News & Events
* UPCOMING *
Maple Sugaring Day
Saturday, February 28, 11am-3pm at MassAudubon's Boston Nature Center.
This family-friendly event is ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to tap locally, and also perfect if you simply want to get outside and stand in the sweet steam of boiling maple sap. Plenty of indoor kiddie activities, too. Come with questions. For more info and registration, click HERE.
Spring's coming!
Despite our wonderfully 'normal' winter, 2025 was the 2nd or 3rd warmest on record. Average global temperatures are flirting with or have surpassed 1.5° C (2.7° F) above pre-industrial levels. How do we stop the burn?
For other workshops and happenings, check the Workshops calendar here.
Agricultural Hall?
In 1818, the Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Agriculture built the original Agricultural Hall on Dighton Street in Brighton. It served as the hub of the Brighton Fair and Cattle Show, one of the earliest and largest such fairs in the country. In 1829, "a 17-pound turnip, a 19-pound radish, and a bough on which pears hung like a cluster of grapes were among the outstanding exhibits of that year." In 1844 the building was moved to its present location at the corner of Chestnut Hill Avenue and Washington Street.
Dr. William P. Marchione &
The Bostonian Society
Agricultural Hall
Agricultural Hall carries a variety of essential beekeeping tools and supplies, selected for their quality, durability, price, and whether it was made locally. Aside from the basic items listed below, there is much more at the store than what meets the eye here. For example, we now carry three different styles of smokers, and six different hive tools.
For hive woodenware, call for the latest prices.
$25.35
VEILS: Of the dozens of styles available, we have about six, but the two best, most practical models include:
Alexander veil: A great all-around veil that does not require a hat (some suggest using with a baseball cap). Compact to carry around or use in a pinch when visitors arrive.
Jacket & veil combo: It's so nice to zip up this comfortable jacket, load it's pockets with your tools, and get right to work. This is not an extravagance; it's the best, and for a great price, too! Three sizes available.
$28.86
$39.33
GLOVES: Take your pick. They're all comfortable, secure and affordable, and sizes range from small child to large adult:
Canvas: I've had mine for 25 years -- 'nuf said.
Leather: At this price, why not; comfort is important. Child sizes available -- call for pricing.
$16.50
$17.20
HIVE TOOLS:
Agricultural Hall has the best selection of hive tools in New England. Here are just two of the six varieties (and growing) we carry:
Maxant hive tool: These make hive work incredably easy. And they're made here in Massachusetts! You'll never need another tool.
Standard 10" hive tool: Basically, an old-fashioned pry-bar, but they're effective for hive work, and they're very affordable.
$10.10
$4.75
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES:
Nine-frame spacer: Evenly space 9 frames in a 10-frame hive, giving you and your girls more room to work. Yes, there's one fewer frame, but bees make a deeper comb which contains more honey and is easier to uncap. From Maxant
Mouse guard: I lost a hive to mice once, and the massacre wasn't pretty. Spend a little and save a lot. Use from mid-fall to early spring. Easy on/off. Also from our friends at Maxant. 10-frame size only.
Another less expensive variation is also available, and it fits 8-frame hives.
Frame grip: Like large plyers, use these grips to remove and hold frames with confidence.
Mason bee homes & supplies: Of any animal, mason bees are the greatest pollinators. They are solitary and, as such, lay their eggs in small deep holes. Simple homemade or purchased hives hung in your garden or yard will attract mason bees year after year. See more about mason bees here.
Beekeeping posters: From Maxant, these posters are both beautiful and educational.
$19.00
$6.45
$4.50
From ~$7.00
HONEY JARS:
Glass honey jars with lids, including the classic Queenline jars. Five designs, assorted lids and corks, and many sizes to choose from. Labels not included. One pound and half-pound 'Queenline' jars (pic) are all $1.00 each. Call or visit the shop for other jars, like hex and skeps.
HONEY EXTRACTOR: And now we've come to the 'heavy equipment.' Our Maxant/ Massachusetts-made hand-crank 3/6/9-frame extractors are the best in the world! Your great, great grandchildren will be using your extractor 150 years from now.
Agricultural Hall has two Maxant extractors for rent, and will sell you a new extractor for the best price possible.
Our ELECTRIC UNCAPPER is also available for rent. Work faster and cleaner.
Rent extractor at $25 per day. All necessary tools included.
Call for purchase price.