At the end of the nineteenth century, the U.S. Armory opened in Springfield, spurring rapid growth. With that golden age of progress came iconic buildings and landmarks that are now lost to time. Railroads brought workers eager to fill Springfield’s factories and enterprises like Smith & Wesson, Merriam Webster and Indian Motocycles. The Massasoit House Hotel, the Church of the Unity and the Daniel B. Wesson mansion once served as symbols of the city’s grandeur. Forest Park grew into an upscale residential neighborhood of Victorian mansions. Join local historian Derek Strahan as he examines the people, events and—most importantly—places that helped shape Springfield, “The City of Firsts.”
Presented by Derek Strahan, author
The audience is invited to bring a lunch to enjoy during the program.
Free coffee available. Cookies provided courtesy of Big Y.
