Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

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 (America/New_York) | 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, 2024-09-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-06 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.

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.

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.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-09-15 14:30 - 16:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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. All ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

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.

“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.

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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Chipmunks
2024-09-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Find us at the Farmers Market: Soils, Soil pH testing, and pollinators
2024-09-07 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, the Friends of the Center, and Western MA Master Gardeners to learn about soils, soil testing, and pollinators. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Includes family-friendly activities – make your own pollinator! Bring your soil to be tested for free by following these directions:
Testing Your Soil’s pH
What is pH?
• pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil.
• The pH scale runs from 1 to 14 where: pH< 7 is acidic, pH = 7 neutral, pH > 7 is basic
Why do I need to test my soil’s pH?
• Nutrients and acidity can change with time and use.
• Acidity controls the availability of nutrients and beneficial organisms.
• Plants have different pH requirements:
Blueberries and rhododendron need acidic soil, pH 4.5 to 5.5.
Vegetables grow best in pH 6.0 to 7.0.
• Lime or sulfur may be needed to correct pH imbalance.
Where can I have my soil tested?
• pH only: Master Gardener table at local farmers markets and fairs ($2.00/ donation).
See website for days and times: http://wmmga.org
• Full Soil Analysis: UMass Soil Testing Laboratory.
For details go to: http://soiltest.umass.edu
When is the best time to test?
• At least 6-8 weeks after a lime, sulfur, or fertilizer application.
• Best: Fall, Second best: Early Spring.
• Any time when starting new planting area.
What do I need to collect a soil sample?
• Trowel, shovel or sampling tube
• Bucket
• Coarse sieve or screen
• Drying tray or plate
• Zip-lock bag
How do I collect samples?
• Define your sample area. If sampling multiple areas, keep samples separated by area.
• Remove a thin slice or plug of soil from surface to proper depth.
Sample depths: 3”-4” Lawn, 6”-8” flower/vegetable garden, 10”-12” trees/shrubs
• Collect 4 -6 samples for small area, 8-12 for large.
• Mix single area’s samples together in bucket.
• Scoop 1 cup mixed soil and spread on a clean plate/tray to dry.
• Sift to remove debris and place in a labeled zip-lock bag.
• Note approximate size and type of area (vegetable, flower, lawn, shrub) on bag.
• Avoid sampling when very wet.
* 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.

Ongoing: StoryWalk® - Call Me Tree, Llámame Árbol
2024-09-04 - 2024-10-22 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book Call Me Tree, Llámame Árbol by Maya Christina Gonzalez for readers ages 5-9 years old and everyone who celebrates trees. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Butterflies
2024-08-30 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.

Turtles to Toads: Herps of the North
2024-08-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The reptiles and amphibians of Massachusetts are some of our least understood and most fascinating animals. Staff from the Vermont Natural History Museum present an interactive slideshow, introducing us to live animals and touchable artifacts. Afraid of snakes? Don’t worry, we can help. Meet in the Great Hall.

Find Us at the Farmers Market! *
2024-08-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
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, & 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 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bees & Flowers
2024-08-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

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.

Food Margins: Lessons from an Unlikely Grocer *
2024-08-21 17:00 - 18:00 | Montague Center Library, 17 Center Street, Montague, MA, United States
For our Food, Farms, and Factories series, local author, Cathy Stanton, discusses her new book, Food Margins: Lessons from an Unlikely Grocer. Cathy Stanton is a writer and anthropologist who stumbled into the grocery business as part of a community effort to save a small food co-op in Orange. This presentation and conversation will share what she learned and where she thinks the “local food” movement should go next.
* 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.

An Intro to French/Breton Dancing
2024-08-18 15:30 - 16:30 | 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.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-08-18 13:30 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.

Art Naturally Series: Papermaking *
2024-08-17 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 Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by this place to take home.
Learn how to make your own paper in a machine shop (the Great Hall) that used to fix machines that made paper and how Turners Falls papermakers innovated in their pursuit of raw materials for pulp, from using recycled manila hemp rope (actually abaca) in the 1800s–think manila envelopes and file folders–to making “Blue Jean Bond” from old jeans in the late 1900s.
For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). Art materials provided. Using the tin-can method, you can make paper that is smooth flat and ready to write on!
* 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.
