Center for Community Engagement History, Government, & Politics

Amherst College Archives

The Archives & Special Collections at Amherst College holds over 80,000 books and 11,000 linear feet of archival materi­als. The department houses major collections of Emily Dickinson and Richard Wilbur books and manuscripts, along with one of the largest collections of Native American literature in the United States. The history of Amherst College and the local community is extensively documented through books, manuscripts, photographs, film, and objects. Learn more about the Amherst College archives.

Association of Amherst Students (AAS)

The AAS represents the student body. It makes recommendations to the administration based on student input, supports student programming and puts on campus-wide events. AAS members also act as a bridge between students and College administration. Learn more about participating in student government.

Emily Dickinson Museum

The Emily Dickinson Museum comprises two historic houses in the center of Amherst, Massachusetts associated with the poet Emily Dickinson and members of her family during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Plan your visit or learn more about the museum.

Civil War Tablets

The Civil War Tablets were donated to the Town of Amherst by the Grand Army of the Republic in 1893 to commemorate the 300+ soldiers from the Amherst region who served in the Union forces, including those African Americans who served in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment and 5th Cavalry. Amherst resident, Dudley Bridges, Sr., spent the last years of his life advocating and fundraising to honor these handcrafted memorials with prominent and befitting placement within the community. The exhibit is curated and guided by Debora Bridges, daughter of Dudley Bridges Sr. and descendant of the Thompson brothers who served in the 54th. Find out more and visit this important part of local history.

Town Government

Serving on boards and committees is a great way to get involved in the civic life of the Town of Amherst. Students can explore the options that are open to them on boards & committees. Volunteering opportunities are also available. Explore volunteering in local town government.

Wistariahurst Museum

Wistariahurst is a cultural and educational center owned and operated by the City of Holyoke and supported by The Wistariahurst Foundation. The museum is dedicated to preserving Holyoke’s history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through public programs and events including: workshops, concerts, lectures and demonstrations and serves the community through educational programs, community partnerships, history projects, and outreach activities. Learn more about the history or plan your visit to the museum.
 

Global Valley

Lisa Brooks and Karen Sanchez-Eppler

Drawing on a wide range of primary materials, and taking advantage of the ease of visiting the sites of many of the topics studied, this course offers an introduction to American Studies through an exploration of the Connecticut River Valley that stresses both the fascination of detailed local history and the economic, political, social, and cultural networks that tie this place to the world. Read More

Justice

Kristin Bumiller

This course explores the meaning of justice and its realization in everyday life. The course is taught in an “Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program” format, enrolling an equal number of students from Amherst College and a prison, and is taught at a local jail. Read More

Latinx and Puerto Rican Diasporic Cultures Holyoke

Paul Schroeder Rodriguez

This course focuses on Holyoke, MA as a case study of Latinx Studies and Puerto Rican Studies. Students engage in collaborative learning projects with partners in the city of Holyoke and neighboring towns with substantial Latinx populations. The course includes students from Amherst College and Holyoke Community College. Read More