Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Climate Stories Music: Performance and Presentation *
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Find inspiration to address the climate crisis through the power of creativity and storytelling. Musician and director of Climate Stories Project, Jason Davis, discusses his work with climate narrative music, featuring recorded voices of people around the world speaking about their personal responses to the climate crisis. Jason also performs solo double bass musical pieces, which includes excerpts from recorded climate stories.
Climate Stories Project is an educational and artistic forum that shares personal stories about climate change. Learn how a local farm has been impacted by climate change. Refreshments included! Meet in the Great Hall. For ages teen to adult. ADA/Reasonable Accommodation: Call: 617-645-0358. Email: Moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov.
* This Food, Farms, and Factories event is supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, Montague Public Libraries, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, and funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bats
2024-10-25 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.

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.

Art Naturally: Leaf Printing
2024-10-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature and history through story, poetry, and art in our series of free art programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by this place to take home. Capture the fall foliage season by making art prints with gel plates and colorful acrylic paints–suitable for framing or creating beautiful greeting cards! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bear
2024-10-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

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.

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.

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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Squirrels
2024-10-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

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.

Ongoing - Great Hall Exhibit: A First-Class Machine Shop *
2024-09-29 - 2025-02-22 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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, innovation, and physical labor of metalworkers, machinists, engineers, and master mechanics.
*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.

Montague Community Fair
2024-09-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Unity Park, 56 First Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover us at Unity Park! Celebrate “Good Neighbor Day” with an afternoon of free family activities and learn about local community organizations. Join DCR staff at the fair to learn all about our mammal neighbors at our activity table with mammal pelts and crafting. The fair has light refreshments, music, and fun activities for all ages, in collaboration with Montague Public Libraries. Unity Park is located at 56 First Street in Turners Falls.

Source to Sea Cleanup: Canalside Rail Trail
2024-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Hard work, real fun, true impact: the annual fall trash cleanup of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Join DCR staff to clean-up the Canalside Rail Trail. To register, visit
SourcetoSeaCleanup.org/event/Canalside-rail-trail, or contact DCR staff at 413-863-3221 for more information. Meet at the main entrance.

Nice & Easy Walks: Industrialization *
2024-09-27 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-20 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.

Canal Draw Down History Stroll *
2024-09-26 15:30 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Check out the annual draining of the Turners Falls canal, take a stroll along the Canalside Rail Trail, and absorb local history with Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center staff and DCR staff. Meet at the entrance of the Center for this free two mile walk on flat terrain. 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.

Art Naturally: Paper Marbling *
2024-09-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature and history through story, poetry, and art in our series of free art programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by this place to take home. Honor Turners Falls’ long history of making book & specialty papers by trying your hand at suminagashi paper marbling and mini book making. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. 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.

Find Us At the Farmers Market! *
2024-09-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Montague Public Libraries is joining in our Food, Farms, and Factories fun with summer visits to the Farmers Market, with books and activities about growing food. 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Raptors
2024-09-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Great Hall.
