The Spirit of Springfield, organizer of the birthday extravaganza, says it's prepared for the year-long celebration.
Judith A. Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield, the organization responsible for coordinating Springfield's 375th birthday festivities.
When announcing highlights of Springfield's 375th Anniversary Celebration recently, Judith A. Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield -- organizers of the big birthday extravaganza -- was quoted as saying "we have one heck of a plan" for the year-long celebration.
What she didn't say was that it's going to take an army of volunteers to plan, stage, and provide logistics for 12 months' worth of events -- literally.
Like, help from the Massachusetts National Guard.
"We are pleased as an organization to support the city of Springfield in participation with the Spirit of Springfield to celebrate Springfield's 375th Anniversary, and we will be attending in force and supporting every facet of the celebration," said Major General Joseph Carter, adjutant general, of the Massachusetts National Guard.
"Our participation this year is especially significant to us since the Massachusetts National Guard is also celebrating its 375th anniversary," he added.
"For years, the Massachusetts Army National Guard has provided logistical support for the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, but this year they will be participating in an even bigger way," Matt said.
She said the Guard will have a major presence in the 375th Parade on May 14, which will be held after the Pancake Breakfast. Their contingent will include the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, along with various personnel and equipment. Also, Barnes Air Base will be represented with a fire truck, HUM-V and personnel.
Working alongside the National Guard will be a cavalry of high school students from Springfield who are part of the MassMutual Academic Achievers program -- created to provide incentives for students, who have maintained a B average or better for four consecutive marking periods, to continue their academic success.
"What we heard from these students is that they also wanted an opportunity to become more engaged in the community. So with the 375th Anniversary celebration in mind, it was a perfect opportunity to visit Judy (Matt) to offer her as volunteers a great group of students who are doing great things in school and who now want to give back to the community," said Pamela Mathison, community responsibility specialist at MassMutual, who oversees the Academic Achievers program.
Holly Smith-Bove, president of the Springfield Museums, said the organization is "honored to participate in the city's 375th birthday celebration.""We are writing job descriptions for these student scholars who will serve in a variety of capacities, including as escorts for those participating in the parade and the many children who will be singing at the Pancake Breakfast on Birthday Day," Matt said.
In addition to the myriad of volunteers providing logistical support, many area organizations, businesses and nonprofits have stepped up to the plate to hold special 375th Anniversary events for the public to enjoy, Matt said.
One of those helping out with complementary programming will be the Springfield Museums, which have a full-day's schedule of events planned for Birthday Day on May 14, including a scavenger hunt for children to learn more about things invented in Springfield, to sessions on traditional songs and music from the Pioneer Valley, to the opportunity to meet a Civil War soldier.
"The Springfield Museums are honored to participate in the city's 375th Birthday Celebration. Ever since the museums were established more than 150 years ago we have collected artifacts and documents related to Springfield's history," said Holly Smith-Bove, president of the museums.
She noted as part of Founder's Day, the museums will be displaying a rare copy of "The Meritorious Price of Our Redemption," by Springfield's founder, William Pynchon. The book was so controversial in its day that copies were burned in Boston by the hangman.
"We also hope people will come to see the exhibits in our spectacular new Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, which highlights the rich tradition of entrepreneurship and industrial innovation that brought the city into the present," said Smith-Bove.
Also, as part of Birthday Day on May 14, the Springfield Armory has planned a special Armory Day with activities ranging from re-enactors setting up camp to cannon firings and more - all as a tie-in to Springfield's 375th Anniversary.
Michael Quijano-West, superintendent of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, said the 375th birthday celebration "is a big deal for the city of Springfield.""Quite frankly, I have worked all over the country and there aren't many cities that have been around long enough to celebrate their 375th anniversary. This is a big deal for the city of Springfield and the community as a whole, and it is important for us as a National Park Unit in Springfield to be involved," said Michael Quijano-West, superintendent, Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
"When Judy put the proposal on the table to me for our involvement, it was just what I have been waiting for. Since arriving in Springfield, I've wanted to synchronize more of our programming to what is going on locally. And this is good for the Armory and good for Springfield that we can help celebrate its history and along the way teach the younger generation to be proud to live in Springfield," he added.
Among the many others donating their time and expertise to help stage 375th Anniversary events are Springfield Technical Community College, whose employees are helping with the parade on Birthday Day; Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, which is providing shuttle busses; and The Big E, which is underwriting of the 375th fireworks display. For other collaborators, visit www.springfield375.org and click on the "About" tab.
If you would like to participate or support Springfield's 375th Anniversary Celebration, contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800 or staff@spiritofspringfield.org.