Description

Join Springfield Armory National Historic Site and the Friends of Springfield Armory September 7 and 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as we celebrate the stories of former Armory workers. The weekend of free activities and programs explores the history of labor at the Armory and in Springfield and surrounding communities. Worker Weekend 2024 brings focus on honoring the workers of the Armory, which was in operation from 1794 to 1968 and has deep roots in Springfield. Both days will offer hands-on family activities, historical craft demonstrations such as blacksmithing and tool making, blank firing demonstrations, and special talks and tours. In addition, Saturday, September 7th will feature a WWII era big band music concert with the Heritage Pops Orchestra from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday will feature programming about victory gardens, Women Ordnance Workers, researching your own family history, and a live interview with a former Armory engineer. A reception at 2:30, after the interview, will be held and people are encouraged to bring stories and photos of family members who worked at the Armory to share as part of the celebration. All events are free and open to the public.