The Stockbridge house (or UMass Faculty Club as it is now known) was built in 1728. This makes the Stockbridge House the oldest home in Amherst. It was built for Samuel Boltwood a wealthy landowner. When the house was built, Amherst was known as "New Swamp".

During the Revolutionary War the home became a prison and held captive between eight and thirteen Tories (someone who was loyal to Britain). Thirteen known Tories in the town were rounded up and locked up by Patriots in the house of a very well known Tory by the name of John Field, who was the owner of the Stockbridge House. Later, the thirteen who were locked up became Patriots.

In 1934, the home became the property of the University of Massachusetts, and it was used as housing for the university. It then became a dining area in 1973 and was opened to the public.

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