“Working Springfield: exploring labor in Springfield through local voices”, a new temporary exhibit on display at the Springfield History Museum February 10, 2023, through July 1, 2023. Curator Maddi McGraw says that this exhibit is “a celebration of Springfield’s labor history over the past 175 years, and of the people who have made Springfield into the community it is today.”
The exhibit draws from the Museum’s collection of photographs and archives, showcasing many items that haven’t been exhibited previously. But the real power of the exhibit is the stories it shares. Local labor historians Marcus Widenor and Bob Bussel have interviewed Springfield residents from a variety of work fields, including customer service, healthcare, community organizing, teaching, and more. Visitors will be able to watch these interviews in the Museum and read the transcripts, allowing them to feel connected to the workforce of Springfield in powerful new ways.
The exhibit will be installed in the Kathleen Jensen Gallery. Guests are encouraged to also view ILLUMINATION, a special exhibit on display in the 6th Street facing windows, through March 11, 2023.
Join us Friday, February 10 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the Downtown Springfield Second Friday Art Walk to celebrate the opening of the exhibit and meet some of the Springfield residents interviewed for the project and enjoy refreshments and live music by Chico Schwall as well.
Current Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. As always, admission is free!
For more information, visit https://wheremindsgrow.org/museumexhibits, find us on Facebook and Instagram, or call 541.726.2300.
What: Working Springfield exhibit at Springfield History Museum
When: February 10-July 1, 2023
Where: Springfield History Museum, 590 Main Street, Springfield, OR
Additional Information: Maddi McGraw, 541.726.3677 or mmcgraw@springield-or.gov
Instagram: @springfieldmuseum_oregon Facebook: @SpringfieldMuseum Website: https://wheremindsgrow.org/museumexhibits