Historic Northampton

Exploring Northampton Walking Tours

Exploring the Mineral Hills, with a Special Focus on Spring Wildflowers

A Walking Tour with Co-director & Naturalist Laurie Sanders

Friday, May 5, 2023 | 9 to 11 am and 5 to 7 pm

Located along Northampton’s western border, the Mineral Hills are underlain by bedrock that contains some carbonate-rich minerals. As these minerals weather out, soils are formed that are more fertile than in many areas of Northampton, including the nearby Sawmill Hills. The soil’s chemistry has a profound influence on the species of plants that grow here. In early May, the slopes of the Mineral Hills include an impressive variety of spring wildflowers that depend on these slightly limey soils, including yellow violets, wild columbine, pale corydalis, early saxifrage, and many others.

On this two-hour ramble, co-director and naturalist Laurie Sanders will provide information about both the natural and human history of this part of the conservation area, with a special focus on the rocky, wooded hills. 

Pre-registration is required.

Limited to 12 participants.

Sliding scale admission: $15 to $25 per person.

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A Walking Tour of Main Street

with Historic Northampton Co-director Elizabeth Sharpe

Thursday, May 11, 2023 | 9 am

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 | 9 am

Since the 1650s, Northampton’s Main Street has been a crossroads, marketplace, town center, and public square. The first store opened in 1769 where Thornes Marketplace is now. It was across the street from the meetinghouse and tavern. The Victorian Main Street we see today was mostly built between 1865 and 1900 with a self-consciousness about “how we look” as a town.

As we walk from Historic Northampton to the Academy of Music, we will discuss the history of architecture and underlying ideas about social order, civic pride, preservation, and the importance of public gathering space.

Pre-registration is required.

Limited to 18 participants.

Sliding scale admission: $10 to $25 per person.

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Less Travelled Areas in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area

A Walking Tour with Co-director & Naturalist Laurie Sanders

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | 9 to 11 am and 5 to 7 pm

Join co-director and naturalist Laurie Sanders on a natural history walk through one of her favorite sections of the nearly 1,000-acre Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. This part of the conservation area lies near the Hatfield line and includes a mix of upland woods, perched swamps, rocky outcrops, and a beautiful stretch of Broad Brook.

This outing will include walking on uneven ground, on and off trails, and may include muddy conditions.

In partnership with the Broad Brook Coalition.

Pre-registration is required.

Limited to 12 participants.

Sliding scale admission: $15 to $25 per person.



Learn More

Images

Storefronts of Kinney Shoes and Ann August clothing store on Main Street, Northampton. Photographed by Harvey Finison.