SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Join Springfield Armory National Historic Site and the Friends of Springfield Armory as we celebrate the stories of former Armory workers. Friends and staff will offer a weekend of free activities and programs focusing on labor history highlighting connections with Springfield and surrounding communities September 9 and 10.
“Worker Weekend 2023 marks the beginning of an annual tradition honoring the workers of the Armory, which was in operation from 1797 to 1968 and has deep roots in Springfield," said Superintendent Kelly Fellner. “We are grateful for the efforts of the members of the Friends of Springfield Armory and Jessica Scott, PhD candidate in public history at UMass Amherst. Jesse’s enthusiasm and dedication to the weekend brings our vision to life while helping to connect with members of the community."
Springfield Armory has partnered with the Friends of Springfield Armory to offer Voices of the Armory from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. The community is welcome to share armory memories and be part of the celebration. Activities include a panel discussion with relatives of Springfield Armory employees, sharing memorabilia, ranger-led programs, and refreshments.
Enjoy a special first-person performance Frances Perkins: A Woman’s Work by storyteller Jarice Hanson on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. The performance is free and funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Springfield Cultural Council. Temporary exhibit Frances Perkins: The Woman Behind the New Deal, on loan from the Frances Perkins Center in Newcastle, Maine, will be on display in the museum throughout the weekend.
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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.
Tags: yourparkstory
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service