Guy McLain, Director of the Springfield History Museums, will lead a walking tour on Saturday, April 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, to discuss the rise and fall of shopping in the city.

In 1906 downtown was anchored by three large department stores and many specialty shops, and continued to prosper well into the 20th century. Industrial decline, coupled with the growth of the suburbs, brought about the demise of this once thriving scene in the late 20th century. McLain’s talk will include a sneak peek inside the new Museum of Springfield History to see an exhibit devoted to this topic.

The tour is part of the Second Saturday Walking Tour series, co-sponsored by the Armoury-Quadrangle Civic Association and the Springfield Museums. Walking tour tickets may be purchased in the museum Welcome Center at 21 Edwards Street on the day of the event. Tickets are free for members of the civic association or of the museums. Tickets for non-members are $5 per person. All proceeds will go toward improvements to the neighborhood. The walking tour ticket will also provide $2 off the price of an adult admission to the Springfield Museums on the day of the tour.

For additional information, call the Armoury-Quadrangle Civic Association at 413.747.1830 or email aqca@kimballtowers.com.