Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Events

The Great Falls Discovery Center hosts community programs and events, rotating art exhibits in our Great Hall and a Coffee House hosted by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

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Ongoing – Great Hall Exhibit: A First-Class Machine Shop *

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Our Great Hall building here at the center was once a machine shop for the Montague Paper Company. This exhibit examines the critical supporting role that metalworking and machining had in launching industrialization in Turners Falls. High quality newsprint and book paper would not have been made here were it not for the knowledge, skills, […]

Free
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Ongoing – Deep Roots: A History of Agriculture in the Connecticut River Valley *

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories programming, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s exhibit in our hallway gallery explores the history of agriculture in our fertile floodplain valley--from indigenous land use before English settlement to today’s Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) movement. For youth and adults. * Food, Farms, and Factories In 2024, […]

Free

Ongoing: StoryWalk® Series * Thanks to the Animals

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Enjoy a story, and fresh air! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture books. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. November 16—January 1:   Thanks to the Animals, by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling. The […]

Free

Ongoing – Great Hall Art Exhibit: Junior Duck Stamps

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Sharing space with the First-Class Machine Shop exhibit in the Great Hall, see the top Massachusetts youth entries for the 2024 Junior Duck Stamp competition! This state-wide art contest by students grades K-12 heightens awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. While you’re here, make your own duck stamp!

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet outside the main entrance.

Free

It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls … for the Birds!

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Craft bird feeders for our winter friends as part of It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls —a town-wide RiverCulture event on December 13. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? Bird feeder making continues Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. For all ages. Free!  Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

It’s a Wonderful Day in Turners Falls … for the Birds!

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Craft bird feeders for our winter friends as part of It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls —a town-wide RiverCulture event. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? For all ages. Free!  Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

A French/Breton Jam Session

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

All ages. An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. Please note, this is not a performance but rather a coming together of musically minded friends. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will. […]

Free

Kidleidoscope Story Hour  – Deer

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet outside the main entrance.

Free

Ongoing – School Vacation Week: Mammal Adaptation Investigation Station

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Come learn about local mammals and their unique winter adaptations at the Welcome Desk. Every animal has special adaptations that enable them to survive in their winter habitats. Explore through touchable artifacts (pelts, replica skulls, and replica tracks), and habitat diorama scavenger hunts. For ages 4 and up.

Free

Gingerbread Houses

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

For ages 3-16, accompanied by an adult. Children and teens are invited to build an easy gingerbread house, using graham crackers and an assortment of candy. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free