Conveniently positioned in the core of bustling Springfield, the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History precisely encapsulates over a century’s worth of historical relic, accurately, and intriguingly, exhibiting the progression of innovation and culture in America. The Museum of Springfield History primarily accentuates the culture of Western Massachusetts, featuring several interactive and informational displays that appeal to the adorations of local residents. For an inexpensive fee, tourists can explore the engaging displays of each museum with pleasure and contemplation. Upon entrance to the museum, visitors immediately begin to waltz through time. Cascading in chronological order, the exhibits portray flattering continuity. …show more content…
Suitably, the presentation begins with the first horseless carriage, coincidentally established in Springfield. Invented by brothers Charles and Frank Duryea, the first gasoline powered automobile in the country was produced in 1893, pragmatically labeled the Duryea. Painted a solid black, the original Duryea, although innovative, was fairly plain. Elevated onto large, thin, wooden wheels, the frame of the vehicle resembled that of previous carriages, providing minimal protection to passengers. However, the method of steering differed substantially, replacing reigns with a handle secured to a long, rotating rod. In comparison to modern vehicles, the Duryea is nearly primitive; yet it notably serves as the origin for all future automobiles. Past the Duryea, the museum features several other automobiles, demonstrating a sequence of innovation in the automobile industry. Each vehicle in the set is accompanied by a brief description, as well as a few relevant photographs, to educate the audience. The cars are secured behind velvet rope, prohibiting any contact that could potentially depreciate value. In addition, the museum supplies sufficient lighting to highlight the craftsmanship of each vehicle. The exhibit concludes with the 1920 Rolls-Royce, also manufactured in Springfield. A remarkable transformation from the Duryea, the Rolls-Royce conveys a more comparable image to …show more content…
Preluding with eighteenth century weaponry, visitors stumble upon a thorough history of Smith & Wesson and the evolution of firearms. The weapons are securely placed in glass cabinets and are positioned by year of manufacture. Each arm is accompanied by a scrupulous description of its make and effect on history. The first Smith & Wesson product, the very rare Model 1, is displayed among these artifacts. As visitors advance through the exhibit, information on the Civil War arises. Smith & Wesson’s influence is arguably most prevalent during the Civil War era as the company became the chief manufacturer of firearms resulting in the boom of the Springfield economy. After a few minutes of examining this exhibit, audiences become aware of the decisive influence the firearm industry had on the sculpting of Springfield and industry as a whole. This presentation, along with others, provides astounding clarity regarding the origins of Springfield’s distinct culture and