Bring Untold Stories to Life: Help Us Build New Museum Exhibits
The David Ruggles Center has been awarded a grant of $87,500 from Mass Cultural Council through its Cultural Facilities Fund Program. The grant must be matched dollar for dollar before work can begin in early 2027.
With this grant, the Ruggles Center will design, build, and install new exhibits at its museum located at 225 Nonotuck Street in Florence, Massachusetts. With financial support from a 2023 City of Northampton American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, the Center worked with Michael Hanke of Design Division Inc. to develop a detailed conceptual design for the museum’s transformation.
“Their new exhibits will engage visitors of all ages and help bring these powerful stories to life in fresh and meaningful ways.”
— State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa
Conceptual design for the Welcome Space
The Black Community in Florence exhibit
The Sojourner Truth exhibit room
All are invited to preview the exciting new designs at an Open House at the Ruggles Center on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 4:00–7:00 pm. There will be refreshments and remarks at 5:30 pm. The Uijima Singers will perform two freedom songs during the open house.
Help Us Tell the Stories History Left Behind
“The David Ruggles Center for History and Education is a premier national treasure—right here in our own backyard—ensuring that true history and anti-racist activism lives.”
— A David Ruggles Center supporter
Funding has been provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, administered through a collaborative arrangement with MassDevelopment and the Mass Cultural Council.