Easthampton

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. News, and Other Relevant Links
3. Related Organizations and Resources
4. Featured Resolutions

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As exemplified by their 2019 Resolution and continued commemorations honoring the victims of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Easthampton has remained devoted to nuclear disarmament initiatives. 

Easthampton is located in Western Massachusetts, one of the nation’s hubs for nuclear disarmament activism. Easthampton’s continued efforts to promote a nuclear-weapon-free world have made it a center of peace justice. As exemplified by their 2019 Resolution and continued commemorations honoring the victims of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Easthampton has remained devoted to nuclear disarmament initiatives. 

In 2013, Easthampton, along with the neighboring towns of Northampton and Holyoke, hosted a commemoration at Smith College for the 68th anniversary of the U.S. bombing of Nagasaki. In 2025, Easthampton held its 41st commemoration of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, marking the 80th anniversary, in partnership with the Back from the Brink coalition. The event aimed to honor the lives lost while emphasizing the need to abolish nuclear weapons entirely.

In September 2019, the City Council of Easthampton passed a resolution “Calling for the US to Join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.” The resolution officially aligned Easthampton with the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and urged its Mayor to affirm the US Council of Mayors 2018 resolution “Calling on the Administration and Congress to Step Back from the Brink and Exercise Global Leadership in Preventing Nuclear War.” Local petitions kick-started the passage of this resolution. Initially, it aimed to prohibit any activity related to nuclear weapons and to establish a divestment program; however, both measures were later removed by the Rules Committee. During the City Council meeting where the resolution was discussed, countless concerned residents spoke in favor of its passage, including Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Councilor Dan Rist, Councilor Peake Thomas Peake, Councilor Owen Zaret, and Councilor Salem Derby. During this meeting, it was also noted that the city hoped this resolution would inspire the passage of additional anti-nuclear weapons resolutions. The resolution further aimed to encourage support for Bills H.3239 and S.2157 in the Massachusetts State House. The legislation was officially enacted on August 5, 2020. Easthampton is also a member of Mayors for Peace, reflecting its commitment to nuclear disarmament. As a member, the city collaborates with 17 other municipalities in Massachusetts.

On August 6, 2025, Western Massachusetts commemorated the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima with a solemn ceremony in Easthampton, hosted in collaboration with Back From the Brink. Mayor Salem Derby spoke on the continued threat of war and the reality that nuclear weapons could end humanity; thus, the danger needs to be acknowledged and addressed. This commemoration ceremony demonstrated Easthampton’s continued commitment to nuclear disarmament by integrating it into city culture and tradition. 

Mayor Salem Derby articulated Easthampton’s commemorations and commitment to nuclear disarmament, stating, “Being able to look back at Hiroshima and Nagasaki—understanding the importance of that and taking it seriously. We are talking about the potential end of humanity. We need to get real about this and acknowledge it.”