413 625-6150.
The Buckland Historical Society Museum is housed in what was originally a school house, built around 1855. The second floor of the school was known as Band Hall, as it was solely used for band practice until 1888. The building served as a school house for about 100 years. It now houses the Societys' collection of artifacts, memorabilia and displays. It is located on Upper Street, in the area known as Upper Buckland, just off Route 112.
Buckland is the birthplace of Mary Lyon (1797~1849), founder of Mt. Holyoke College. Her educational journey bagan at her "mountain home". A visit to her birthsite provides an enjoyable outdoor walk.
A wonderfully constructed salt box house, the "Wilder Homestead", located a short distance away on Route 112 is also open to the public. It was built in 1775 and showcases many unique features including a huge, square central chimney which serves five fireplaces.
On the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend in October, a colonial demonstration day "The Homestead Sampler" is held at the Wilder Homestead 2 to 5pm, $3. admission.
Similar experiences to the Homestead Sampler, are enjoyed by local school students as part of an educational project by the Society. In conjunction with colonial history studies, the society designed a hands-on filed trip where colonial life skills including open hearth cooking, weaving and metal smithing can be experienced.
The Museum and Wilder Homestead are both open to the public, free, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of July and August from 2 to 4pm and by appointment, 413 625-9763.
