The Springfield Museums will celebrate the city’s 375th anniversary with a day of activities on Founder’s Day, May 14. Activities will take place from 10 am to 5 pm and are free with admission unless noted. The event is sponsored by People’s United Bank.

• Scavenger Hunt – Learn about things that were invented or made in Springfield; Wood Museum of Springfield History, 10 am-4:45 pm
• Performances – A Peddler's Pack: Traditional Songs and Music from the Pioneer Valley -Using traditional instruments, Jim Douglas and Tim Van Egmond of Yankee Notions will present a concert of folk songs from old Springfield and the surrounding region; 11:30 am-12:15 pm and 1-1:45 pm.
• Re-enactment – Visit with a Civil War Soldier – Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton Village Museum, will dress in period costume and conduct a living history presentation about the daily life of a 6th Massachusetts Volunteer soldier, noon-3 pm.
• Art Activity – Make a medal in honor of Springfield’s 375th, noon-3:45 pm.
• Meet the Cat in the Hat – The iconic character created by Springfield native Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel will be roaming around the Quadrangle; 1 pm-3 pm.
• Special Exhibit – The Founders’ Legacy: Artifacts from Early Springfield, a display of documents and objects from the era of Springfield’s founding in 1636. The exhibit includes Springfield founder William Pynchon’s book, “The Meritorious Price of Our Redemption,” which was the first book to be banned in North America. Copies of the book were burned in Boston’s marketplace in 1650 by the common hangman. The display also includes an iron hinge from Pynchon’s house, his account books, and other rare documents; Wood Museum of Springfield History, May 14-June 5.
• Special Exhibit – Women’s Work: The Untold Story, an exhibition that describes the challenges and accomplishments of a dozen Springfield women from Springfield’s past, including Mary Holyoke, daughter of Springfield’s founder William Pynchon; Wood Museum of Springfield History, through September 25.

Other activities include an “I Spy” scavenger hunt in the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, planetarium shows (additional fee), and hands-on science demonstrations.