Events

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.

A French/Breton Jam Session

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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. Meet in […]

Free

Ongoing – Dino Trail Week Program: Indoor StoryWalk®—Daring to Dig: Adventures of Women in American Paleontology

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

Enjoy the story Daring to Dig by Beth Strickler. For young readers ages 8—12, and everyone who appreciates women in science. Includes the stories of Mary Anning, the unsung hero of fossil discovery, and of Mignon Talbot and the discovery of Podokesaurus. Meet at the welcome desk. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson […]

Free

Ongoing: Outdoor StoryWalk® — Agua, Agüita: Water, Little Water

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

Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring Agua, Agüita: Water, Little Water by Jorge Tetl Argueta. For ages 4 to 7 and anyone who appreciates the water cycle! Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. The StoryWalk® Project was […]

Free

Ongoing – Great Hall Exhibit: Ways of My Ancestors — We Are Still Here

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

Scott Strong Hawk Foster is a Native American photographer whose proud roots include Hassanamisco Nipmuc, Mohegan, and Cherokee lineage. His exhibit captures travels throughout the ancestral homelands of the Native American Peoples of New England. While attending powwows, cultural events, workshops, and Indigenous practices that span millennia, Scott’s passion highlights the rich, resilient, diverse cultures […]

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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.

Free

Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Eagles

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

Yes, we are open on the holiday, ready with a story for you! 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.

Free

First Friday: Eagle Day!

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

Yes, we are open today! All ages. Enjoy Independence Day by celebrating the eagle, our national bird. Join us at our eagle investigation station outside the center on our grounds. We’ll have artifacts and crafts as we imagine the freedom of flight. In case of rain, join us inside the center.

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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.

Free

Needle-Felting for Teens and Tweens

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

For ages 11-19, Learn tips and tricks for needle felting while making a 2D monarch butterfly. Visit montaguepubliclibraries.org to sign up or call 413-863-3214. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. This program is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Meet […]

Free

DINO TRAIL WEEK PROGRAM: Dinosaur Kidleidoscope Story Hour

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

For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn about the giant creatures from the past that roamed the Connecticut River Valley. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. * Dino Trail Week: Dino Trail Week is a celebratory week […]

Free

DINO TRAIL WEEK TALK: Climate Cycles and Volcanic Singularities During the Dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs

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

Join us for a dynamic presentation on climate, volcanos, and dinosaurs by Dr. Paul Olsen. The ancient Connecticut Valley rift basin is filled with spectacular, fossil-bearing alternations of deep and shallow water lake sediments that provide a timeline for the beginning of dinosaur dominance 200 million years ago. A huge volcanic event then set off […]

Free

DINO TRAIL WEEK: * Art Naturally: Gel Printing Trace Fossils

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

Discover nature and pre-history through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. Create an art piece inspired by the valley’s fossilized dinosaur footprints using paint, paper and gel, with instruction and techniques. For adults, teens and children ages 6 and up. All art materials provided. Arrive at 2:00 p.m. for complete […]

Free