Food, Farms, and Factories: Sunday Matinee Documentary Double Feature - Genesis of Turners Falls Community and the Franklin County Fair
2024-02-04 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Double Feature from the Montague Historical Society!
The Genesis of the Turners Falls Community – The post-colonial creation of Montague’s largest village.
“This 20 minute ‘crash course’ history of the Turners Falls Canal uses vintage media and music to introduce the story of the birth of a new industrial community.” — From Montaguearchive.org
The Franklin County Fair – History of the Fair and why it’s important today.
“Produced in 2021, this is a full length history of the fair and why it is still an important part of community life today. The story is told using archival movies, images and music.” –From Montaguearchive.org.
Join Chris Clawson and Ed Gregory of the Montague Historical Society for a discussion after the films.
In this Food, Farms, and Factories documentary series you’ll hear directly from historians and those who are a part of local food systems, agriculture, or manufacturing in our region. Sponsored by Mass Humanities, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Light refreshments. Meet in the Great Hall.
Ongoing in 2024
Throughout 2024 the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories. Building on the success of Crossroads: Change in Rural America in 2023, the conversation continues about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by several local partners, including the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague Public Libraries, RiverCulture, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Visit: greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Nice & Easy Walks
2024-03-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-22 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 highlights along the way. Dress for winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Food, Farms, and Factories Exhibit: New Roots in River Banks*
2024-03-02 - 2024-04-28 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An exhibit on Polish and other Eastern European immigration stories and their contributions in the Connecticut River Valley. Presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. In collaboration with the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Mass Humanities 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project, highlighting the hard work of all peoples in farms and factories. For all ages.
*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.

Food, Farms, and Factories* Exhibit Reception: New Roots in River Banks
2024-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 | MA
Join the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association for a reception in the Great Hall celebrating Polish and and other Eastern European immigration stories and their contributions in the Connecticut River Valley. Hands on activities with Susan Urban, Polish craft and culture specialist. For all ages. Free refreshments. Snow date 3/16.*

CISA’s Field Notes Returns
2024-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Academy of Music, 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center reminds you that CISA’s Field Notes Returns!
More info and tickets at tinyurl.com/CISAFN2024.
Back for a fifth year, this live storytelling event celebrates the diversity of perspectives and people working hard to build a local food system that works for everyone. Stories – told by your western Mass neighbors – will range from farm fields to the statehouse and be told in multiple languages (interpretation will be provided). Come laugh, think, and enjoy a cozy and affordable Sunday afternoon with your friends and family.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-03-17 14:30 - 16:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An informal gathering of musicians play 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. Free and open to the public to come and go at will. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Food, Farms, and Factories Series - Ukrainian Egg Decorating at the Rendezvous
2024-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Rendezvous, 78 3rd Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
In celebration of the Polish and Eastern European immigrant community’s contributions to local farms and factories, in conjunction with the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s exhibit, New Roots in River Banks, stop by the Rendezvous at 78 Third Street in Turners Falls for a chance to decorate your own Ukrainian egg!

All Cooped Up! Music Concert
2024-03-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Franklin County Musicians Cooperative (COOP) features solo artists, established duos, and small group performers who perform an unpredictable mix of folk, rock, country, Celtic, jazz and swing. For all ages
Suggested donations of $6-$15. Children are free. Meet in the Great Hall.

Full schedule
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The Mill at Montague - A Food, Farms, and Factories Sunday Documentary Film
2024-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Montague Bookmill, 440 Greenfield Road, Montague, MA, 01351, United States
Meet at the Montague Bookmill at 440 Greenfield Road in Montague for a showing of the film The Mill at Montague. An oral history time capsule from 1991 of the Martin Machine Company, once in operation in the location now known as the Montague Bookmill. Restored from VHS by the Montague Historical Society. For teens and adults.
In this Food, Farms, and Factories documentary series you’ll hear directly from historians and those who are a part of local food systems, agriculture, or manufacturing in our region.
*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. Sponsored by Mass Humanities, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Nice & Easy Walks
2024-04-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-04-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-04-19 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 highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels.

Food, Farms, and Factories Documentary series: Polish Americans*
2024-04-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
This 1998 New England Public Media documentary explores the history of Polish immigrants in the Connecticut River Valley and includes vibrant images of this still thriving community, from its distinctive music and art to its strong faith and traditions. Sponsored by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and Mass Humanities for both Expanding Massachusetts Stories and Food, Farms, and Factories projects. Meet in the Great Hall.
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.

Art Naturally Series: Food, Farms, and Factories Edition*
2024-04-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover culture and nature through story, poetry, and art in our series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction, and techniques you create an art piece inspired by natural or cultural history to take home. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. This month’s art is inspired by the traditions of Polish and Eastern European immigrants who worked on local farms and in factories. Create woven and folded Polish paper stars. Meet in the Great Hall.
*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.

Eastern European Immigration & Industrialization in Massachusetts
2024-04-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Polish and other Eastern European immigrants arrived in the Connecticut River Valley to begin new lives as small farmers and factory workers. Learn about this migration in a talk by Robert Forrant, Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is co-editor with Mary Anne Trasciatti of Where are the Workers: Interpreting Labor and Working-Class History at Museums and Historic Sites. This free event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. For youth and adults. Meet in the Great Hall.
*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.

Eastern European Culture: Family Craft Activities
2024-04-19 13:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover how Eastern European immigrant families influenced and enhanced life in the Connecticut River Valley. Join Helena Alves and Patty Solomon, Museum Educators from the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s Deerfield Teachers’ Center, for drop-in family craft activities. Explore pysanki egg painting, paper cutting designs and see traditional clothing and costumes that can be fitted for paper dolls. Visitors can dress up in period costumes and take a selfie. This free event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. All ages welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.
*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.

Nice & Easy Walks - In An Immigrant's Footsteps
2024-04-26 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 highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Friday 4/26: Our Food, Farms, and Factories* Fourth Friday topic is: In An Immigrant’s Footsteps. Meet at the main entrance.
*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.

New Roots in River Banks Closing Event: A Polish Costume Talk
2024-04-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join Polish Folk artist Susan Urban for a slide presentation of costumes from various regions of Poland, along with a regional costume map and handmade miniature samples of each costume. This event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. Meet in the Great Hall.
*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.

Nice & Easy Walk
2024-05-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-17 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.

Find us at the Farmer’s Market!* Seed Scenes
2024-05-04 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
It’s planting time! Be creative and experience the beauty and colors of seeds while making scenes in dough! Join Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center volunteer, Dawn Marvin Ward, and DCR staff at the Great Falls Farmers market on opening day (between 6th and 7th streets along
Avenue A at Peskompskut Park). For all ages.The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th Streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project.
* Food, Farms, & 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Great Hall Exhibit: What’s on Your Plate?*
2024-05-05 - 2024-06-29 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The exhibit What’s On Your Plate? asks artists to investigate the entanglement of food, time, commitment, and ecology. Curated by Exploded View, in collaboration with our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
* Food, Farms, & 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Ongoing: Made in Montague*
2024-05-05 - 2024-10-27 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
This exhibition in the center’s Hallway Gallery explores products currently made in Montague. Some of these products have a long local history and others are on the cutting edge of technology. Curated by Anne Harding and Michaela Henry for our Food, Farms, and Factories project in collaboration with Exploded View.
* Food, Farms, & 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

The Listening Ear*
2024-05-05 12:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Cultural archivist Christian McEwen gathers stories ranging from feasts and family recipes to the growing challenges of everyday life. Stop by Christian’s ear and share your stories! In collaboration with Exploded View and our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Appropriate for all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Food, Farms, & 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Opening Performance and Reception: What’s On Your Plate?*
2024-05-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
“8” is a new interdisciplinary work by Exploded View. This performing arts group explores the themes of food, farms, hope, community, and climate through art, word, and performance. The reception is from 2 – 4 p.m., with the performance of “8” at 3 p.m. In collaboration with our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For ages 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
Sponsored by the Mass Cultural Council.
* Food, Farms, & 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. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Nolumbeka Project Day of Remembrance
2024-05-18 13:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Commemorate the 348th Anniversary of the Great Falls Massacre and the 20th anniversary of the Reconciliation Ceremony, outdoors weather permitting, or in the Great Hall. Tribal members and non-Tribal public are welcome. Honored guests include: Liz Coldwind Santana Kiser, Elder, Council Woman, and Tribal Historical Preservation Officer for the Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians; Elnu Abenaki Chief Roger Longtoe Sheehan; and others. For more info visit: www.nolumbekaproject.org. Free and open to all. Light refreshments provided. Co-sponsored by Nolumbeka Project and DCR.
