Nice and Easy Walk
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-15 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-19 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 older adults, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Winter Birds
2026-01-09 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. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Second Friday Winter Local History Talk: Keeping It Cool — Ice Harvesting
2026-01-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
How much is a block of ice worth? It depends on the weather! Learn about the ice harvesting empire that started in Massachusetts. See the tools used by local ice harvesters, making it easier to preserve staples like milk, meat and fish. For ages 10 and up. Downtown Turners Falls’ monthly First Friday event is changing this month only to the second Friday. Meet in the Great Hall.

Local Children’s Author Visit: Prudence Marsh
2026-01-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Local author Prudence Marsh reads from her newest children’s book, “A Place for Poe.” The book, part of the “Pippa and Friends” series, follows the adventures of Pippa the squirrel and her forest friends. For children ages 3-10 accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. Free. (Snow date: January 24).

Winter Local History Talk: The Strathmore aka Keith Paper Mill
2026-01-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Strathmore (a.k.a. Keith Paper) mill was the phoenix of Connecticut River mills. Few other mills could rally themselves and the town to come back from the brink. Join DCR staff for photos, maps, and stories that showcase the determination, labor, and paper that kept the Strathmore mill in business for 122 years. For ages 10 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.

Sunday Matinee Documentary Series: Nocturnes from Sandbox Films
2026-01-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Our free winter Sunday matinee documentary series from Sandbox Films continues with Nocturnes. In the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas, moths are whispering something to us. In the dark of night, two curious observers shine a light on this secret universe. Together, they are on an expedition to decode these nocturnal creatures in a remote ecological “hot spot” on the border of India and Bhutan. The result is a deeply immersive film that transports audiences to a rarely seen place and urges us all to look more closely at the hidden interconnections of the natural world. Sandbox Films is an Oscar-nominated production studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry: humankind’s weird, messy, brilliant way of navigating the world. Free hot chocolate! Meet in the Great Hall. All ages. (Snow date: January 18).

Ongoing - Indoor StoryWalk®- Tracks in the Snow
2026-01-14 - 2026-01-31 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife in the book Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee. 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Possums
2026-01-16 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Groundhogs
2026-01-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Artist Reception and Nature Journal Demonstration
2026-01-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
From forest floor to canopy, Will Close’s exhibition, Home, of original watercolor and mixed media paintings invites viewers to rediscover the beauty and complexity of the natural world that surrounds us. Join Will Close for an artist reception and for a demonstration on nature journaling. Refreshments include hot chocolate and cookies! For all ages.

A French / Breton Jam Session
2026-01-25 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. 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Owls
2026-01-30 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Great Hall Guest Speaker: The Secret World of Freshwater Mussels
2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) – Young Professionals Committee presents a talk by Freshwater Malacologist, Virginia Martell, on the vital roles that freshwater mussels play in our aquatic ecosystems, including water filtration and nutrient cycling. The talk includes discussion of Massachusetts’ populations of mussels that are at risk, the evaluation process for environmental permits, the fundamentals of freshwater mussel biology and ecology and their connection to Massachusetts’ environmental permitting requirements. Virginia Martell specializes in freshwater mussel restoration efforts targeting state and federally endangered species. For free registration visit: maccweb.org or call the center to learn more. For adults and youth 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing: Indoor Story Walk® — Rabbit’s Snow Dance
2026-02-01 - 2026-02-28 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Read master storytellers Joseph and James Bruchac’s Rabbit’s Snow Dance, a hip and funny take on an Iroquois folktale about the importance of patience, the seasons, and listening to your friends. Rabbit loves winter. He knows a dance, using an Iroquois drum and song, to make it snow—even in summertime! When rabbit decides that it should snow early, he starts his dance and the snow begins to fall. The other forest animals are not happy and ask him to stop, but Rabbit doesn’t listen. How much snow is too much, and will Rabbit know when to stop? 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.

Sunday Matinee Documentary Series: Fire of Love from Sandbox Films
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Our free winter Sunday matinee documentary series from Sandbox Films continues with Fire of Love. Curiosity is stronger than fear. This film tells the story of two French lovers, Katia and Maurice Krafft, who died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of our planet, while simultaneously capturing the most explosive volcano imagery ever recorded. Along the way, they changed our understanding of the natural world, and saved tens of thousands of lives. Previously unseen hours of pristine 16-millimeter film and thousands of photographs reveal the birth of modern volcanology through an unlikely lens — the love of its two pioneers. Sandbox Films is an Oscar-nominated production studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry: humankind’s weird, messy, brilliant way of navigating the world. Free hot chocolate. For adults and youth ages 12 and up.

Ongoing - Great Hall Exhibit: Maps of River History by Joe Kopera
2026-02-05 - 2026-03-28 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Come see the secret histories of your favorite rivers! Geologist and cartographer Joe Kopera has studied the New England landscape for over 25 years. View the land like a geologist: Maps of River History, reveals the hidden details in the topography of rivers and their floodplains, clues to the past 15,000 years of their work shaping the land on which we live.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Winter Insects
2026-02-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

First Friday: Zine on the River
2026-02-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Drop in and make a Connecticut River zine! Zines are small booklets usually made from a single piece of paper. Share your message about the Connecticut River or keep it as a unique nature journal. For teens and adults, and children with a solid grasp of scissors. Meet in the Great Hall.

Montague Public Libraries Presents: Valentine Card-Making
2026-02-07 11:00 - 13:00 | MA
Celebrate love by making a card for someone you care about. Children of all ages and their caregivers. Free. Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries.

Winter Local History Series: Quabbin Obscura — The Swift River in Black & White
2026-02-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
From farm to canvas to camera, artist Burt V. Brooks (1849-1934) captured the landscapes and daily life in the “drowned towns” before the Quabbin Reservoir (today managed by DCR) was filled. Join DCR staff as we look back on Brooks’ work for answers about who he was and what life in the Swift River Valley was like around the turn of the century. For adults and youth ages 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing - Who Do You Love? Valentines for Wildlife investigation station
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-14 | MA
For all ages, stop by our Welcome Desk to 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Porcupines
2026-02-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Ongoing - School Vacation Week Investigation Station: Amphibians and Reptiles in Winter
2026-02-15 - 2026-02-22 | 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. Explore through touchable artifacts and habitat diorama scavenger hunts. For ages 4 and up.

Sunday Matinee Documentary Series: How Deep is Your Love? from Sandbox Films.
2026-02-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Our free winter Sunday matinee documentary series from Sandbox Films continues with How Deep is Your Love? Scientists explore the mysterious deep sea to collect and name undiscovered species. As they uncover mesmerizing creatures and ecosystems thriving in darkness, a looming threat emerges: the prospect of deep-sea mining in this untouched wilderness. This film weaves wonder with urgency, challenging us to balance the drive for resources with the intrinsic value of an ecosystem. As we journey through this breathtaking realm, we are left to ponder – how deep is our love? Free hot chocolate. For adults and youth ages 12 and up.
