Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Factory Talk: The Griswold Cotton Mill
2024-03-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
A historical presentation on the Griswold Cotton Mill and the community of Turners Falls. Part of our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories program series. For teens and adults.
*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.

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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - When Will It Be Spring?
2024-03-15 10:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice & Easy Walks
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.

Indoor StoryWalks® - 999 Tadpoles by Ken Kimura.
2024-03-16 - 2024-04-02 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
3/16—4/2:
Explore the lives of emerging spring wildlife in 999 Tadpoles by Ken Kimura. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk. 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.

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!

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Frogs
2024-03-22 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Designing My Library: Work by Sheffield 3rd Grade Students
2024-03-23 - 2024-04-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For all ages. View student artwork in our Hallway Gallery from the Gill-Montague Regional School District depicting visions of what a new or renovated town library might be like. Coordinated by Jocelyn Castro-Santos, with Montague Public Libraries.

Artists’ Reception - Designing My Library: Work by Sheffield 3rd Grade Students
2024-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For all ages. Student artwork from the Gill-Montague Regional School District in our Hallway Gallery depicts visions of what a new or renovated town library might be like. Coordinated by Jocelyn Castro-Santos, with Montague Public Libraries. Refreshments provided. On display 3/23—4/30. Meet in the Great Hall.

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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Salamanders
2024-03-29 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Nice and Easy Walk: Food, Farms, and Factories
2024-03-29 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. Friday 3/29: For our Food, Farms, and Factories* Fourth Friday Series the topic is: Polish Clubs.

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 and 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
2024-04-05 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.

The Great North American Solar Eclipse
2024-04-08 14:15 - 16:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For this drop-in program, learn about our solar system while viewing the solar eclipse safely! Find out what an eclipse is, make your own sun clock, follow our planetary trail, and while supplies last, get a free pair of safe eclipse viewing glasses. Peak viewing here is at 3:30 p.m. In Massachusetts, we will not see a total solar eclipse, and so it is never safe to directly view the sun without a solar filter, such as eclipse glasses. In partnership with Montague Public Libraries. For all ages. Meet outside on the lawn.

Spring is Here! StoryWalk®
2024-04-11 - 2024-04-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy a story, fresh air, and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for free self-guided StoryWalks® featuring children’s picture books. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. Spring is Here! by Heidi Pross Gay is for ages 2—8 and everyone looking for the first signs of spring. 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 - Skunks
2024-04-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Big Woods Voices
2024-04-12 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 variety of traditional and poetically inspired acapella originals from the band, Big Woods Voices. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. Meet in the Great Hall.

Full schedule
Feel free to share or post where people might be interested

Earth Week Investigation Station and Indoor StoryWalk® - One Earth
2024-04-13 - 2024-04-21 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us at the welcome desk during school vacation week for activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Enjoy indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, crafts, and activities to honor the Earth, our shared home. Includes the indoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, which is an invitation to both celebrate our planet and honor it through stewardship. For all ages. Meet at the welcome desk.
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.

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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Osprey
2024-04-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

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.

Park Serve Day: Give a Day, Make a Difference
2024-04-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to the Great Falls Discovery Center to lend a hand during this day of volunteer service to our state parks. For any special accommodations or needs you may have for the day, please call (413) 863-3221. Bring your own water and snack. Registration: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-park-serve-day. For ages 6 and up. Meet at the main entrance.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-04-21 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. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
