Springfield Museums, Talk

Celebrate Springfield’s literary legacy through its famous authors and literary landmarks in this virtual lecture by Dr. Kate Benson.

This virtual lecture is part of the Winter Lecture Series, co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust, Springfield Museums, and Springfield City Library. The lecture will be streamed on the Springfield Preservation Trust Facebook Page.

Discover the rich literary history of Springfield, Massachusetts in this online lecture with Dr. Kate Benson. Known as the birthplace of renowned authors such as Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), whose whimsical stories captivated readers worldwide, Springfield boasts a legacy of creativity and storytelling. Learn about William Pynchon, the city’s founder and one of the earliest authors in American history, whose controversial book “The Meritorious Price of Our Redemption” left an indelible mark on early colonial literature and modern authors like Springfield natives Robert B. Parker and journalist Samuel Bowles.

This lecture will also explore iconic literary landmarks such as Johnson’s Bookstore and the offices of Merriam Webster, the oldest dictionary publisher in the United States. We’ll dive into the significance of the Springfield City Library, a historical establishment that has supported the intellectual growth of the city for centuries, and touch on Springfield’s connection to the development of American publishing.

Perfect for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and educators, this session offers a window into how Springfield shaped and was shaped by its literary greats and cultural institutions. Join us on March 13th at 7:00pm to celebrate the stories, authors, and establishments that make Springfield a true literary treasure.