Connecting Youth to Local Heritage

Date: February 4, 2013
Contact: Jennifer Zazo, [phone]

SPRINGFIELD, MA - 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.

In conjunction with Black History Month, school vacation programming will draw on this year's theme, "At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington." To honor our diverse heritage, Junior Rangers can dress up as Armory workers and learn about African Americans who broke through racial barriers to become engineers and line Armory workers or create a WOW fabric doll to honor the spirit of Women Ordnance Workers at the Springfield Armory.

According to Jennifer Zazo, Park Ranger, "The Junior Ranger program grew out of the global awareness of the 1960s with the goal of engaging young people in the unique stories embodied throughout our national parks." Among other activities, Junior Rangers at Springfield Armory NHS can also pose for a photo in Civil War and Park Ranger uniforms as a memento from their visit and the history they explored. Photographs can be taken home for the child to keep.

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is the location of the nation's first armory (1794 - 1968) and was established by George Washington. The site includes historic grounds, buildings, and the world's largest historic American military firearms collection. The park is open daily from 9am - 5pm. There is ample parking and the building is wheelchair accessible. For further information and weather cancelation call 413-734-8551 or check the website at www.nps.gov/spar.

- NPS -