Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - River Otters
2024-08-16 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: The Klines
2024-08-09 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. Michael and Carrie Kline
with Joe Blumenthal and Jim Armenti. As folklorist-musicians The Klines weave songs and stories, evoking times that
really matter; time with family and friends, spiritual times, wrapped in a patchwork quilt of vivid imagery. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: Fish Printing at Unity Park *
2024-08-03 10:00 - 17:00 | Unity Park, 56 First Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
A free two-day celebration at Unity Park in Turners Falls, sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project and RiverCulture. This festival is the perfect combination of live music, drumming, dancing, storytelling, native crafts and food. On Saturday August 3, 10 a.m.— 5 p.m., families may visit the Northfield Mountain and Great Falls Discovery Center tent to make your own vibrantly colored fish print to take home. All materials provided. For more information on the entire event visit nolumbekaproject.org/events. Unity Park is located at 56 First Street.
* 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.

Great Hall Exhibit: Local Birds in Colored Pencil
2024-08-01 - 2024-09-02 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Artist Mark Majeski takes photographs of birds and plants and arranges them into collages as a guide for his drawings. Using this process, he emphasizes the coloration and behavior of commonly seen Massachusetts birds.

Find Us at the Farmers Market! *
2024-07-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-29 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: Downtown Restaurants - Food, Farms, and Factories Edition *
2024-07-27 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 highlight local restaurants downtown and explore their connections to local food. 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 - Coyotes
2024-07-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Made in Montague Talk *
2024-07-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Anne Harding and Michaela Henry present their findings to the question, what’s being made in Montague today? Some companies have a long local history. Others are on the cutting edge of technology. Businesses include food, farms, beverages, factories, music, movies, electricity, arts, photography, fabric, and fashion. Meet in the Great Hall.
* 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 - Snakes
2024-07-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Artist Reception and Talk: Remnants *
2024-07-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Photographer Joe Wallace captures the stark beauty of Turners Falls’ abandoned Strathmore and Griswold mills. Refreshments provided from 1 -3 p.m., and starting at 1:30 p.m. Joe discusses his photography in the mills and hear from town administrator Walter Ramsey about the past and future of the mill sites. Meet in the Great Hall.
* 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.

Art Naturally Series: Painting with Inks from the Garden *
2024-07-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover 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 the natural world to take home. Learn how to make ink from cabbage and more! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). Art materials provided.
* 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 - Bobcats
2024-07-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday Party!
2024-07-11 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Free and for all ages. Join Wildland Firefighters from the DCR Bureau of Fire Control & Forestry. Hear a reading of the Smokey Bear Story at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Learn about campfire safety. Tour a Wildland Fire Engine, try a scavenger hunt, and at 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. meet Smokey Bear himself! Take home a Smokey Story mini book and a party favor bag, including Smokey Bear materials. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by DCR and Montague Public Libraries. Rain or shine. Meet outside the Great Hall.

Postponed to Sept. 7th due to Thunderstorms- Find Us at the Farmers Market: All About Pollinators *
2024-07-06 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
Postponed to Sept. 7th due to Thunderstorms-
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners for family activities and information with a special focus on pollinators. 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.

StoryWalk® — Dear Treefrog
2024-07-04 - 2024-08-20 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For families with children. 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 Dear Treefrog by Joyce Sidman for readers ages 4-7 and everyone who celebrates frogs. 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.

Rots to Riches *
2024-07-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376
Designed for children and teens. A hands-on interactive 50-minute session about the wonders of compost, and the creatures that help turn old scraps into new plants. Hosted at the Carnegie Library at 201 Avenue A, as part of our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Led by a Hitchcock Center educator, kids and their grown-ups read an empowering story, learn the basic science of decomposition, play a “what’s compostable?” game and meet live insects and annelids from their collection.
* 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.

Great Hall Exhibit: Remnants *
2024-07-02 - 2024-07-28 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Photographer Joe Wallace captures the stark beauty of Turners Falls’ abandoned Strathmore and Griswold mills. Interior photos from 2010 reveal remnants of the town’s industrial past along the Turners Falls canal.
* 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.

Closing Reception and Performance: What’s on Your Plate? *
2024-06-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Dynamic art, word, and performance conclude Exploded View’s exhibit on the theme of food, farms, hope, community, and climate. Features readings of selected work by Exploded View, and family sing-along with community bard Annie Hassett. All ages. 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. This performance is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Eagles
2024-06-28 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. Special thanks to Montague Public Libraries for bringing books on each topic for you to check out!

Nice & Easy Walk - Food, Farms, and Factories Edition: Housing History*
2024-06-22 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. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Meet at the main entrance. Inclement weather cancels. Discover the housing of mill workers and mill owners during the industrialization of Turners Falls. 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Turtles
2024-06-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Revealed: The Amazing Story of Armored Mud Balls and Friends Annual Meeting
2024-06-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Jurassic armored mud balls – one of the rarest sedimentary rock structures on the planet! Prof. Richard Little explains how he discovered them, how they formed, and why they’re so rare. Featuring stories of plate tectonics, floods, changing climates, and suspension bridges! Sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center. This presentation is preceded by a brief Friends Group annual meeting. Following, take a guided and short 10-minute walk to Unity Park and see the real armored mud balls! Light refreshments provided. Meet in the Great Hall.

A French/Breton Jam Session
2024-06-16 14:30 - 16:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Sunday, June 16, 2:30— 4:30 p.m.
An informal group of musicians 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. Meet in the Great Hall.

Fields & Forests – What do Bees Need? *
2024-06-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Help us kick-off Pollinator Week! Make your own native bee habitat by “painting” with yarn, fleece, pre-felt shapes, and soapy water. Will your bees live in a tree trunk or holes in the ground? Will they build their nests with mud or leaves? Learn how important our native bees are, especially for growing food, and what they need to thrive. For ages 4 and up, including teens and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Designed especially for families (including dads), but all are welcome. 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.

17th Annual Free Family Fishing Day*
2024-06-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us for a day of FREE fishing fun at Barton Cove in Gill, MA, with additional activities at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is held rain or shine. Parking is free.
At Barton Cove Campground: Barton Cove Road in Gill

Free fishing from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. All ages welcome.
Fishing equipment provided – limited supplies available. Bring your own pole if you have one.
No MA fishing license needed.

At Great Falls Discovery Center: 2 Avenue A

Fly lure tying demonstrations.
Come see a guest fish from the USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab.
Fish printing – The art of Gyotaku, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm.
CATCH THE FISH BUS HERE! Free shuttle bus to and from Barton Cove, as needed, from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

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.
https://greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Family-Fish-Day-2024-with-fade-out.mp4

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Talamana Duo
2024-06-14 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 original music with jazz, folk, and world music elements from the Talamana Duo. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
Full schedule
Feel free to share or post where people might be interested

Nice & Easy Walk
2024-06-14 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. Meet at the main entrance.

Downtown Foraging Walk*
2024-06-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Explore how people have coevolved with plants. Join herbalist Laura Torraco, owner of Sage Green Botanicals, for a plant walk guided by the senses. Discover plant ID tips, medicinal and material uses, and histories of plants that live around us. Part of our Food, Farms, and Factories series of programs with Exploded View. For ages 12 and up. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. 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 Series: Solar Prints from the Garden*
2024-06-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature through story, poetry, and art in this series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques, you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. Use the power of UV light (from the sun or a lamp) to create beautiful garden inspired prints on paper and cloth. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up, accompanied by an adult. All art materials provided. Rain or shine. 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.
