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February 2024 by Matthew Collier
A unique location filled with plenty of historic artifacts around U.S. military firearms, manufacturing, and events. The guides were super friendly and certainly know their history. If you're an active servicemember of veteran, you can also come here to obtain your free U.S. National Park lifetime pass. I was not able to attend but they also have historical reenactments which I thought might be interesting.
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February 2024 by Tom Lynch
Stopped here spontaneously on our way to the Berkshires, and so glad we did! Excellent guide, and everyone on staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. Fascinating collection, beautiful building, sparkling clean and thoughtfully laid out. A real treat, and such a rich part of our state's history! We'd highly recommend it to other homeschool families like us! Thank you!
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January 2024 by Raziuddin Farooqi
A Must-Visit for History Buffs and Weapon EnthusiastsThe Springfield Armory National Historic Site is an absolute gem for anyone interested in American history and military artifacts. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you're transported back in time to the height of the Industrial Revolution, when Springfield was a major center for firearms manufacturing.The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the collection of weapons. It's truly awe-inspiring to see such a vast array of firearms from different eras, from muskets used in the Revolutionary War to cutting-edge modern weapons. The exhibits are well-curated and informative, providing fascinating insights into the evolution of weaponry and its impact on history.But the Springfield Armory is more than just guns. The historic buildings themselves are worth a visit, with their grand architecture and impressive displays of machinery used in the manufacturing process. There are also exhibits on the role of the armory in American society and culture, which I found particularly interesting.I especially enjoyed the interactive exhibits, which allowed me to get a hands-on experience with some of the weapons. I even learned how to load a musket! The staff was also incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and they were happy to answer any questions I had.Overall, I highly recommend the Springfield Armory National Historic Site to anyone looking for a unique and educational experience. It's a great place to learn about American history, see some amazing weapons, and explore a fascinating piece of industrial heritage.Here are some additional tips for your visit:Allow plenty of time to explore the museum, as there's a lot to see and do.Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking involved.
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January 2024 by Steve A
If you are interested in history and in particular early USA military history, don't miss this museum on your next trip to Springfield.Free entry( Donations available) and extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff.Weapon displays from most era's ( from gatling guns to pistols, swords and bayonets and some pretty rare M1 Garands)are plentiful and interactive demonstrations included.Loved it !! .
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January 2024 by Robin Bailey
The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is a fascinating place for history enthusiasts. The exhibits and tours provide an in-depth look into the history of firearms manufacturing and their role in shaping the nation. The guides were passionate and informative, and I left with a newfound appreciation for this important piece of American history.
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January 2024 by Andy
A hidden gem in American history. Took my brother 2 1/2 hours there on a whim for his birthday. He thought it was great too! Didn't have time to see the river area but will then need to come back!The movie was great and the presentation afterwards on standard issue rifles of the US Infantry by Carl Steele (?) very well done. I heard a "Welcome" but I wish the rangers would have come out from behind the desk more to try and engage people. Only saw one do this though my experience at the desk was excellent!Well worth the trip.
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January 2024 by Meredith Washington
Preserving history's pivotal moments in weaponry
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November 2023 by Vincent L.
George Washington established an arsenal here in 1777 to store most of the weapons used in the American Revolution. After America won the war, this site became its primarily manufacturing facility for military firearms, a status it would retain until 1968. It supplied the arms for every single American war in that period, making a crucial difference in the War of 1812 and the Civil War.Although employment and activity here rose and fell according to whether it was peacetime or wartime, labor and production practices developed here, like the assembly line and hourly wages, spread into the wider economy, enabling mass production, which brought about the second Industrial Revolution. The site continued to supply American troops well into the mid-1900s, but by that time private manufacturers had gained the upper hand. Perhaps the one key missing exhibit is the effects of guns on society, like in mass shootings and other heinous crimes that infringe upon people's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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October 2023 by Erin T.
I've been to a ton of national historic sites. (I collect the stamps and enjoy peaks into different region's histories.) The armory has hands-down one of the best educational movies I've seen. Like seriously, top notch production value combining historical footage with that of reenactors. Now, it's an armory so it's mostly chockfull of guns. I highly recommend for people into it. For those less interested, it was still cool to peruse but at a much faster pace.
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September 2023 by Amanda Aiello
Great piece of history to visit. The staff were excellent, and it's evident that they love their jobs. Great information and great way to learn about history of the area.
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September 2023 by Lambertus Louw
Great experience, very educational.
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September 2023 by Ralf Ulms
A university campus with a weapons museum, entry is free but there is a donation box that can be filled.There are also a few interesting buildings on the site.
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September 2023 by Marcy Kyser
Interesting movie and presentations. I wish we had more time to spend here because we definitely didn't get to see everything.The junior ranger program was appropriate for small children too
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August 2023 by Stefan Economou
I am not really interested in guns but this place is a treasure. Anyone interested in history would find it fascinating. We learned a lot about the industrial heritage of the area (and military history as well) and saw some ingenious machinery, relics of a bygone age of skill and craft. Mr. Steele was an extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide.
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August 2023 by Seth Graziani
My visit to The Springfield Armory National Historical Site was amazing. The staff members on site were extremely helpful even going so far as to provide me with a helpful list of New England history sights worth visiting.The collection on display provides an unparalleled look at the history of United States small arms from The American Revolution through to the when the Armory ceased operation in 1968.Of particular interest there are a few weapons on display which have suffered from freak accidents, including a gun which has been struck by lightning.This sight is a must see if you are in the Springfield area, budget between one to two hours if you want to read everything and look at all the firearms.
