Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

An Intro to French/Breton Dancing
2024-08-18 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
You’ve heard the music, now learn the dances! A very informal introduction to the dances that accompany the bal folk music played at the French/Breton session (see above). Note: to protect the floor of the Great Hall, bring clean soled or dance shoes for dancing. Please, no fresh-off-the-street shoes. Meet in the Great Hall.

Antenna Cloud Farm Presents: Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna with Special Guest Seamus Egan
2024-08-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Through the looking glass— A fresh approach to traditional Irish music. Renowned Brooklyn-based fiddle & guitar duo Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna are joined by master instrumentalist Seamus Egan (Solas) for an evening of compelling new interpretations of traditional Irish music. For ticket pricing and purchasing information, please visit www.antennacloudfarm.com/2024-concerts. Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice & Easy Walk: Community Gardens – Food, Farms, and Factories Edition *
2024-08-24 10:00 - 11:00 | 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. Join us as we explore downtown Turners Falls community gardens with a stop at the Great Falls Farmers Market. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
* 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 greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Nice & Easy Walks: Industrialization *
2024-09-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-27 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. Our September walks focus on community and industrialization in Turners Falls. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
*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: Bork, Tinen, & Kahn
2024-09-13 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 a tapestry of songs expressing the richness of human experience. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

“Three Sisters” with Dan Shears *
2024-09-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
At the Great Falls Farmers Market at Peskeompskut Park learn about “Three Sisters” and other traditions practiced by the Abeneki Nation. Dan Shears discusses his collection of traditional handmade baskets and dried native foods. For all ages. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park.
*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.

Talk With the Indian Doctress: * Interpreting 19th Century Native American Medicine
2024-09-14 13:00 - 15:30 | Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
At the Shea Theater, Dr. Marge Bruchac discusses research on Native medicinal plants and practitioners, the approaches she uses to make these histories visible, as part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, in collaboration with the Nolumbeka Project. In 19th century New England, “Indian Doctors” and “Indian Doctresses” treated Native and non-Native neighbors alike. Connecticut River valley residents turned to Mohican and Abenaki practitioners for what we recognize today as herbalism, chiropractic, physiotherapy, and spiritual healing. As people moved increasingly towards modern medicine, these gifted healers were forgotten, and their knowledge exploited by patent medicine makers. Refreshments in the lobby at 1 p.m. Talk begins at 1:30 p.m. Free & open to all. Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A.
*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.

Common Ground Movie Showing *
2024-09-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Greenfield Garden Cinemas, 361 Main Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts, 01301
As part of our center’s Food, Farms, and Factories project, we are excited to announce that the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) and Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) are kicking-off Climate Week with a free showing of the movie Common Ground. The movie includes investigative journalism and personal stories from those in the food movement. Common Ground uncovers the reasons for our broken food system and profiles a hopeful movement of farmers who are using regenerative agriculture. Film to be followed by a post-screening discussion with farmers, land managers, and master gardeners. Free. Refreshments provided. Greenfield Garden Cinemas is located at 361 Main Street, Greenfield. Register for this free event: nofamass.org/events. Gathering with food at 6:00 p.m.; Film at 6:30 p.m.; Discussion 8:15 – 9:00 p.m.
* 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.

Harvest Reading *
2024-09-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Montague Center Library, 17 Center Street, Montague, MA, United States
For older youth and adults. Join us at the Montague Center Library, in celebration of the Harvest Moon. A curated selection of 5-10 local authors share their poems or short pieces on the theme of the harvest. Join us for refreshments, inspiring readings, and to celebrate the season! The Montague Center Library is located at 17 Center Street in Montague.
*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.

Talk and Exhibit Reception: Franklin County Industry “Then and Now” *
2024-09-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy refreshments starting at 2 p.m., and then at 2:30 p.m. Jim Terapane from the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage talks about the origins of some of Franklin County’s most influential industries and how this heritage endures today. Learn about how the descendants of these early pioneering industries are surviving and how our creative culture continues to evolve. DCR staff introduce our new Great Hall exhibit: A First Class Machine Shop. 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.

Nice & Easy Walks
2024-10-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-10-25 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.

Find us at the Farmers Market: Learning about Leaves *
2024-10-05 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, and Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center to embrace the changing season. An exploration of fall leaves at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Includes family-friendly activities—all about leaves!
*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: Box Shop Duo
2024-10-11 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 contemporary and original folk music from the Box Shop Duo. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. For all ages.
The Box Shop Duo consists of singer-songwriters Gene Stamell and Mitch Mulholland. Accompanied by acoustic guitars, they perform original songs and covers after the folk style, with some blues and rock; both humorous and serious.

Ongoing - Great Hall Exhibit: Day of the Dead Altar *
2024-10-17 - 2024-11-05 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
In the Great Hall, view a Day of the Dead altar built by local families, with support from Montague Catholic Social Ministries. Learn about the tradition of leaving messages of love to honor and commemorate loved ones.
* 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.

The Commonality Project: A Performance Event on the Theme of Community
2024-10-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Different performance artists share their interpretations of community through performance and interludes. How has community supported us, or not? What are the challenges in creating community? Where do we find it, or don’t, and the different ways it can be and look? Through an entertainment lens let’s explore and be connected. This project was made possible from the performers hard work, the Great Falls Discovery Center, and a grant from the Mass Cultural Council of Montague, MA. All ages welcome.

Find Us at the Farmers Market! *
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
Montague Public Libraries joins us for Food, Farms, and Factories fun at the Farmers Market, featuring books and activities about growing food. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. All ages welcome.
*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 * - From Apple Trees to Cider, Please!
2024-10-27 - 2024-11-05 | 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.
October 27—November 5: From Apple Trees to Cider, Please! by Felicia Sanzari Cherneskey. For young readers ages 4—8, and everyone who loves the harvest season. Enjoy the 2024 CiderDays Trail at ciderdays.org, November 2—3.
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.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-10-27 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.

Big Read Book Give Away * - Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude
2024-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
