The following was written by Jill Bierly for the Radically Rural: reweaving rural quilt events happening throughout June in Belchertown, MA.

In the heart of Western Massachusetts, Belchertown is quietly redefining what it means to be rural—radically rural. This isn’t a place left behind by time; it’s a community deeply rooted in history, yet boldly forward-looking. Over the past decade, Belchertown has come together in powerful and creative ways to honor the past, engage the present, and lay the foundation for a vibrant, healthy future.

Here, historic preservation is not just about looking backward—it’s a living, breathing part of everyday life. When the community rallied to relocate a one-room schoolhouse to the grounds of the Stone House Museum, it wasn’t just about saving a building—it was about preserving a legacy of learning, curiosity, and care. We’ve painted murals that speak to our past and our future, from vivid recreations of historical neighborhoods to colorful expressions on skateboard decks at the local skatepark. Public art, here, is both memory and movement.
Belchertown doesn’t forget. We remember those who lived, worked, and struggled at the Belchertown State School, with tributes that invite reflection and healing. We’ve protected landmarks like the grain silos at the New England Small Farms Institute and the historic horse barn—home to one of the state’s first therapeutic riding programs—because they matter to our story and our identity. Even our stone walls have been given new life; one former English garden boundary has been restored and transformed into a sensory garden, designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core.

We believe in place-based joy. Lake Wallace, a natural gem nestled within town, now features a sensory trail that invites everyone to engage with the land—whether for ecological study, bird watching, or the sheer wonder of being outdoors. We’ve watched the Scarboro Bowl Music Festival bloom each spring, a grassroots celebration of music, art, and the Belchertown spirit. And when the sun sets on our trails, they shine with the footsteps of hikers, dog walkers, and families rediscovering the magic of the outdoors.

Recreation here is not a luxury—it’s a lifestyle. From organized sports to fishing, hunting, and conservation, Belchertown has become a true destination for all-season activity. Even the transfer station adds joy, with painted containers championing our reduce, recycle, and reuse mission. Our farmers market, artisan fairs, community gardens, and Food Truck Fridays keep neighbors connected and nourished. Winter Light Night invites us to gather in the cold and celebrate our shared warmth.

Old spaces find new life in Belchertown. Former railroad beds now hum with foot traffic, cycling, and connection as we transform underutilized land into vibrant community corridors. The fabric of our town—literally—threads through events like the annual quilt show and fabric sale, where heritage, craft, and care come together.

Belchertown is radically rural not because we resist change, but because we embrace it in a way that honors who we are. This is a place where history, creativity, and community meet in every mural, every trail, every garden, and every gathering. We are not just keeping the past
alive—we are building a future from it.

And the work isn’t done.

What’s next for Belchertown is shaped by the same spirit that brought us this far. We are the stewards of a community that cares— Are you committed to being part of what’s next?

We will continue to support and amplify local voices in conservation and preservation efforts. We will help protect and activate our green spaces, ensuring that every child, elder, and visitor can connect with the land and find meaning in its beauty. We will advocate for the reuse of historic structures, turning relics into resources and preserving our stories in ways that invite future generations to take part.

In the present, we will help make spaces more inclusive—supporting projects that prioritize accessibility, environmental sustainability, and cultural engagement. We will lift up creative placemaking that turns overlooked corners into shared stages, classrooms, gardens, or
gathering spots. We will be collaborators, listeners, and doers—making sure Belchertown’s next decade continues to reflect the radically rural values that define us: rootedness, imagination, and unity.

This is Belchertown: a community that remembers, creates, and grows—together.