Until the fall of 1997, the North Adams Historical Society, Inc., did not have a permanent home. In September 1997, the NAHS officially opened the Local History Center in Western Gateway Heritage State Park. The restored buildings that once served as part of an 1800's freight yard were the perfect home to the many historical artifacts collected over the years.

After opening in Western Gateway Heritage State Park building 1, the Society received many generous loans and donations of artifacts. This collection overfilled our next home in building 2. In February 1999 it was decided to change the name from the Local History Center to the North Adams Local History Museum. Our exhibits have increased in size and number of artifacts and our membership continues to grow.  In May 2001, we became the North Adams Museum of History and Science and moved to building 5A where we have over 25 permanent exhibits on three floors.

The Museum also presents temporary exhibits on the life and times of North Adams in the past.