The Boltwood Local History and Genealogy Collection is primarily a repository of the Town of Amherst's history, but also includes maps, manuscripts, and publications for all of Massachusetts, with a focus on the Pioneer Valley, and selected New England material. Associated materials include the Amherst tax records dating from the mid-eighteenth century and Amherst newspapers dating from 1786.

Initially created by Lucius Manlius Boltwood, the genealogical collection features family history of Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Included in the collection are family histories, vital records, census records, and genealogical notes and clippings.

Our local history and genealogy books are searchable in the library catalog.