"Memory, much more than a mere knowledge of things past, is essential to who we are and who we are likely to become. Now, connect your memory to that of your community, and your community's to that of the country. These connections ultimately form a network shared by all Americans — our collective memory. These memories add up to who we are as individuals, as a people, as a nation. They bring us together and bind us."
~ Richard Moe, President, The National Trust for Historic Preservation
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Cemetery Records
Links of Interest
The Greenfield Public Library's Greenfield Room contains newspapers on microfilm, directories, books, pamphlets, maps and public records all keyed to the town. Greenfield's 1985 Cultural Resource Survey can be found here. More recent forms
and additional information on older forms may be consulted at the Office of Planning & Community Development, 114 Main Street
The survey report includes a brief history of Greenfield 1500-1940 related to the identified historic resources.
The Historical Society of Greenfield is a private, non-profit, membership organization whose collections of period photographs, original documents, and material culture include depictions of places, scenes and buildings.
The Franklin County Registry of Deeds in the Court House holds land records and plans. The Probate Court's records include wills and probate inventories.
Several copies of the booklet and CD "Early Maps of Greenfield" in the Public Library stacks may be borrowed. These plans and maps date from 1717 (covering the area) to 1918, as well as a section of maps with owner names.
Jenkins, Paul; The Conservative Rebel, A Social History of Greenfield Massachusetts, published by the town, 1982. This includes an extensive bibliography and historic photos.
Thompson, Francis M.; History of Greenfield, 1682-1900 2 vols.; Greenfield, 1904. The most detailed source of data.
Kellogg, Lucy Cutler; History of Greenfield, 1900 - 1929. The third volume of major town history.
Severance, Chas. Sidney; History of Greenfield, 1930-1953; Greenfield, 1954. The fourth volume of major town history.
You will find these and other histories and photos in the Greenfield Public Library stacks or in the Greenfield Room.
The Greenfield Public Library's Greenfield Room has listings for cemeteries along with locations, ownership, earliest burial dates, status of the data base, and contact names.
The City of Greenfield website:
www.greenfield-ma.gov
The Museum of Our Industrial Heritage:
www.industrialhistory.org
The Demolition Delay Ordinance: Chapter 58 of the Town Code Demolition Delay Ordinance is administered by the Inspector of Buildings in cooperation with the Historical Commission.
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