Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Great Hall Art Reception: On the Ground and In the Air and In Between
2024-02-03 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.

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 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Porcupines
2024-02-09 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.

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

Where are all the Animals Hiding?
2024-02-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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!

Who Do You Love? Valentines for Wildlife
2024-02-11 10:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.

Food, Farms, and Factories: Sunday Matinee Documentary Series – Root Hog or Die
2024-02-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.

Investigation Station: Amphibians and Reptiles in Winter
2024-02-17 - 2024-02-25 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
What are amphibians and reptiles up to during the winter? Join us at our investigation station by the Welcome Desk to find out.

Sweeten Up! A Maple Syrup adventure
2024-02-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.

Snowy Indoor StoryWalks® - Rabbit's Snow Dance
2024-02-18 - 2024-03-01 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-02-18 12:30 - 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.
* 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Beavers
2024-02-23 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
2024-02-23 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. 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.

Who’s Been Here? A Tracking Adventure
2024-02-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Update – 2/24: There’s no snow today, but we still have lots of tracking fun planned! Come on over.
Join DCR staff for a tracking adventure. Find out who has been outside in the snow. Investigate the mysterious signs that wildlife leave behind. Bundle up! For ages 3–8 with a parent or guardian. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Food, Farms, and Factories: Sunday Matinee Documentary Series – Food for Change
2024-02-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Food for Change: The Story of Cooperation in America by Steve Alves. A film focusing on food co-ops as a force for dynamic social and economic change. Meet filmmaker Steve Alves for a discussion after the film. Snow date: 3/3.
“This is the first film to examine the important historical role played by food co-ops, their pioneering quest for organic foods, and their current efforts to create regional food systems. Additionally, the film shows how cooperatives today strengthen local economies and build food security.” — foodforchange.coop
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.

Nice & Easy Walks
2024-03-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-15 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® - When Will it be Spring?
2024-03-02 - 2024-03-15 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Explore the lives of emerging spring wildlife in When Will it be Spring? by Catherine Walters. 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.

Food, Farms, and Factories Exhibit: New Roots in River Banks*
2024-03-02 - 2024-04-28 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An exhibit on Polish and other Eastern European immigration stories and their contributions in the Connecticut River Valley. Presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. In collaboration with the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Mass Humanities 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project, highlighting the hard work of all peoples in farms and factories. For all ages.
*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.

Factory Talk: The John Russell Cutlery Company
2024-03-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
A historical presentation on the John Russell Cutlery Company and the Turners Falls community. Part of our 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.

Food, Farms, and Factories* Exhibit Reception: New Roots in River Banks
2024-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 | MA
Join the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association for a reception in the Great Hall celebrating Polish and and other Eastern European immigration stories and their contributions in the Connecticut River Valley. Hands on activities with Susan Urban, Polish craft and culture specialist. For all ages. Free refreshments. Snow date 3/16.*

Factory Talk: The Griswold Cotton Mill
2024-03-10 14:00 - 15:00 | 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

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
