The Amherst Historical Commission has published a new Guide to the Dickinson Historic District, the first in a proposed series about
Amherst’s nine National Historic Register Districts. Written by architectural historian and Commission member Paul F. Norton, the 42-page book includes maps, an introduction and information for a tour of the area.
The guide book can serve as resource guide or for walking tours, and introduces readers to the history of the
Emily Dickinson Museum: The (Dickinson) Homestead and The Evergreens, the First Congregational Church, Masonic Hall, the Amherst Police Building, the Amherst Depot, Sweetser Park, as well as historic homes, former Amherst College fraternities now used as dormitories, and inns on Main Street, Lessey Street, Spring Street, Tyler Place and Triangle Street.
Author Paul Norton has described the architectural details and periods of the houses and buildings and included information about the early builders and residents as well as the social history of the area.