SHELBURNE FALLS — With a variety of offerings from historical societies, including a Hilltown History Trail beginning in 2022, local history appears to be captivating the masses in western Franklin County.

Historian Susan Samoriski is capitalizing on this surge of interest with her new business, Hilltown History LLC. She has established a series of customized tours and events that will provide a deep dive into the region’s history for tourists and locals alike.

“There are so many treasures in the hilltowns I think people would be happy to delve into,” Samoriski said.

Hilltown History LLC expects to host one or two events weekly and is open to suggestions about what to offer. Already piloted tours feature notable characters such as the father of the Colonial Revival Movement Wallace Nutting, author Mary P. Wells Smith, Dr. Mary Phylinda Dole, artist Robert Strong Woodward and architect Benjamin Asher. There are also experiential activities such as dining by candlelight in a historic home, dressing up for an old-fashioned tea party and “Hands-On History for Kids.”

Samoriski also plans to host a genealogy workshop, a “Hidden Gems of Shelburne Falls” tour that will include access to historical buildings that are not open to the public, and a ghost story tour of the Hoosac Tunnel.

Samoriski is a lifelong resident of western Franklin County, having lived in most of the region’s towns. She has a personal love for local history, and worked in the community her entire career at the Mohawk Trail Regional School District and the nonprofit Mary Lyon Foundation.

“I feel like I am a citizen of West County,” she said.

She is interested in sharing the vast depth of knowledge she has about the area and hopes to have others participating in the tours tell their stories as well.

“I will learn as we go,” she said. “I will share information and people can talk about their vision. I am happy to incorporate and learn.”

Her next event will be held at the site of the famous Harp Elm Tree at North River Cemetery, 104 Jacksonville Road in Colrain, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29. A memorial stone marks the location of this unusual tree, which was destroyed by Dutch elm disease in the 1970s. Limited seating is available for the talk. The cost is $7 and registration is requested.

Featured at the event will be music from South Deerfield harpist Piper Pichette, who studied at Berklee College of Music with harpists Maeve Gilchrist, Catriona McKay, Felice Pomeranz and Rosemary Caine.

Following the tree talk and harp performance, two identical tours featuring eight historic sites pertaining to Mount Holyoke College founder Mary Lyon — including her birthplace and locations where she taught, lived and worshipped — will be held rain or shine on Wednesday, Aug. 30, and Friday, Sept. 1, both from 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $55 per person and participation is limited.

Registration for both events and other comments or questions can be directed to 413-625-9916 or hilltownhistory1816@gmail.com. Information about future events can be found at hilltownhistory.weebly.com.

Reach Bella Levavi at blevavi@recorder.com.