Springfield Armory National Historic Site

You are invited to the Winter Meeting of the Agawam Historical Association as we begin a year of events commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial.

Following the creation of the Continental Army in 1775, General George Washington and his lieutenants organized a system of supply and logistics to support the fledgling American military as it fought for independence. Brigadier General Henry Knox, Chief of Artillery, personally sited a military supply depot at Springfield, Massachusetts early in 1777. Hundreds of enlisted tradesmen poured into town to begin building, repairing, maintaining, and shipping all sorts of military supplies, and Springfield was quickly bustling with activity throughout the American Revolution. Join Springfield Armory National Historic Site Curator Alex MacKenzie as he reveals the hidden stories of the Continental Arsenal at Springfield and the contributions of the region to American independence.

This event is free and open to the public. Contact the Agawam Historical Association for more information: 1855@agawamhistory.org

Alex MacKenzie is a museum professional, author, and historian specializing in U.S. military history, with a focus on small arms development, logistics, and supply. He has authored numerous articles and publications on the technical and industrial history of small arms centered on the Springfield Armory (1777–1968) and is a leading authority on the management and care of historic firearms and ammunition in museum collections. He has developed museum policy for the National Park Service, contributed to publications on collections care, and regularly consults with museums nationwide. He serves as Curator of Collections at Springfield Armory National Historic Site and resides in Belchertown with his wife and two daughters.

Contact the Agawam Historical Association for more information: 1855@agawamhistory.org

— Springfield Armory National Historic Site will host a free, family-friendly commemoration on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12:00–3:00 p.m., marking the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s daring “Noble Train of Artillery.” The event honors the 300-mile winter expedition that brought captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, an achievement that helped secure one of the Continental Army’s earliest strategic victories.

This anniversary program will feature engaging living-history demonstrations and educational experiences that highlight the hardship, ingenuity, and teamwork that defined Knox’s remarkable journey. Visitors will learn how this pivotal mission shaped the opening months of the Revolutionary War and influenced America’s path to independence.

Superintendent Kelly Fellner stated:
“This commemoration is about more than reenactments. It’s about honoring the determination and teamwork that shaped the earliest days of our nation, the contributions of citizens in Springfield and the surrounding towns, and ensuring these stories remain alive for future generations.”

Event Highlights

• Horse- and oxen-drawn cannon sledge demonstration showing how artillery was hauled across icy terrain during the winter of 1775–76.
• Colonial militia interpreters presenting drills, equipment, and camp life.
• Artillery and firearms blank firing demonstrations illustrating 18th-century weapons technology.
• Continental Arsenal in Springfield exhibit exploring the Armory’s foundational role in supporting the Continental Army.

o Historical Ambassadors Kids activities ongoing

o Arsenal Exhibit

o City/Town Banners – Westfield, West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, Palmer, Warren

o DAR/SAR information table

o Army Center for Military History info table

o Boy Scout Council of Western Mass

· 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 – In Armory Museum Theater: “H. Knox…On the Knox Trail” Produced by Jonathan Barkan, video 20 minutes

· 11:00 a.m. Cannon and Muskets firing demonstration

· 11:45 a.m. One Cannon Shot

· 12:00 p.m. - Jonathan Lane Introduce / Welcome Procession of drawn sleds and Knox

o Procession begin in front of Museum and travel around the green – includes horse and oxen sleds or wagons, 25th Cont. Reg. Cranes Artillery, Fyfe and Drum, Boy Scout troop, DAR, Masons, area ROTC, general public

· 12:45 p.m. End procession at Schibelli Hall Auditorium

1:00 p.m. – Schibelli Hall Auditorium

1. WELCOME TO KNOX 250 Jonathan Lane, Executive Director, Revolution250

2. WELCOME TO SPRINGFIELD Mayor Dominic Sarno

3. MEANING & SIGNIFICANCE U.S. Congressman Richard E. Neal

4. INTRODUCTION TO KNOX TRAIL COMMEMORATION VIDEO Robert Allison, Professor of History, Department of History Language, and Global Culture, Suffolk University

5. REMARKS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH

o State Senator Jacob R. Oliveira

o State Senator Adam Gómez

6. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES - Sheila Green, 250th American Revolution Anniversary Coordinator, MA Office of Travel & Tourism

o Westfield - Kathleen Palmer

o West Springfield - Mayor Will Reichelt

o Springfield - Mayor Domenic Sarno

o Palmer - Patience Hartley

o Wilbraham - Richard Howell & David Bourcier

o Warren - Town Administrator James Ferrera

7. REFLECTION

o Mary Tedesco, State Regent, Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution

o Holly Stone Blair, Librarian General, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

8. PREVIEW PERFORMANCE - For Love! For Liberty! A new Musical about General Knox Introduction by Kelly Fellner, Superintendent, Springfield Armory NHS

After Ceremony Museum and Grounds

· 2:15 – Musket and Canon firing demonstration

· 2:30 - Springfield Rifles Rugby Club pull the sled challenge

· 2:45 p.m. – Fyfe and Drum send off

· 3:00 p.m. - Cannon demonstration

Join Boston National Historical Park ranger Patrick Boyce in examining one of the most consequential and mythologized battles in US history: the Battle of Bunker Hill. In two short hours of gunfire on the heights of Charlestown, the stakes of the Revolutionary War would be unalterable changed. This program explores how Boston's unique geography, the personalities of key leaders, and the employment of 18th Century military tactics, all contributed to what Abigail Adams termed "the Decisive Day" on which the fate of America would depend.

On October 17, an entire British army surrendered for the first time in remote upstate New York. Discover how the American Northern Army successfully stopped a British invasion from Canada during the Saratoga Campaign of 1777.  Garrett Cloer, Program Manager for Interpretation and Visitor Experience at Saratoga National Historical Park joins us to discuss one of the pivotal moments of the Revolutionary War.

Please join us as discuss a history of the Knox Trail with Jonathan Barkan and Ben Haley. 50 years ago, Barkan created a slide show of the 1976 Knox Trail re-enactment and in honor of the 250th Anniversary, he updated it and created a new digital slide show with an updated soundtrack and narration. Haley works for the Massachusetts State Historical Commission and has lectured extensively on the history of the markers and memorials along the Knox Trail. 

It is May 2, 1775 and Rachel Revere has only heard from her
beloved husband Paul once since his legendary midnight ride on
the 18th of April. Still isolated from one another due to the Siege
of Boston, Rachel desperately tries to create a plan to safely take
her children: six step-children from Paul’s first marriage and a
newborn baby of their own, from the reach of the British
Regular Army in Boston. In this program, you will help Rachel
as she carefully considers the dangers and demands of each
plan. Find out if Rachel is successful in her perilous mission to
unite her family amidst the wake of an American Revolution.

Join Springfield Armory NHS Curator Alex MacKenzie as he delves into the beginnings of the Arsenal and the City of Springfield during the Revolutionary War.

In partnership with Springfield Preservation Trust, join ranger Carl on this walking tour of the historical hill shops, back to the time when it was an active Armory. Learn more about the historical use of the buildings, the people that worked here, and the manufacturing process. 

Join us as we get the garden ready for the season and "Dig For Victory". Help us plant the garden, complete a Junior Victory Gardener Activity booklet, learn about rationing during WWII and more.