BUCKLAND — The new year is approaching, and with it a new calendar featuring the works of artist Robert Strong Woodward is being sold by the Buckland Historical Society.
The 2026 calendar, titled “New England Song,” features 10 Strong Woodward paintings never before used in previous calendars. The 19th annual calendar is themed around the more musical aspects of his work, both in paintings with musical titles such as “Snow Symphony,” but also with the works that are composed like a song.
“Woodward’s poetic approach makes his paintings resonate like musical compositions through rhythm, harmony of color, and emotional cadence,” Brian Miller, the developer of the calendar, wrote on robertstrongwoodward.com. “His deeper appreciation of sound is translated into visual form. Through light and shadow, texture and tone, he composed not just scenes, but symphonies of the New England spirit-each canvas a silent song of place, memory, and mood. “
Historical Society member Polly Anderson said Miller is “the expert extraordinaire” on Strong Woodward, and has always put together themed calendars showing a variety of his work since the first calendar was released in 2007.
“We’ve done different themes such as barns and landscapes,” Anderson said. “One year we did one on windows. One winter Woodward was … in a wheelchair and painted different scenes from his window and we had a calendar with those paintings.”
Proceeds support the historical society’s efforts to maintain and renovate its historical buildings and sites. Anderson said the society recently reopened its barn at the Wilder Homestead, but still has a few projects to finish at the property, including a septic system and electric upgrades.
“We’re getting towards the end of restoring our 1779 barn,” Anderson said. “We’re plugging away to get a little more money to put new windows in.”
Anderson added that the society also maintains a museum on Upper Street, and the annual calendar sale helps fund continued operations and maintenance of the property.
“It’s always been something we do to help us,” Anderson said. “There’s a lot to take care of.”
Calendars are $20, and are available for purchase while supplies last at Andy’s Oak Shop in Greenfield, Nancy Dole’s Books and Ephemera in Shelburne Falls, the Buckland Public Library, and online at bucklandmasshistory.org
A Robert Woodward painting of Burnt Hill in Heath will be the November image for the Buckland Historical Society calendar 
A Robert Woodward painting of a home in Dover, VT will be included in the Buckland Historical Society calendar 
A scene of trees being tapped for sap along Buckland-Shelburne Falls Road will be the February image for the Buckland Historical Society calendar