What is the difference between the Historical Commission and the Historical Society?

The Historical Commission is a municipal body appointed by the Select Board to assist with the stewardship of historic buildings and landscapes within the town, as well as town records. The Historical Society is a private organization of volunteers that collects papers and artifacts related to the town’s history. These documents are displayed at the Historical Society at 50 Middle Street, Hadley, which is open by appointment and seasonally once a month.