The collection of the Mark Dewey
Research Center relates primarily to Sheffield and the surrounding
towns in Berkshire County, Massachusetts with
considerable additional sources on New England, especially Connecticut,
plus New York state. Although many standard printed histories and
genealogies constitute part of the reference material, the major significance
of the Center’s collection is the wealth of primary sources that
are not available anywhere else.
Except for a nominal charge for
copies and postage, the Center is free and open to the public but
donations are accepted to help us continue with our work. We also
ask researchers for a copy of their family history, when completed,
for the benefit of future patrons.
Trained volunteers will assist
beginner or advanced researchers who are able to come to the Center.
Inquires may also be directed by mail, email or telephone.
The following items are some brief
highlights of the unique collections:
- Over 700 family
files on Sheffield and South Berkshire County
- Subject files
on important landmarks, buildings, organizations, events and topics
of local significance
- Town documents
dating from 1733 including tax records from 1763 to 1983
- House histories
- Extensive collection
of photographs including over 1,000 glass plate negatives
- Historic maps
- 19 volume collection
of area obituaries and death notices
- Regional cemetery
records
- Town vital records
starting 1730
- Limited edition,
privately printed family histories
- Veterans lists
from the French and Indian War, American Revolution, War of 18 and
the Civil War along with Civil War memorabilia
Spend
a Summer in Sheffield & Environs: The Tourism Trade in the Railroad
Era by Bernard A. Drew, $15
Early
Life in Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts
by James Miller.
$27.50
Sheffield
Frontier Town, by Lillian E. Preiss, 1976, hardbound, 188
p., appendix, index, $20 including handling and
postage is available.