Historic Northampton is temporarily closed in May & June 2025 to install a new exhibition.
Stay tuned for the new exhibit, Slavery and Freedom in Northampton, 1654 to 1783.

historic  Northampton

46, 58 & 66 Bridge Street, Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
View of the Damon House and
​the Damon Education Center
The 1805 Shepherd Barn
​(66 Bridge Street rear)
The Grounds of
​Historic Northampton
Historic Northampton will re-open for the season on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

hours
Temporarily Closed while
a new exhibition is installed.
Closed on holidays

admission
By Donation
Suggested Donation: $5

Contact Us

Historic Northampton
46 Bridge Street
Northampton, MA 01060-2406

413-584-6011
[email protected]

RESEARCH

Research Appointments
On-site research is by appointment only. 

To schedule a research appointment, call the office at 413-584-6011 or email [email protected].

COVID-19 Information
Face masks in both adult and children's sizes are available
​near the main entrance.

Directions


Where to find us
Historic Northampton is located at 46-66 Bridge Street (Route 9).  The Damon House (offices) and the Damon Education Center (exhibit gallery) are located in a large yellow 1813 building across from the Northampton post office, just two blocks from the downtown center. The main entrance is on the right-hand side of the modern addition featuring the exhibit gallery.  The Shepherd Barn at Historic Northampton is located at 66 Bridge Street behind the Shepherd House.

By foot from downtown
Walk east on Main Street (Route 9), away from Smith College and toward the railroad/bike path overpass.  After the overpass, Main Street becomes Bridge Street. We are on one block beyond the overpass, on the left, across from the Northampton post office.

From the bike path
Historic Northampton is one short block from where the bike path crosses over Main Street. On the northwest side of the overpass, a ramp descends from the path, coming out in the parking lot behind Fitzwilly's and the Toasted Owl. On the southeast side of the overpass, a stairway descends to Bridge Street. Once you reach the street, walk away from the downtown and under the operating railroad overpass. We are one block beyond the overpass, on the left, across from the Northampton post office.

By bus and rail.
Historic Northampton is within reasonable walking distance from both bus and train terminals.
  • From Peter Pan Bus terminal at 1 Roundhouse Plaza - from the terminal, walk uphill on Crafts Avenue (toward City Hall with its four turrets). At the top, turn right onto Main Street and walk through the downtown and underneath the railroad/bike path overpass. After the overpass, Main Street becomes Bridge Street. We are one block beyond the overpass, on the left, across from the Northampton post office.
  • From Amtrak station at 125 Pleasant Street - from the platform walk down Railroad Avenue, turn right on Pleasant Street, then right again at the light at Main Street. Walk down Main Street until you pass under the railroad/bike path overpass, where Main Street becomes Bridge Street. We are on one block beyond the overpass, on the left, across from the Northampton post office. Alternatively, you can walk via the bike path, exiting at the stairs just before the Bridge Street overpass.
  • Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus - all buses stop downtown, which is within walking distance. The B43 bus traveling outbound from downtown Northampton to Amherst and/or UMass typically stops at the post office directly across from the museum.  The B43 bus traveling inbound to downtown Northampton from Amherst and/or UMass typically stops at The Baker's Pin shopping mall next to the museum. Learn More at www.pvta.com

By car from the south
Take I-91 north to Exit 23. Turn left onto Rt. 5 (Pleasant Street) and travel about one mile to the main intersection at the center of town. Turn right on Main Street (Rt. 9), continue under railroad bridge and through the light. The museum is on left, across from the Northampton Post Office.

By car from the north
Take I-91 south to Exit 26, which puts you onto Route 5, South (King Street). Follow King Street for about 1.5 miles to the lights at the center of town. At that intersection, turn left onto Main Street. Continue under the railroad overpass and through the lights at Market Street. The museum is on the left, across from the Northampton Post Office.

By car from Amherst
Follow Route 9 west from Amherst through Hadley and across the Connecticut River Bridge. Upon entering Northampton, Route 9 becomes Bridge Street. Historic Northampton is on the right hand side, about 2 miles after you cross the river. We are directly across from the post office before you reach the railroad overpass. 

Parking
Metered parking is sometimes available on Bridge Street in front of the museum. Historic Northampton also has a private parking lot at the rear of #66 Bridge Street, two doors from the main building. Turn into the driveway between #58 and #66 Bridge Street, Follow it all the way to the back. The parking lot is behind the Shepherd Barn. A brick path leads from the parking lot to the gallery entrance.