April 02, 2013
Move Outside and Become Junior Rangers
Bring your family and friends to explore the twenty-two acres of Springfield Armory National Historic Site and the Armory museum. Numerous special experiences for young people will be offered throughout April school vacation and National Park Weeks from April 13 to 27, 2013. Admission is free.
February 28, 2013
American Poster Art: 100 Years of War and Politics
“I Want You for the US Army” may be the single most memorable poster made in United States history. This picture of Uncle Sam in his red, white, and blue top hat with his finger pointing directly at the viewer, calls forth strong emotions. Helen Casey, owner of Posters, Inc., will explain how posters sway the masses in an engaging program on Saturday, March 16th at 1:30pm. The event is free to the public. The snow date will be Saturday, March 23 at 1:30pm.
February 04, 2013
Connecting Youth to Local Heritage
Are you looking for fun, family-focused activities during school vacation week? Do you like history, art, or technology? Would you like to learn more about the Nation’s first federal armory and the many people who were responsible for its success? Then the Junior Ranger program awaits you! After completing entertaining and educational activities, participants will receive an official Junior Ranger badge, a certificate, and other fun surprises. All activities are offered from 9am to 5pm, February 16 - 23, 2013. Admission is free.
January 14, 2013
A Murder of Crows at Springfield Armory NHS
Experience a different side of Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Step outside the Museum and see hundreds of American Crows roosting in the trees. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton MA, is partnering with Springfield Armory NHS in a two part program about the fascinating behavior of American crows. Patti Steinman, Education Program Director at the Sanctuary will lead the event on Sunday, February 10, from 3pm to 6pm. Admission is free.
December 17, 2012
Rebellion at the Springfield Arsenal
Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates the anniversary of the failed January 1787 attempt by armed rebels to seize the Springfield Arsenal during Shays’s Rebellion, one of the most significant and tragic moments in the history of the United States. Park Ranger Richard Colton will introduce visitors to Daniel Shays and his rebels. The program will take place in the Museum theatre on Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm and admission is free.
November 21, 2012
Charles Dickens, Springfield Armory, and Christmas in the City of Homes
Charles Dickens, one of the most famous novelists of all time, visited Springfield twice in his lifetime. The first was the same year he authored the cherished work, A Christmas Carol. The second was for a performance of his one-man show developed from the same book. The topics of Charles Dickens, Springfield Armory, and Christmas in Springfield, the City of Homes, will be the subject of a presentation by local historian Fran Gagnon, STCC professor Kit Polga, and Park historian Richard Colton. Join us for this fascinating talk on Saturday, December 1st at 1:30pm. Admission is free.
November 05, 2012
Skinner Silk Talk
“Skinner Silk: A Look at 19th Century Industrial Holyoke” will be the topic of a program at Springfield Armory National Historic Site. The one-hour talk on William Skinner, his family, and flourishing silk manufacturing business in Holyoke will take place on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 1:30pm. Penni Martorell, Curator of Collections at Wistariahurst Museum, is the guest speaker. The program is FREE.
October 23, 2012
Shedding Light on Springfield
On Friday, November 2nd at 1:30pm, Associate Professor Donald Linebaugh will tell the fascinating story of a one-of-a-kind invention, the Springfield Gas Machine. Assisted by Park Historian, Richard Colton, visitors will learn of Springfield Armory employee, John Barker, inventor of the Springfield Gas Machine. Linebaugh will be available for a book signing following his presentation. Admission is free.
October 15, 2012
Troiani Brings Civil War to Life
On Saturday, October 27th at 1:30pm, noted historical military illustrator and artist, Don Troiani, and Park Historian, Richard Colton, weave a tapestry of understanding by viewing dramatic Civil War paintings and Springfield Armory Civil War period weaponry.
Admission is FREE.
July 06, 2012
BIG BAND BASH AT SPRINGFIELD ARMORY NHS
Springfield Armory National Historic Site recreates the big band era with a free outdoor concert by the 14-piece O-Tones Big Band on Saturday, July 21st. The Big Band “bash” includes exciting activities that feature swing dance lessons at 5:30pm, two 1940’s dance routines, and the O-Tones Big Band concert from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
June 26, 2012
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DEBUTS NOVEL AT ARMORY DAY
Springfield, Massachusetts in the year 1800 and, specifically, the Springfield Armory are brought to life in Elaine Marie Cooper’s newly released novel The Legacy of Deer Run. The final book in the Deer Run Saga will receive its official launch on Armory Day, when Cooper speaks and does two book signings on Sunday, July 1st at Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
June 20, 2012
ARMORY DAY 2012 TAKES FLIGHT
Armory Day 2012 will take on a new focus and look from Armory Days of the past. While still honoring the unique history of this National Historic Site, Sunday, July 1st 10am to 4pm will be especially kid and family-friendly to include museum and grounds' tours, Revolutionary and Civil War-era music, kite flying, costumed mascots, live-actor skits, and children's book-signing. All events are free.
April 09, 2012
National Parks Are Closer Than You Think
From Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 29, 2012, Springfield Armory National Historic Site rolls out the red carpet with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Events will showcase the nearly 400 National Parks across America. Admission is free at all National Park Sites all week long.
March 19, 2012
The Greening of Springfield
Perhaps most residents of Springfield do not realize that two particular men, both of whom were employees of the Springfield Armory – Edward Ingersoll and Stanhope Blunt -- were instrumental in the creation of the City’s parks and open space. On Saturday, May 5, historian Frances Gagnon will introduce the public to Armory leaders and workers from past centuries who were responsible for many of the parks that enrich Springfield to this day. The program will take place in the theatre of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Admission is free.
March 05, 2012
Vacation at Springfield Armory NHS this April, 2012
Families can experience an array of indoor and outdoor programs during spring vacation week at Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Activities, tours, and special programs await visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 16 to Saturday, April 21, 2012. Admission is free.
February 13, 2012
THE U.S. 94th ARMY BAND ROCKS IN FREE CONCERT
The U.S. 94th Army Rock Band will perform a free public concert featuring Top 10 Chart Busters from the last three decades. The event is scheduled on Saturday, March 24th from 7:30pm – 9:00pm. Hosted by Springfield Armory National Historic Site, the concert will take place in the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Theatre, Building 2 (Scibelli Hall). The college is located at the corner of State and Federal streets in Springfield.
February 13, 2012
WOWs (Women Ordnance Workers) to the Rescue!
Filling the shoes of men who left for wartime military service through the 20th century, thousands of women hammered steel and shaped wood into Springfield Armory’s famous rifles. Springfield Armory National Historic Site honors the service of these women during a special presentation in the museum theatre on Saturday, March 24th from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Admission is free.
January 22, 2012
Shays Talk Rescheduled
Due to inclement weather on Saturday, January 21st, the lecture and kiosk introduction of Shays’s Rebellion will take place this upcoming Saturday, January 28th at the same time as originally scheduled from 1:30pm – 2:30pm at Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
January 06, 2012
Activities Abound for Youths and Families during February School Vacation
From February 18 – 25, 2012, activities at Springfield Armory NHS will focus on youth. Numerous indoor and outdoor programs for individuals and small groups are scheduled each day. All activities are free, and each participant will receive a gift.
December 21, 2011
225th Anniversary of Shays Rebellion
On Saturday, January 21st, 2012, from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, Richard Colton, Park Ranger, will introduce the public to a new, interactive kiosk that explores Shays' Rebellion, which occurred 225 years ago. In addition, he will deliver an informative program on Shays and his rebels. The program will take place in the park theatre and is free and open to the public.
December 08, 2011
More than a Gun Museum
The bookshelves of the giftshop at Springfield Armory National Historic Site contain numerous cookbooks with vintage recipes from pre-Revolutionary War to more modern times.
November 23, 2011
CHRISTMAS AT THE ARMORY – FROM OBSERVANCE TO CELEBRATION
On Saturday, December 3rd from 1:30pm – 2:30pm, local historian Frances Gagnon will deliver a presentation about the the important role Springfield Armory played in the Springfield community's celebration of Christmas.
August 27, 2011
POSTPONED: AUGUST 27, 2011 CONCERT
The free concert by the United States 94th Army Rock Band, originally scheduled to perform on Saturday, August 27th from 6pm – 8pm at Springfield Armory National Historic Site (NHS), has been postponed due to weather and the impending threat of Hurricane Irene.
August 22, 2011
FINAL FREE SUMMER 2011 CONCERT AT SPRINGFIELD ARMORY NHS
Hosted by Springfield Armory National Historic Site, the US 94th Army Rock Band will perform two hours of rock music on the outdoor stage on the grounds of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) from 6 to 8pm on August 24, 2011.
July 04, 2011
POPPIN’ BIG BAND CELEBRATION
An evening of music and dance in salute to Benny Goodman's 1943 concerts in Springfield will take place with two free music concert and dance show on Saturday, July 9, 2011.
June 03, 2011
Tornado Cleanup and Operations Update
On Wednesday, June 1, at least one tornado touched down in the city of Springfield and surrounding communities. Springfield Armory National Historic Site sustained no damage. Springfield Armory NHS will be closed until Monday, June 6.
May 18, 2011
Coast Guard Dixieland Concert 2011
On Saturday, June 11, the U.S. Coast Guard Dixieland Band will play a free concert on the grounds of Springfield Armory National Historic Site and National Historic Landmark.
May 09, 2011
2ND CONTINENTAL DRAGOONS RIDE INTO SPRINGFIELD IN FULL REGALIA
No abstract supplied.
May 09, 2011
AFRICAN-AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOLDIER IS REMEMBERED
No abstract supplied.
May 09, 2011
TYLER MILLETT, MINNECHAUG STUDENT IS WEEKEND REENACTMENT CORPORAL
Tyler Millett, Minnechaug High School Junior, will portray a Corporal in the 10th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during Armory Day at Springfield Armory National Historic Site on May 14, 2011 from 1pm to 5pm.
May 09, 2011
WEEKEND PASTRY CHEF
No abstract supplied.
May 04, 2011
Armory Day 2011
No abstract supplied.
March 29, 2011
National Parks Week 2011
Springfield Armory National Historic Site offers fun activities for kids and families during National Parks Week, April 16-24, 2011.
March 10, 2011
The Springfield Armory WOWs
On March 26, 2011, Springfield Armory National Historic Site will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of National Women's History Day with a special program honoring the contributions of women at Springfield Armory during the First and Second World Wars
