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Armory to reveal origins of 'modern' Christmas on Dec. 19

Date: 12/16/2009

SPRINGFIELD Did you know that any official observance of Christmas was not permitted in Springfield prior to 1820? Did you know where religious freedom was originally tolerated in Springfield?

Although deep traditions to celebrate an American Christmas may have begun in New England, the Springfield Armory established the first official observance of Christmas and sponsored religious liberty within its federally-controlled grounds.

On Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. in the Springfield Armory National Historic Site's Visitor Center and Museum Theater, historian Richard Colton will recreate a very different time that will provide unexpected insights into the creation of "modern" Christmas and illuminate the experiences of long ago New Englanders.

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates and preserves the site of our nation's first armory, established in 1794. Managed together with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Springfield Technical Community College and the National Park Service, the site holds many layers of history within its buildings and grounds.

The site of the repulse of Shays' Rebellion, 1787; production of the nation's first interchangeable parts; and home of the world's largest historic American military firearms collection invites our visitors to share its history and beauty. As a unit of the National Park Service, the visitor center, museum, buildings and grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free.

For more information, go to www.nps.gov/spar, or call 734-8551. Admission is free.