Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

The Great North American Solar Eclipse
2024-04-08 14:15 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | 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
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
2024-04-12 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.

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.

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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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Who Lives in a Tree?
2024-04-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Nice & Easy Walks - In An Immigrant's Footsteps
2024-04-26 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. Friday 4/26: Our Food, Farms, and Factories* Fourth Friday topic is: In An Immigrant’s Footsteps. Meet at the main entrance.
*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.

Wildlife Tales: Live Animals with the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
2024-04-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Take a literary journey around the world as a storytelling naturalist from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum shares tales of animals and magic from around the world. With each story, a live animal will visit to bring a natural history piece to the myth and legends! Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. For ages 6 and up. Meet in the Great Hall. Free.

New Roots in River Banks Closing Event: A Polish Costume Talk
2024-04-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join Polish Folk artist Susan Urban for a slide presentation of costumes from various regions of Poland, along with a regional costume map and handmade miniature samples of each costume. This event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. 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 - Birds
2024-05-03 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.

Nice & Easy Walk
2024-05-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-17 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 along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Find us at the Farmer’s Market!* Seed Scenes
2024-05-04 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
It’s planting time! Be creative and experience the beauty and colors of seeds while making scenes in dough! Join Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center volunteer, Dawn Marvin Ward, and DCR staff at the Great Falls Farmers market on opening day (between 6th and 7th streets along
Avenue A at Peskompskut Park). For all ages.The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th Streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project.
* 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Great Hall Exhibit: What’s on Your Plate?*
2024-05-05 - 2024-06-29 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The exhibit What’s On Your Plate? asks artists to investigate the entanglement of food, time, commitment, and ecology. Curated by Exploded View, in collaboration with our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
* 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Ongoing: Made in Montague*
2024-05-05 - 2024-10-27 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
This exhibition in the center’s Hallway Gallery explores products currently made in Montague. Some of these products have a long local history and others are on the cutting edge of technology. Curated by Anne Harding and Michaela Henry for our Food, Farms, and Factories project in collaboration with Exploded View.
* 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

The Listening Ear*
2024-05-05 12:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Cultural archivist Christian McEwen gathers stories ranging from feasts and family recipes to the growing challenges of everyday life. Stop by Christian’s ear and share your stories! In collaboration with Exploded View and our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Appropriate for all ages. 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Opening Performance and Reception: What’s On Your Plate?*
2024-05-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
“8” is a new interdisciplinary work by Exploded View. This performing arts group explores the themes of food, farms, hope, community, and climate through art, word, and performance. The reception is from 2 – 4 p.m., with the performance of “8” at 3 p.m. In collaboration with our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For ages 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
Sponsored by the Mass Cultural Council.
* 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. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

StoryWalk® — Ruby’s Birds
2024-05-09 - 2024-06-25 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Ongoing, May 9—June 25
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 Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson, for readers ages 3-7 and everyone who celebrates birds. 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Fish
2024-05-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards
2024-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Come to the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy folk music for modern times with Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards with refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. appropriate for all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Make Your own Meadow*
2024-05-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Learn how to create your own pollinator-friendly meadow with landscape designers Tom Sullivan and Peter Wackernagle, and then take a short walk to see pollinator gardens in downtown Turners Falls. In collaboration with Exploded View and our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project. For ages 12 and up. 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 www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.
