Springfield Preservation Trust

Mattoon Street Arts Festival Day 2
2023-09-10 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | 45 Mattoon Street Springfield, MA
Join the Springfield Preservation Trust at the 50th Annual Mattoon Streets Art Festival, which gathers more than 90 exhibitors, food vendors, strolling musicians, and community organizations and non-profits, like us! We’ll be debuting the 2024 City of Homes Calendar, which features the Forest Park Heights Historic District. Come by and learn about historic preservation, Springfield’s Most Endangered Historic Resources List, and how you can get involved to preserve and protect Springfield’s unique and important historic buildings. Plus, enjoy the historical beauty of Mattoon Street—the only street in Springfield to feature Victorian row houses on both sides of the street.
These homes date in the 1870s and 1880s and are in the heart of Springfield’s Quadrangle–Mattoon Street Historic District. Lined with herringbone brick sidewalks, London Plane trees, and cast iron street lights, Mattoon Street is a historic district unlike any other in the region, evoking scenes of Boston’s Beacon Hill and Back Bay neighborhoods. Come visit us and see the true excellence of architectural craftsmanship on Mattoon Street.

Forest Park Heights Historic District: Second Saturday Walking Tour
2023-09-09 10:30 - 12:00
Join local historian Derek Strahan on a walking tour of the Forest Park Heights Historic District neighborhood. The tour will focus on the homes on the southern side of Sumner Avenue, with an emphasis on the variety of architectural styles within the neighborhood. The tour will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Florentine Gardens circle, and will last approximately 1.5 hours. The tour route is about 1.5 miles in length, on mostly level ground.

On-street parking is available on the neighborhood streets. Please be sure to not block driveways or fire hydrants.

The Second Saturday Walking Tour series is co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums and is sponsored by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Mattoon Street Arts Festival
2023-09-09 10:00 - 16:00 | 45 Mattoon Street Springfield, MA

Annual Historic House Garden Party Fundraiser
2023-08-20 13:00 - 16:00 | 48 Park Edge Avenue, 48 Park Edge Avenue, Springfield, CT, United States
Join us for the Springfield Preservation Trust’s Annual Garden Party Fundraiser, featuring music, hors d’oeuvres, wine, beverages, and a gorgeous garden setting, courtesy of homeowners and hosts Vana Nespor and Alfred Whitehouse at 48 Park Edge Avenue in Forest Park Heights Historic District. This event will take place on August 20 from 1 -4 pm. Please buy your tickets through Eventbrite.
From voluminous hydrangea to healing echinacea, the flowers, herbs, and green-thumb prowess displayed in these gardens will have you dreaming that summer never ends.
Support the Springfield Preservation Trust in its mission to preserve and protect properties in Springfield, Massachusetts which have architectural, historic, educational, or general cultural significance—including properties such as this one!—by attending our Annual Garden Party Fundraiser this year!

Springfield Food History Second Saturday Walking Tour
2023-08-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Curious about food history in Springfield? Come learn about the city’s delicious past—and taste a bit of the beauty along the way!’
Join James Johnson, Executive Vice President of Springfield Preservation Trust, on the August Second Saturday Walking Tour. This walking tour will leave from Springfield Museums on August 12 at 10:30 am and be filled with historic buildings of restaurants and local attractions. Additionally, there will be extra surprises on this tour for each visitor—if you want to learn what those might be then you must attend the tour! This walking tour departs from the Springfield Museums.
The tour is free for Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums members, and is $5 for non-members, payable at the outset of the tour.
The Second Saturday Walking Tour series is co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums, and is sponsored by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Second Saturday Springfield Art Walking Tour
2023-07-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
On July 8, Bob McCarroll, board member of the Springfield Preservation Trust since its establishment, will lead the Springfield Art Walking Tour, which will explore historic works of art scattered throughout Downtown. The tour will depart at 10:30 a.m. from Springfield Museums.
This walking tour departs from the Springfield Museums. The tour is free for Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums members, and is $5 for non-members, payable at the outset of the tour.
The Second Saturday Walking Tour series is co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums, and is sponsored by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Historic Homes Tour & Social in Forest Park Heights Historic District
2023-06-25 13:00 - 18:00 | 73 Washington Rd, Springfield, MA 01108, 73 Washington Rd, Springfield, MA, 01108, United States
Tour historic homes in Springfield’s Forest Park Heights Historic District, then enjoy hors d’oeuvres, music, and libations at the post-tour social.
Springfield Preservation Trust is excited to announce the return of its annual Historic Homes Tour, taking place this year in the Forest Park Heights Historic District.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 1:00-4:00pm, followed by a social gathering at 73 Washington Rd, from 4:00-6:00pm, where hors d’oeuvres and libations will be served and multiple live entertainment acts will entertain.
Homes & structures that will be featured include:

70 Bellevue Avenue
83 Magnolia Terrace
23 Washington Road
68 Washington Road
361 Sumner Avenue (Trinity Church)
4 Garfield Street (Straitway to Heaven Church)
73 Washington Road (post-tour social location)

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the striking beauty of these historic homes and structures, on the inside and out.
This year, the tour will focus on the Forest Park Heights Historic District, one of the largest local historic districts in Massachusetts. Abutting Springfield’s 735-acre Forest Park, from which it gets its name, the neighborhood features 600 homes that reflect the most popular styles from the 1890s to the 1920s. Forest Park Heights received its local historic district designation in 1975 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The neighborhood is touted for its proximity to Forest Park, which features walking trails, playing fields, a zoo, lakes, ponds, and more—and also hosts Bright Nights at Forest Park, the northeast’s premier annual holiday lighting experience.
Past historic homes tours have opened hundreds of homes, showcased the wonderful neighborhoods of Springfield, and even encouraged people to buy homes in the city. Previous tours have included homes in Colony Hills (2019), Atwater Park (2018), Maple Street (2017), and McKnight (2016). The tour was canceled in 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tickets are $45 (tour+social), $35 (social-only), and $15 (tour-only) for SPT members, and $55 (tour+social), $40 (social-only), and $20 (tour-only). All tour proceeds support the Springfield Preservation Trust’s mission of preserving and protecting properties in Springfield which have architectural, historic, educational, or general cultural significance.
The Historic Homes Tour & Social are made possible by sponsors and ticket sales, as well as by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

70 Bellevue Avenue (Photo courtesy Springfield Preservation Trust / Jeff Morgan)

83 Magnolia Terrace (Photo courtesy Springfield Preservation Trust / Derek Strahan)

23 Washington Road (Photo courtesy Springfield Preservation Trust / Michelle Langan)

68 Washington Road (Photo courtesy Springfield Preservation Trust / Michelle Langan)

361 Sumner Avenue, Trinity Church (Photo courtesy Springfield Preservation Trust / Michelle Langan)

4 Garfield Street, Straitway to Heaven Church (Photo courtesy of Springfield Preservation Trust / Michelle Langan)

73 Washington Road (Photo courtesy Springfield Preservation Trust / Michelle Langan)

The Underground Railroad in Springfield, presented with PAHMUSA
2023-06-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Tower Square, 1500 Main Street, Springfield
Visit locations and meet people that salute the perseverance, ingenuity, and resilience of some of Springfield’s unsung early residents. The Underground Railroad was comprised of many people and places—Springfield was an important destination for freedom seekers and activists like Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and John Brown.
Join the Springfield Preservation Trust, in partnership with the Pan African Historical Museum USA (PAHMUSA) for this Second Saturday Walking Tour. Special thank you to PAHMUSA Executive Director Sam Bradley for leading the organization and research of this tour.
This walking tour departs from the Tower Square. Docents will meet you at the Main Street entrance and guide you to the tour. The tour is free.
The Second Saturday Walking Tour series is co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums, and is sponsored by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.

Carriage House at the Barney Estate in Forest Park Second Saturday Walking Tour
2023-05-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Carriage House at the Barney Estate, Route 5, Springfield, MA, United States
The May 13th walking tour will be presented by John Bilodeau who will give a tour of the Carriage House at the Barney Estate. The Second Saturday walking tour will be at the Carriage House at the Barney Estate in celebration of the 140th Anniversary of the Springfield Park Department, join us for the Second Saturday Walking Tour of The Carriage House at the Barney Estate in Forest Park. Please enter through the Route 5 entrance, say you are there for the Carriage House and they should give you a ticket. Then proceed to the parking area and once you park the car please meet the guide at white tent. Parking is free for attendees of the tour.
Guests will learn the fascinating history behind the carriage house, built during the Victorian era. Once an integral part of the vast estate of inventor and philanthropist Everett Hosmer Barney, the carriage house is one of the only original structures still standing on the grounds. The Carriage House was built in 1890 and has been lovingly restored and reinvented. Its timeless charm and beauty is something to behold. The Second Saturday Walking Tours season is sponsored by Mass Cultural Council, Springfield Cultural Council, and the Springfield Museums.
This tour will be free. The tour group will start at the Carriage House at the Barney Estate at 10:30 AM on May 13 and leave promptly to start the tour.
Brought to you by the City of Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management. The Second Saturday Walking Tour series is co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums, and is sponsored by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.
Park Instructions: Come in through the Route 5 entrance

How to Save a House: Pathways to Preservation
2023-04-27 19:00 - 20:00
How do you save a property from the wrecking ball or insensitive alterations? There is a large toolbox available to would-be preservationists, but it takes forward thinking to ensure a house survives into the future. We will cover the menu of options available to protect properties: the National Register, historic districts, preservation easements, and more! We’ll discuss how these tools differ from one another and when you should consider each.
This is a virtual lecture that will be broadcast through Facebook Live on April 27 at 7pm. This virtual lecture will be presented by Historic New England Senior Preservation Services Manager Dylan Peacock.

Great Houses of the McKnight Historic District (Walking Tour)
2023-04-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Thompson Triangle, Springfield, MA, 01105, United States
Join us for the “Great Houses of the McKnight Historic District” walking tour, part of our Second Saturday Walking Tour series.
The McKnight Neighborhood contains 800 homes and was developed from 1870-1900 by the McKnight Brothers. The city’s first Street Car suburb, it is still the largest intact wood frame Victorian neighborhood in New England.
Participants will learn about the history and architecture of the McKnight neighborhood and see some of the great houses that led to Springfield being called “The City Of Homes.” We will wander down Dartmouth Terrace, Worthington Street, Ingersoll Grove, and parts of Florida and Bowdoin Streets. These areas developed in the 1880s feature some of the biggest, most grand houses built in the neighborhood.
The tour will be conducted by Jim Boone, who is a long-time Springfield Preservation Trust Board Member and boasts 47 years of residency in the McKnight neighborhood. The tour begins at Thompson Triangle, the intersection of Worthington St and Saint James Ave.
The Second Saturday Walking Tour series is co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums, and is sponsored by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.

Introducing the 2023 Most Endangered Historic Resources List (Virtual Lecture)
2023-03-23 19:00 - 20:30
Join the Springfield Preservation Trust, as we review this year’s Most Endangered Historic Resources List.
The 2023 Most Endangered Historic Resources List highlights historic properties in immediate danger of demolition or disrepair. The purpose of this list is to make public notice of important properties worth saving, through actions such as advocacy or redevelopment. The Trust’s hope is that individuals or organizations experienced or interested in historic preservation will take interest in acquiring and restoring these iconic and important properties, which add character and vibrancy to our city.
Join Springfield Preservation Trust’s Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator Kira Holmes in the unveiling of this list, first released to the public at our 2023 Annual Meeting on February 26th. This virtual lecture may be viewed through Facebook Live on March 23, at 7:00 – 8:30pm.

Preservation Massachusetts: Historic Preservation at the State Level—Who We Are and What We Do (Virtual Lecture)
2023-02-28 19:00 - 20:30
With a mission founded on the principles of education, advocacy, and empowerment, Preservation Massachusetts works collaboratively in all 351 cities and towns across the Commonwealth to promote the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes as a positive force for economic development and the retention of community character. Join Preservation Massachusetts staff members Stacia Caplanson and Joe Ritter to learn more about Preservation Massachusetts’ projects and collaborations, and discover how they advocate for a better understanding, appreciation, and utilization of Massachusetts’ historic built and natural landscapes in communities just like yours.
This is a virtual lecture, taking place on Facebook Live. RSVP on Facebook.

Annual Meeting 2023
2023-02-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Overland Lofts Springfield, MA, 151 Chesnut Street, Springfield, MA, United States
The Springfield Preservation Trust (SPT) will hold its 50th Annual Meeting at the former Willys-Overland building at 151-157 Chestnut Street on February 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

The meeting will be open to SPT members and the public and will feature an overview of the past year, election of the board of directors, release of the 2022 Annual Report, a look at the year to come, and the announcement of the 2023 Most Endangered Historic Resources List.

The program will feature:

Year in Review, by President Derek Strahan
Introducing the 2023 Most Endangered List, by Kira Holmes
The Year Ahead, by Erica Swallow & James Johnson
Historic Preservation & Redevelopment in Springfield, by Charles Irving, President of Davenport Companies

Attendees must pre-register by February 24 by emailing info@springfieldpreservation.org.

Parking: Use the Worthington Street parking lot adjacent to the building or look for an on-site space (meters are free on the weekend).

"Lost Colonial-Era Buildings" Virtual Lecture
2023-01-19 19:00 - 20:30
The Josiah Dwight House, featured in an article in this newsletter, was one of the many important historic buildings that once stood in Springfield. Join Springfield historian Derek Strahan for a virtual lecture as he explores the history and photographs of some of the other lost colonial-era buildings from Springfield’s past. The lecture will take place on January 19 at 7 p.m. by Facebook Live.

Free Springfield Museums Admission for SPT Members
2023-01-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
All day on January 14 members of Springfield Preservation Trust members may visit Springfield Museums. Visit the 2022 SPT Preservation Awards a collaborative exhibit between SPT and Springfield Museums in the Wood Museum and then explore the other museums. Show your membership card or membership confirmation receipt at the admission desk in the Welcome Center to receive free admission. Thank you Springfield Museums for this partnership and membership perk for SPT members.

BID's Holiday Market
2022-12-21 11:00 - 15:00
Today, The 2023 City of Homes calendar will be sold at BID’s Holiday Market on Dec. 21. This is the last opportunity to buy and have your calendar for the holiday. Visit Tower Square from 11a.m. – 3 p.m today, and buy a $15 calendar. If you buy a calendar online at this point https://springfieldpreservation.org/2023-calendar/ it will not arrive till after Dec. 25.

McKnight Historic District Second Saturday Walking Tour
2022-10-18 08:00 - 17:00
On November 12, Jim Boone will lead a free tour at 10:30 a.m. The tour will start at Thompson Triangle, intersection of Worthington and Saint James Ave. This area which contains 800 homes, was developed from 1870-1900 by the McKnight Brothers. If you want to buy a 2023 City of Homes,which is featuring the McKnight Historic District, please bring $15 in cash. The SPT walking tours this season are sponsored by the Springfield Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council.

"Voices from the Grave" Cemetery Tour 2022
2022-10-16 13:00 - 14:00
The Springfield Preservation Trust’s 9th historic cemetery tour, “Voices from the Grave” will take place at Springfield Cemetery on Sunday, October 16, 2022. On October 16, groups led by docents will visit graves of interesting cemetery residents where costumed interpreters will speak about that person. Hour-long walking tours will depart every fifteen minutes starting at 1:00PM at Springfield Cemetery, 171 Maple Street. The last tour will be at 2:00 PM. Members of Trust will purchase a ticket for $12, and non-members will purchase a ticket for $15. Please buy online tickets here Voices From The Grave: Cemetery tours 2022 – Springfield Preservation Trust as available till October 15. Then if any spots are available on October 16 it is first come first serve at Springfield Cemetery.
This year we are concentrating our efforts in the area of the cemetery that has some of the oldest graves. The graves along Pine Street (many with monuments carved in brownstone) were originally located downtown, between the Old First Church and the Connecticut River. Railroad construction in that area required the removal of over 500 graves to the new cemetery off of Maple Street.

Successes and Losses of the Most Endangered List
2022-10-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
On October 8, Kira Holmes will lead the Second Saturday walking tour at 10:30 a.m. The tour is titled Successes and Losses of the Most Endangered List. Some of the buildings on this tour might have started before the SPT Most Endangered List. The tour will depart from Springfield Museums. Pay in person at Springfield Museum for $5 if you are not an SPT or Springfield Museums member. The SPT walking tours this season are sponsored by the Springfield Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council.

Buy a 2023 City of Homes Calendar
2022-09-15 - 2023-01-23
2023 SPT “City of Homes” Calendar is on sale now. Buy it online at 2023 Calendar – Springfield Preservation Trust .
The calendar is a great way to highlight Springfield’s wonderful built environment and to encourage preservation efforts in our city. Each year we feature a different theme and this year will highlight our McKnight historic district.

Springfield's Gilded Age: Art and Architecture Walking Tour
2022-09-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Springfield’s Gilded Age: Art and Architecture by Guy McLain on Sept.10, 10:30am-12pm. It will depart from Springfield Museums. If you are not a member of SPT or Springfield Museums then please pay $5 to Springfield Museums on September 10. This tour will explore art and architecture from the gilded age of Springfield. Thank you, Mass Cultural Council and Springfield Cultural Council for sponsoring the Second Saturday Walking Tours!

Mattoon Street Arts Festival
2022-09-10 - 2022-09-11 | 45 Mattoon Street Springfield, MA
Come visit SPT at the Mattoon Street Arts Festival on Sept. 10 and 11. SPT will be there Sept. 10, 10am-5pm and Sept. 11, 10am-4pm. SPT will be selling its 2023 City of Homes Calendar. The Springfield Preservation Trust provides a number of resources related to historic preservation in Springfield and hopes these resources help to advance the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Springfield’s historic places.

2022 Preservation Awards Nominations Close
2022-09-06
Nominations for restored buildings will be accepted until September 6th. The Trust will be accepting nominations for buildings that have been restored since summer 2021. After you send the nomination please send images of the building(s) nominated to info@springfieldpreservation.org. If you have any questions please contact the Trust at advocacy@springfieldpreservation.org.
Springfield Preservation Trust plans to host the Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony in November 2022. This ceremony will honor individuals and organizations that have helped restore and preserve historic places in Springfield. Please nominate your or someone else’s building or home here. https://springfieldpreservation.org/preservationawards/ . Visit springfieldpreservation.org/preservationawards to see examples of winners from previous years

Hiding in Plain Sight Walking Tour
2022-08-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Hiding in Plain Sight by Bob McCarroll on August 13, 10:30am-12pm. It will depart from Springfield Museums. If you are not a member of SPT or Springfield Museums then please pay $5 to Springfield Museums on August 13. No registration necessary. This tour will explore the older buildings behind newer facades. Thank you, Mass Cultural Council and Springfield Cultural Council for sponsoring the Second Saturday Walking Tours!

"Springfield's Lost Riverfront" Walking Tour
2022-07-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Riverfront Park, Springfield, MA
Springfield’s Lost Riverfront by Derek Strahan on July 9, 10:30am-12pm. The tour will start at Riverfront Park, at the parking lot directly across from the end of State Street. No registration necessary for this free tour. Thank you, Mass Cultural Council and Springfield Cultural Council for sponsoring the Second Saturday Walking Tours!

Underground Railroad Second Saturday Walking Tour
2022-06-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Underground Railroad Tour June 11 at 11am. The tour begins outside of Springfield Museums. If you are a member to Springfield Museums, Springfield Preservation Trust, or PAHMUSA you are free. If not please pay $5 at Springfield Museums. Learn about the history of Springfield’s unsung early residents.

50th Anniversary Celebration | 50 Years of Historic Preservation Advocacy
2022-06-10 18:00 - 21:30 | Carriage House at the Barney Estate, Route 5, Springfield, MA, United States
50th Anniversary Celebration for Springfield Preservation Trust
Springfield Preservation Trust is a non-profit organization that has been advocating for historic Springfield buildings for the past 50 years. The Trust now is bringing back our summer fundraiser with a new twist, our 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Carriage House at the Barney Estate. This event will take place on June 10 at 6pm. There will be appetizers, a cash bar, a free gift, silent auction, fabulous displays of 50 years, activities, an address by former mayor Bob Markel, and desserts.
Tickets are $50 for members and $55 for non-members, and you may register on the Springfield Preservation Trust website at https://springfieldpreservation.org/50-years-of-historic-preservation/ or mail a $50 or $55 check to the office before June 1. If you are unavailable to attend but want to contribute, please feel free to donate by sending a check to the office or buy online under the donation or event ticket category. You will receive a confirmation email if you paid for a member or non-member ticket asking for the first and last name of a guest in your party.
If you would like to sponsor our program, please either buy online through the donation option for $55 or please send a $50 check to Trust’s office by May 27 to be included on the program. If you want to sponsor the program please after you mail or pay online email info@springfieldpreservation.org with you jpeg or png file. Please Celebrate our 50th with us in one of these several amazing ways, and support us in our mission to advocate for Springfield’s historic buildings for the next 50 years!

McKnight Past & Present
2022-04-21 19:00 - 20:00
Developed between 1870 and 1900 by the McKnight Brothers, McKnight is the largest and most intact, wood-frame, late-nineteenth century neighborhood in New England. Jim Boone, long-time resident and Springfield Preservation Trust member, will share photos and interesting facts about the rich history of the neighborhood. This virtual presentation will take place on April 21 at 7pm on Facebook Live on the Springfield Preservation Trust Facebook page.

"Demystifying Historic Preservation" Virtual Lecture
2022-03-24 19:00 - 20:00
The third virtual lecture will be by Raipher Pellegrino. Attorney Pellegrino has a long history of redeveloping and repurposing older structures often of historical significance. He has renovated numerous residential properties in Springfield. His lecture will explore Springfield examples of historic preservation. To watch the program please go to the Springfield Preservation Facebook page March 24 on Facebook Live at 7pm. Learn more about SPT on our website https://springfieldpreservation.org.
Thank you for your support and stay safe. We look forward to seeing you Thursday night for the program!
