Historic Classical program looks back at former Springfield high school

Historian Frances M. Gagnon will speak Sunday afternoon at Classical Condominiums.

The Republican file photoThe atrium of Classical Condominiums. Historic Classical, a new non-profit group, is hoping to preserve art and artifacts from the former Classical High School/former Springfield High School.

Historic Classical will feature “The Birth of Classical,” a presentation by historian Frances M. Gagnon at Classical Condominiums at 235 State St., Springfield on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The museum area, which preserves the treasures of the past, will be open from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The display in new cases includes artifacts and memorabilia of Classical High School, which opened in 1897 and closed in 1986.

The program is open to the public. Parking is available in the adjacent Museums lot, and refreshments will be provided. A donation is suggested.

This is the first program with the display of Classical High School artifacts in the new display cases. The memorabilia have been donated by alumni. The display cases were donated by the Springfield Museums.

Gagnon will focus on the need for this high school in Springfield at the end of the 19th century, the exemplary educational facility and programs, and its role in the greater Springfield area. She will also highlight the many graduates who attained national and world renown.

A few of these graduates include Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel), William Manchester, Congressman Edward Boland, Mayor and U.S. Judge Frank Freedman, and journalist Gwen Ifell.

Gagnon is a freelance historical writer, including special articles in the The Republican. She is a narrator, consultant and scriptwriter for WGBY-TV, Channel 57, in numerous productions featuring local history and lore. An author, Gagnon has done histories for the Big E, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Children’s Study Home.

She is a member of the Springfield Museums Board of Trustees, guest curator of the Wood Museum of Springfield History and frequent lecturer at “Museums a la Carte.” She is also a long time volunteer program presenter and tour narrator for the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and does tours of the Armory-Quadrangle area.

Historic Classical, Inc., a non-profit organization, was established to preserve the legacy of Classical High School through the display of artifacts and memorabilia.