Congressman Neal to Offer “Easter Rising” Talk on April 24
The Springfield Museums are hosting a new exhibit titled Easter Rising: Springfield’s Response to the Irish Rebellion of 1916 at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. The exhibit, which features poster-sized newspaper headlines of the day as well as memorabilia from Springfield residents, explores local reaction to the events of April 14-29, 1916, when Irish Republicans led a revolt aimed at ending British rule and establishing a fully independent Irish Republic. Although the initial revolt was violently suppressed by a massive influx of British troops, which included an artillery and naval bombardment of Dublin, the “Easter Rising” signaled the beginning of what would become the Irish War for Independence.
The exhibit, which is on view through May 22, is part of a series of city-wide events being scheduled in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. On Sunday, April 24 at 1 p.m., a special talk titled “Reflections on the 100th Anniversary of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising with Congressman Richard E. Neal” will take place at the Wood Museum. Having been at the forefront of U.S. – Irish relations for almost 3 decades, Neal brings a unique perspective to the events of April 1916, including a great deal of historical knowledge about Springfield’s Irish population during this time period. The talk is free and open to the public.
The Wood Museum will also be the site of a special reception for visiting dignitaries from Ireland on May 14 at 4:30 p.m., which is free and open to the public. Following a special Remembrance Mass at 6 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral, the public is invited back to the Wood Museum for a special “Fáilte Abhaile (Welcome Home) 1916-2016” event starting at 7:30 p.m., which will feature Irish music celebrating local talent, light fare and a cash bar. Other Easter Rising anniversary events happening around the city will include:
- April 3 – The 1916 Irish Rebellion (Film) 2:00 p.m., Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., Springfield, MA. Documentary film about the Easter Rising narrated by Liam Neeson, and created in conjunction with the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame, WGBY, and The Consulate General of Ireland, Boston.
- April 10 – The Quiet Man (Film), 2:00 p.m., CityStage, One Columbus Center, Springfield, MA. John Ford’s classic 1952 starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, filmed on location in Ireland.
- May 15 – 1916 Remembrance Garden Dedication Ceremony, 11:00 a.m., Forest Park, Springfield, MA. Congressman Richard E. Neal, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, invited dignitaries from Ireland, and representatives of the major local Irish-American organizations will mark the opening of the Remembrance Garden, the first of its kind in the United States (reception at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club following the ceremony).
All events are free and open to the public. More information about Remembrance events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/springfield1916remembrancegarden/?ref=hl