SOUTHAMPTON — In the 1630s, proprietors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony began to settle the Northampton area, spreading into the land that would become Southampton by the 1680s.

Southampton was established as the Second Precinct of Northampton in 1741, on Nonotuck and Woronoco land, and deemed New Hampton. Twelve years after becoming a Precinct of Northampton, it became a District of Northampton, before finally adopting the name “Southampton” at a Town Meeting in 1773, and ultimately separating from Northampton in 1775.

With 250 years of rich history to commemorate, Southampton residents knew they couldn’t pack all of their anniversary celebrations into one day, or even one week. Instead, the town has kicked off a yearlong celebration filled with events aimed at bringing local residents, businesses, creatives and history buffs together to pay homage to the roots running through the town they call home.

Comprising scenic hikes, beard growing contests, Valentine’s Bingo, landmark trivia and much more, the 250th anniversary of Southampton presents many opportunities for members of the community to share interests and learn about the people and history that make their town unique.

“The events for the 250th anniversary aren’t just about a celebration, they are the opportunities to deal with the tattered edges of the fabric that binds us together as a community,” said Heidi Corbett, curator for the Southampton Historical Society, in an email to the Gazette.

Plans for much of Southampton’s town center were laid out as early as 1730, and are still largely recognizable today. For example, the town’s church was established in 1743, and still continues on through the present. In the early days of Southampton’s settlement, a town couldn’t be recognized as a town until it had an established church. Regardless of whether present-day Southampton residents attend the church, the historic building is present in much of the town’s imagery, from the town seal to the 250th anniversary logo.

In an interview with the Gazette, Corbett explained that it’s one of the oldest churches in use in New England.

“We are a town where no buildings are built taller than our barns or our church, something most of us in town are very proud of,” Corbett wrote.

The town’s history is a veritable mosaic of captivating tales, individual stories, and local folklore that has been passed down through the centuries. For instance, it is believed in town that four buildings may have played a hands-on role in the Underground Railroad. Through some local sleuthing, hidden rooms and other historical indicators have suggested this, though historians have yet to find proof definitive enough to recognize the buildings with an official designation.

Events on tap

Southampton’s 250th anniversary offers a chance for all in the community to get involved and learn more about the history of the town. In fact, one of the celebratory events on tap for February is a talk by Robin Krawitz from the National Park Service, who will speak about the Underground Railroad in western Massachusetts on the 27th. This event is preceded by Valentine’s Music Bingo at Paisano’s on the 15th and an Edwards Library Book Club on The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff on the 25th.

On the hill behind the church, the local Cub Scouts will be hosting a “snow box derby day,” but Fowles said that this event is “totally snow dependent.”

In March, Town History Trivia will be held at the Southampton Country Club on the 21st from 6 to 9 p.m., and a pancake breakfast will be held at the First Congregational Church on the 29th from 9 to 11 a.m.

On April 5, the Third Massachusetts Regiment Re-Enactors will be at Conant Park starting at 11 a.m. Little League Opening Day will also take place in April, with plenty of fun events for all ages, such as cornhole competitions.

The Spring into Southampton celebration will take place the weekend of May 17th and the town’s Memorial Day Parade will take place on May 26th.

Two music events are also scheduled — one on June 21 at Glendale Ridge Vineyard and one at Conant Park on Aug. 23, which is widely considered the town’s “birthday.”

Aug. 16th will kick off the town’s annual Celebrate Southampton event.

Select Board Chair Christine Fowles, who is also on the committee planning the 250th anniversary events, said that she and other committee members are working to plan more hikes to local conservation areas as well, following the success of January’s Pomeroy Mountain hikes.

In addition, there are several ongoing events throughout the celebration, such as beard growing contests — where residents can show off their fastest-growing, longest, most rugged and most creative facial hair — and landmark trivia posted on Facebook.

Merchandise will also be available for those wishing to don some 250th anniversary spirit, including T-shirts, baseball caps, tote bags, mugs, pint glasses and ornaments. Fowles said that she and others planning the festivities are trying to get local businesses, artists and artisans involved in merchandising and events.

Additional events are always welcome on the 250th anniversary calendar. For local residents, businesses or organizations interested in spearheading an event this year, Fowles said the main requirement is that they be willing to take charge in making that event a reality. For more information on getting involved in event planning or volunteering, contact Christine Fowles at cfowles@townofsouthampton.org.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.