Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Big Read Book Give Away * - Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude
2024-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Clarkdale Fruit Farm, 303 Upper Rd., Deerfield, MA, 01342, United States
At Clarkdale Fruit Farm, Deerfield
Get a free copy of Ross Gay’s Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude. Part of Cider Days, sponsored by Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and Montague Public Libraries. Clarkdale Fruit Farm, 303 Upper Rd., Deerfield, MA. Ciderdays.org.
* Food, Farms, and Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Zydeco Connection
2024-11-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy Louisiana blues, boogie-woogie, two step and waltzes with Zydeco Connection. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing - Deep Roots: A History of Agriculture in the Connecticut River Valley *
2024-11-09 - 2025-11-07 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Agriculture Exhibit Reception & Talk * - And That's the Way it Was!
2024-11-09 13:30 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Saturday, Nov. 9
Reception — Deep Roots: A History of Agriculture in the Connecticut River Valley, 1:30 p.m.
Join the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association for a reception in the Great Hall celebrating the opening of their exhibit in our Hallway Gallery.
Talk — And That’s the Way it Was! Glimpses of Deerfield’s Agricultural Heritage, 2:00—3:30 p.m.
Peter Thomas presents a recorded oral history and slideshow of farmers and farming, including experiences by descendants of Polish and Ukrainian immigrants. The Massachusetts Commissioner of Agricultural Resources also discusses the state of farming today and looks to what might be coming in futures decades. For youth and adults. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Food, Farms, and Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

An Autumn Orchard Saunter: Poetry, Presence, and the Power of Place *
2024-11-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Clarkdale Fruit Farm, 303 Upper Rd., Deerfield, MA, 01342, United States
At Clarkdale Fruit Farm: The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association presents a Big Read event followed by cider and conversation. Enjoy an easy afternoon saunter through the orchard with writer, educator and songstress Erica Wheeler, who kicks off the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s National Endowment for the Arts Big Read of Ross Gay’s poetry, Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude. This guided experience includes stopping for reflection and conversation about our connections to place. Receive writing prompts and suggestions to capture the moment. Leave feeling more connected to yourself, your place and your community. All are welcome to soak up the creative inspiration! Meet at Clarkdale Fruit Farm, 303 Upper Rd., Deerfield, MA.
* Food, Farms, and Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Ongoing: StoryWalk® Series * Thanks to the Animals
2024-11-16 - 2025-01-04 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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 4: Thanks to the Animals, by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

The Nolumbeka Project Presents: Full Beaver Moon Gathering *
2024-11-16 13:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Nolumbeka Project presents the annual Full Beaver Moon Gathering with guest speaker Angela Marcellino, author of The True Natives of Cape Cod Massachusetts and their Food Ways. Raffle drawing. Free admission and all ages are welcome. For more information about the event visit nolumbekaproject.org. Meet in the Great Hall.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-11-17 14:30 - 16:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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. Meet in the Great Hall.

DCR Announces New Indigenous Peoples Partnership Coordinator – Meet and Greet: Leah Hopkins
2024-11-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Please welcome Leah Hopkins to DCR, serving as the newly-created Indigenous People’s Partnership Coordinator. An enrolled member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, she brings two decades of experience building bridges between institutions & Tribal Nations. bit.ly/3URCx…
Join DCR as we welcome Leah Hopkins as she relates her experience as a subsistence practitioner and cultural worker grounded in the tradition of her ancestors, and opens the floor for a discussion about Indigenous connections to the land and her role at DCR.

Nice & Easy Walk
2024-11-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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. The 11/29 Nice & Easy Walk coincides with our Go Green on Black Friday Walk, which ends at 2:30 p.m. Meet at the main entrance.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Thanks to the Animals
2024-11-29 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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.

Nice & Easy Walk (and Go Green on Black Friday Walk)
2024-11-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Go Green on Black Friday Walk (and Nice & Easy Walk)
2024-11-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Forget shopping—let’s connect with nature and local history! Join us for a leisurely walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3 miles-long, on a level paved surface. Makes for an easy stroll for adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels.

Grange Celebration! *
2024-12-07 17:00 - 22:00 | Montague Common Hall, 34 Main Street, Montague, MA, 01351, United States
Meet us at the Montague Common Hall at 34 Main Street in Montague Center for our Food, Farms, and Factories series closing event! Program includes a potluck dinner, a “History of the Grange” talk, and a Contra Dance! Music by All Over the Map. Calling by Steve Howland. Friendly for newcomers, -fun for everyone and all ages. Free.
Schedule of events:
5 p.m. Local Grange history talk by Will Quale, scholar and neighbor
6 p.m.-ish Potluck supper in the newly-dehumidified dining room
7 p.m. Community Contra dance. Beginner-friendly, family-friendly. Shy people welcome too. No special skills or experience needed. Steve Howland, ever-genial caller; Rebecca Weiss, fiddle; Becky Hollingsworth piano; and Friends.

Nice & Easy Walk
2024-12-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-12-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-12-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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.

It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls … for the Birds!
2024-12-13 16:00 - 20:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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.

Nice & Easy Walks
2025-01-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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 at the main entrance.

First Friday: Make Your Own Paper!
2025-01-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Every First Friday of the Month, Turners Falls businesses and organizations stay open late. Join us for a craft night of tin-can papermaking in the Great Hall and see just how creative you have to be to make it in the paper business. Ages 8 and up. Families welcome! Meet in the Great Hall.

Montague Reporter Fundraiser in Honor of Christopher Sawyer-Lauçanno
2025-01-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Celebrate the extraordinary life of Christopher Sawyer-Lauçanno (1951-2024) in the form of a fundraiser for the Montague Reporter. Family, friends, fellow poets, artists, collaborators, community members, and colleagues are welcome and encouraged to share stories, thoughts, and dreams at this event. Christoper fostered and edited the Montague Reporter Poetry Page for many years. Donations to the Montague Reporter are welcomed but not required. Sponsored by family and the Montague Reporter. For all ages. To join the program of speakers please contact: Sarah Pruitt at sarahpruitt58@gmail.com, or Jessica Pruitt at jesprui@gmail.com. Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice & Easy Walk
2025-01-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-31 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Zine on the River
2025-01-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Make a small booklet, a habitat zine, from a single piece of paper, then fill it with your nature observations for this drop-in program. Cut and draw in it to recreate your favorite river habitats. If you’d like to use paper you made on January 3, for First Friday’s Make Your Own Paper program, bring it! For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

The Grand Trunk Hotel
2025-01-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
What was so grand about the Grand Trunk Hotel in Turners Falls? The hotel, once sited next to today’s Center, was built in 1872 and demolished in 1968. Join DCR staff as we use our imaginations, old photographs, and testimonials, to piece together the story of the grand old days in Turners Falls. For youth and adults. Co-sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Meet in the Great Hall.

Forgotten Immigrants: The Bohemians of Turners Falls
2025-01-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Beginning in the 1870s, drawn by the promise of work at the John Russell Cutlery factory, almost 300 Bohemian immigrants left farms in central Europe to start life anew in the industrial village of Turners Falls. This illustrated talk by local historian Jim Bridgman, based on over 35 years of research and his new book, Forgotten Immigrants, explores the lives of these intrepid pioneers. Find out what motivated Bohemians to leave their ancestral homes, and what they found once they arrived in Western Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association. For youth and adults. Meet in the Great Hall.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2025-01-26 14:30 - 16:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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. 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. Meet in the Great Hall.
