Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center
The Great Falls Discovery Center hosts community programs and events, rotating art exhibits in our Great Hall and a Coffee House hosted by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.
As we head into Labor Day weekend this year, join us on a walk along the Canalside Rail Trail in view of the factories—now gone or about to be demolished--and share a sampling of snippets from our local newspaper archives. Get a glimpse into the sentiments of workers, owners, and newspaper editors regarding shifts, pay, […]
How far would you go to keep your livelihood? Learn about the 90 women and 8 men who struck during the Depression at the Keith Paper mill, through newspapers, maps and photos with DCR staff. Meet in the Great Hall. Ages 8 and up.
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 some 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.
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 are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. 9/11: Skunks 9/18: Snakes 9/25: River Otters
Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. The Jenny Burtis Duo offers originals favoring the Romantic tradition with irony and humor. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, in support of educational programming at the Center. All ages. Meet in the Great Hall.
Join Chad Witko, ornithologist and founder of Birding University, for an engaging introduction to North America’s waterfowl. As fall migration reaches the Connecticut River Valley, discover how to identify ducks, geese, and swans, explore their remarkable migrations, and learn why the Connecticut River is such an important stopover and wintering habitat throughout their annual cycle. […]
Join Tumble Science Podcast for a live tour stop on NEPM's DinoMap! Meet a scientist for a Q&A, take a guided tour showing some of the amazing rocky outcrops around the Discovery Center, and get your passport book stamped along the way. Free fun for the whole family!
Help us create a “We the People” banner together inspired by the United States Constitution. Pick out core statements, phrases or meaningful words from our Constitution and place them on the banner. You are also invited to place your handprint on the banner (non- toxic washable paints). Come learn about the Constitution, how our government […]
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 some 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.
Come meet local author Brad Timm in a special nature education program just for kids! Built around Brad's children's nonfiction book America is Wild! we'll explore different activities that get us moving while learning all about animal behaviors, wildlife adaptions, predator/prey relationships, ecosystems, and much more! Registration is required. This program is ideal for 2nd-5th graders. About […]
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 are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. 9/18: Snakes 9/25: River Otters
Location: Herman Covey Wildlife Management Area, Belchertown. Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Join MassWildlife experts for a walk to explore the surprising world of invasive species. Learn how to identify the spotted lanternfly, tree of heaven, and other invasives while discovering the impacts they have on local ecosystems. Along the way, you'll […]