Our Museums strive to provide safe, welcoming space for insight, connection, inspiration and—sometimes—revelation. In order to meet our communities’ needs, we must continue to work and celebrate as partners. This funding will help us achieve many positive connections. —Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums
The Springfield Museums announces the receipt of two state earmarks for fiscal year 2022. The first is $100,000 in support of a Latinx Arts Festival and permanent Latinx exhibit, sponsored by Representative Carlos Gonzales and the Springfield House of Representatives Delegation. The second is $100,000 in support of ongoing literacy programing and studies at Ted’s House and Innovation Center, Dr. Seuss’s childhood home. This earmark was sponsored by Senator Eric Lesser and Senator Adam Gomez.
The Museums will host a ceremonial check passing, Friday, May 6 at 12:30 pm at the Wood Museum of Springfield History. The funds are an allocation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are dedicated to expanding the Museums’ capacity for community connection and celebration.
Working together with Representative Gonzales and the Springfield Delegation, the Museums will assemble a community advisory committee to prepare for a Latinx Arts Festival in Fall 2023, said Simpson. “We hope to work together with many community partners to share a vibrant experience that will be valued as an annual event by all.”
Funding will also be used to create a permanent exhibit in the Wood Museum of Springfield History that will explore the Latinx community of Springfield.
The funding for Ted’s House and Innovation Center will help the Museums complete needed updates to the house and grounds to allow for ongoing literacy explorations by scholars, artists, and writers at 74 Fairfield Street, Dr. Seuss’s childhood home.
“This earmark sponsored by Senator Lesser and Senator Gomez will allow the Museums to complete the renovations of the historic home into a fully accessible, 21st century enabled innovation hub,” Simpson said. “We hope to house scholars who will continue the legacy of Dr. Seuss, who revolutionized learning to read by making it fun.” The Museums also hope to bring school groups to the home to explore innovation and creativity while also learning about the history of the City of Springfield at the turn of the 20th century.”
