Springfield historian Frances Gagnon will lead a walking tour of the area around St. Michael’s Cathedral on Saturday, September 10, from 10:30 am-noon.

Gagnon will describe how the neighborhood in the area of State and Elliot streets was affected as a parish church developed into the cathedral and the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.  Elliot Street, which was opened in 1859, became a very fashionable district as the church grew. Gagnon will point out landmarks along the street and also discuss structures which are no longer standing, such as the old St. Michael’s School and Hall, and the St. Joseph’s Mother House.     

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.

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