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 on 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, a Ph.D. 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.”
They 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 their employees, sharing memorabilia, ranger-led programs, and refreshments.
Enjoy a special first-person performance of Frances Perkins: A Woman’s Work by storyteller Janice Hanson on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. The performance is free and supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Springfield Cultural Council, and In the Spotlight. 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.
