The Thomas Smith House stands on the property at 251 North West Street in the Feeding Hills section of Agawam.

       Known to many as the "little red house", it has evaded significant alteration for more than 250 years.

       The home was occupied until the 1950's without modern conveniences, such as central heating and running water.

       The house has retained much of its original hardware; the bake oven in the common room, wallpaper and raised panel walls.

       Artifacts in the house and around th grounds add to its history.

       Shards of old dishes, remnants of a porcelain doll and even a newspaper clipping about Babe Ruth tucked inside a fireplace helped tell the story of past lives.

       History experts, including those from Old Sturbridge Village and Historic Deerfield. have called the Thomas Smith House extraordinary.

       The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

       Now, with the support of the Community Preservation Act funding, donations from area businesses and generous individuals who are willing to pay the mortgage and insurance, the house has taken on a new life.

       The Agawam Historical Association plans to hold educational programs on site with interactive experiences such as hearth cooking, colonial reenactments, quilt show and family activities beginning in the Spring of 2010.

       If you would like to become a part of our ongoing preservation and restoration effort by becoming a member of the association, membership applications are available on our home page (click on the "Become a member button"). Members will receive a 10% discount on all programs and events. If you would like to make a donation, our mailing address is: Agawam HIstorical Association, P.O. Box 552, Agawam, MA, 01001