Join us for an enlightening virtual lecture as we delve into the rich history of women’s education in Springfield, Massachusetts. We’ll explore private institutions such as The Elms and MacDuffie, as well as the challenges and triumphs faced by women seeking access to quality education in the city’s public schools. From the struggles for equal funding and resources to the efforts to integrate schools and promote diversity, we’ll uncover the stories of the women who fought tirelessly for educational equity while looking at some of Springfield’s lost schools such as Chestnut Middle School, Buckingham Junior High, and The Technical High School.

We’ll also explore the evolution of special education in Springfield, tracing its origins from early efforts to provide specialized instruction for students with disabilities to the development of comprehensive programs aimed at meeting the diverse needs of all learners including Three Rivers, Springfield’s only residential treatment program housed in a historic building. We’ll highlight the contributions of pioneering educators and advocates who have worked to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has access to a meaningful and inclusive education.

This virtual lecture will take place on the Springfield Preservation Trust Facebook Page at facebook.com/PreserveSpringfield.

The Springfield Preservation Trust celebrates Women’s History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.