News Release
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Contact: Kelly Fellner, 413-734-8551
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A team of four young people with local ties are gaining valuable experience working on historic preservation projects in the park. They are currently restoring the historic 1875 fence surrounding the Armory and will be completing various projects through December.
The youth are members of the Student Conservation Association and part of a Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund Maintenance Action Team (MAT). They are receiving on the job training in traditional historic preservation and restoration techniques from skilled employees of the National Park Service Historic Architecture Conservation and Engineering Center who travel to national parks to repair historic structures and train others in the craft.
"The work of the MAT crew is already having a positive impact on park neighbors, community partners, and visitors," said Springfield Armory National Historic Site Superintendent Kelly Fellner. "The investment in the restoration of these historic structures, with youth preservationists taking the lead, enhances the experience for visitors to the site and to Springfield as a tourist destination."
The restoration work began with a full documentation of the historic fabric of the boundary fence along State and Byers streets and the Byers Street Gatehouse. The team will rehabilitate and paint the iron fence and repair the exterior architectural features of the gatehouse, including doors, windows and trim. The wood sash windows of the gatehouse will be removed to undertake repairs. The hardware will be refurbished, and any broken/missing hardware will be replaced to match. Once the doors and windows are repaired, the elements will be primed and painted to match.
GAOA and other construction funding sources are part of a concerted effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors. Approximately $34 million from GAOA is funding hundreds of MAT activities in national parks throughout the country, including Springfield Armory, to address deferred maintenance and repair needs.
ABOUT THE PARK: 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. For updates and further information call (413) 734-8551, check the website at www.nps.gov/spar or go to www.facebook.com/sparnhs.
Last updated: August 18, 2023