Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History – Springfield, Massachusetts

The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History in Massachusetts is the conservator of the region’s evolution, including the contributions of one-time resident, Milton Bradley.

The museum opened in 2009 as part of Springfield Museums, a group of five cultural institutions in the Metro Center of Springfield. Its research centre and collections showcase the development of the district and celebrate the people and businesses responsible for the economic success of the town. One of those individuals is board game pioneer, Milton Bradley, who created The Checkered Game of Life while living in Springfield in 1860 and established his eponymous game publishing company in Springfield.

Fittingly, the Museum preserves early board game history with Hasbro GameLand, a permanent exhibit funded by the Hasbro Children’s Fund (Hasbro purchased Milton Bradley in 1984). The exhibit includes many themed play areas, such as Word Play Station, Coordination Station, Racing Station, Memory Station, and Imagination Station–each offering visitors opportunities for interactive play and discovery.

The nearby Seuss in Springfield is also part of the Springfield Museums group and a popular destination for fans of the children’s author as well as cultural history.

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