You are invited to the Winter Meeting of the Agawam Historical Association as we begin a year of events commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial.

Following the creation of the Continental Army in 1775, General George Washington and his lieutenants organized a system of supply and logistics to support the fledgling American military as it fought for independence. Brigadier General Henry Knox, Chief of Artillery, personally sited a military supply depot at Springfield, Massachusetts early in 1777. Hundreds of enlisted tradesmen poured into town to begin building, repairing, maintaining, and shipping all sorts of military supplies, and Springfield was quickly bustling with activity throughout the American Revolution. Join Springfield Armory National Historic Site Curator Alex MacKenzie as he reveals the hidden stories of the Continental Arsenal at Springfield and the contributions of the region to American independence.

This event is free and open to the public.

Alex MacKenzie is a museum professional, author, and historian specializing in U.S. military history, with a focus on small arms development, logistics, and supply. He has authored numerous articles and publications on the technical and industrial history of small arms centered on the Springfield Armory (1777–1968) and is a leading authority on the management and care of historic firearms and ammunition in museum collections. He has developed museum policy for the National Park Service, contributed to publications on collections care, and regularly consults with museums nationwide. He serves as Curator of Collections at Springfield Armory National Historic Site and resides in Belchertown with his wife and two daughters.