Amazing story of the missing powder horn returned to Deerfield museum

A little more than 254 years ago, some artisan in the militia carved a powder horn during the French and Indian War. We know it has traveled to Greenfield and Longmeadow, but much of its story is lost in time. Suffice it to say it is now back where it belongs, in the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield.

Museum curator Suzanne Flynt managed to put the powder horn on display in time for the anniversary of its making, July 2. Although the museum became the proud owner of the artifact in 1880, it was stolen in the mid-20th century, one of three powder horns taken from the collection.

"The museum was closed during the wars and there was no security," Flynt explained.