Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Nice and Easy Walk: Food, Farms, and Factories
2024-02-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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. Friday 2/23: The topic will be American shad for our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Meet at the main entrance.
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. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague Public Libraries, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, RiverCulture, and the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Beavers
2024-02-23 10:30 - 11:30
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.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-02-18 12:30 - 16:30
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.
* This exact time and date for this is depending on weather conditions on 2/11, due to scheduled snow dates for our documentary series. If there is snow on 2/11, then this music event will be on 2/25, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Snowy Indoor StoryWalks® - Rabbit's Snow Dance
2024-02-18 - 2024-03-01
Enjoy the StoryWalk® Rabbit’s Snow Dance by Joseph Bruchac. 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.

Sweeten Up! A Maple Syrup adventure
2024-02-17 10:30 - 11:30
For children ages 6-10. Explore the amazing transformation of tree sap into maple syrup. Learn how the hard work of a winter harvest sweetens up your pancakes through crafts and activities. Meet in the Great Hall.

Investigation Station: Amphibians and Reptiles in Winter
2024-02-17 - 2024-02-25
What are amphibians and reptiles up to during the winter? Join us at our investigation station by the Welcome Desk to find out.

Nice and Easy Walk
2024-02-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-09 13:00 - 14:00
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. Friday 2/23: For our Food, Farms, and Factories Fourth Friday Series the topic is American Shad. Meet at the Main Entrance.

Food, Farms, and Factories: Sunday Matinee Documentary Series – Root Hog or Die
2024-02-11 14:00 - 15:30
Root Hog or Die by Rawn Fulton and Newbold Noyes. Western Massachusetts farmers describe their lives in the 1970s. Meet Rawn Fulton for a discussion after the film. Snow date: 2/18.
“Root Hog or Die is a portrait of a living remnant of this once pervasive but rapidly vanishing way of life. Filmed in 1973 in hilltowns across Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont, it follows the cycle of the farming year from spring to winter. In its course we visit with an array of elders, who reflect on farming’s deep natural patterns, share their family histories and personal memories, and ponder the inevitable forces of technological and social change they have endured. The bittersweet nature of their challenges is manifest, as is the quiet pride they take in their lives as farmers.”
— Documentary Educational Resources

“A significant contribution to American oral history.”
— Alan Lomax
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, RiverCulture, Montague Public Libraries, 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.

Who Do You Love? Valentines for Wildlife
2024-02-11 10:00 - 17:00
For all ages. Make Valentines to give to the ones you love, keep for yourself, or give to your favorite wildlife biologist— all in honor of your favorite animal. Meet at the Welcome Desk.

Where are all the Animals Hiding?
2024-02-10 10:30 - 11:30
For ages 3–6+ with a parent or guardian. How do animals stay snug and warm for winter? Come investigate hidden winter animal homes through stories, crafts, and activities. Meet in the Great Hall. Weather permitting, we may explore outside. Bundle up!

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Porcupines
2024-02-09 10:30 - 11:30

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
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.

Great Hall Art Reception: On the Ground and In the Air and In Between
2024-02-03 13:00 - 15:00
Meet the artist Amy Dawn Kotel and enjoy an artist reception including food and music, all in celebration of the exhibit, On the Ground and In the Air and In Between. Meet in the Great Hall. For all ages.

Nice and Easy Walk
2024-02-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-01-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-01-12 13:00 - 14:00
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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Groundhogs
2024-02-02 10:30 - 11:30

Postponed to 2/4 at 2 p.m. - Food, Farms, and Factories: Sunday Matinee Documentary Double Feature - Genesis of Turners Falls Community and the Franklin County Fair
2024-01-28 14:00 - 15:30
This program is postponed to 2/4 at 2 p.m. due to the forecast of inclement weather.
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. Snow date: 2/4.
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.

Going against the flow: The History of Montague’s Navigational Canal
2024-01-27 14:00 - 15:00
The Connecticut River used to be navigable. Come learn about the original canal connecting Montague City to what is now Turners Falls and why it was important for moving molasses! Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice and Easy Walk: Food, Farms, and Factories - The John Russell Cutlery Factory
2024-01-26 13:00 - 14:00
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. Friday 1/26 topic: the John Russell Cutlery Factory for our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Meet at the main entrance.
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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Winter Birds
2024-01-26 10:30 - 11:30

Snowy Indoor StoryWalks®* - Tracks in the Snow
2024-01-26 - 2024-02-17
January 26—February 17: Tracks in the Snow, by Wong Herbert Yee
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife. 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 the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Great Hall Exhibit: On the Ground and in the Air and in Between
2024-01-23 - 2024-02-23
Artist, Amy Dawn Kotel’s exhibit asks: “What do we see and how do we perceive our earth and all who dwell here?” See beauty and strangeness from different angles.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-01-21 14:30 - 16:30
An informal group of musicians will gather 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Rabbits
2024-01-19 10:30 - 11:30

Food, Farms, and Factories: Sunday Matinee Documentary Series - A Long Row in Fertile Ground
2024-01-14 14:00 - 15:30
A Long Row in Fertile Ground by WGBY. The story of agriculture in Western New England. Meet retired WGBY General Manager Rus Peotter for a discussion after the film. Snow date: 1/21.
“Western New England’s agricultural legacy has persisted for more than three centuries. In many ways it is the birthplace of American agriculture that exists to this day. The Connecticut River Valley is home to New England’s longest river, a remnant of the last Ice Age. But the receding glaciers also left behind another gift—some of the richest soil on Earth.” –From WGBY
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, RiverCulture, Montague Public Libraries, 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.

“Let’s Play Library” Bluey Party
2024-01-13 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for crafts and activities related to the popular character, Bluey! Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Ages 3-10+. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Insects
2024-01-12 10:30 - 11:30

Snowy Indoor StoryWalks®* - Under the Snow
2024-01-06 - 2024-01-25
January 6—25: Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife. 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 the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.
