Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, First Floor

Planned in celebration of the city's 375th anniversary, this display features documents and objects from the era of Springfield’s founding in 1636. The highlight of the exhibit is Springfield founder William Pynchon’s book, “The Meritorious Price of Our Redemption,” which was the first book to be banned in North America. Copies of the book were burned in Boston’s marketplace in 1650 by the common hangman. Artifacts from Pynchon's home, his account books and rare documents are also on view.