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So what is there to do
Is it worth it?
It's worth the trip. They also have special guided tours upstairs. I think you need a reservation for that part.
If at all possible, get the "special guided" tour. I knew one of the curators a few years ago, and they had to pull me kicking and screaming from the collection upstairs, I could have spent 4-5 days in that one room.
Springfield Armory NHS is FREE and open seven days a week to visit and tour the grounds with its historic buildings, the oldest of which is from 1807, surrounding the old military parade field. Imagine the nation's first national armory as it was in centuries past before it closed in 1968!
The park offers mostly flat walking trails, paved walkways, and historic buildings that may offer challenges to visitors with disabilities.
The Museum, gift shop, and extraordinary collections in the Main Arsenal Building are open for your visit seven days a week: Every day, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: The Museum at Springfield Armory NHS is closed only for the following holidays: New Years; Thanksgiving; and Christmas.
Parking
Vehicular parking is free and located immediately in front of the Museum.
Entrance
A modern straight ramp leads to the automatic door. The inner door, should it be closed, has a doorbell whereby the Information Desk staff will assist you.
Service Animals and Pets
Fully trained service animals are permitted in all park facilities. Pets must be physically restrained at all times. Leashed pets are permitted on all trails throughout the developed areas of the park. Pets are not allowed in the buildings.
Accessible Restrooms
Restrooms in the Museum (presently, the only NPS building open) offer some accommodations. The ease of use will vary and some may require assistance. Adults caring for small children will find changing stations at all restrooms.
Free Wheelchair Loans
A wheelchair is available at the Museum Information Desk for daily use in the area it is obtained and must be returned at least 30 minutes prior to closing time. Borrowers must present a valid identification card.
Individual Ranger-assisted Tours
We look forward to assisting any whose experience may be enhanced by assisting and guiding those visitors who request it. Please allow at least two weeks notification to our staff prior to your expected arrival: phone (413)734-8551. Additional information can be obtained by contacting:
Springfield Armory
National Historic Site
One Armory Square, Ste. 2
Springfield, MA 01105-1299
Telephone: ( 413) 734-8551
Fax #(413) 747-8062
E -mail: SPAR_ Interpretation @ NPS.Gov
Internet: http://www.nps.gov/spar/
I wish I had known this before I visited recently. The downstairs museum is interesting enough and perfectly fine for high school groups, etc... but is lacking a lot when it comes to serious research. The young folks on duty were very enthusiastic and polite, but could not answer any of my questions. On the day I was there, they told me that the resident historian was not available... a further disappointment.It is my understanding that the upstairs is no longer available even for special tours. I have heard two reasons for this:
- Staffing cut-backs, AND
- Some clown during a special tour started handling the guns!!!!! The curators wear white cotton gloves when handling any of these guns, body oils can cause corrosion of the steel.
So, we'll have to settle on a downstairs tour only.