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.
Enjoy a story, and fresh air! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture books. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. November 11—January 1: Thanks to the Animals, by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling. The […]
See the top Massachusetts youth entries for the 2023 Junior Duck Stamp competition! This state-wide art contest by students from Kindergarten to High School heightens awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. While you’re here, visit our duck investigation station in the Great Hall. Make your own duck stamp!
During open hours come learn about local mammals and their unique winter adaptations. Every animal has special adaptations that enable them to survive in their winter habitats. Explore through touchable artifacts (pelts, replica skulls, and replica tracks), habitat diorama scavenger hunts, and a Bingo game at the Welcome Desk. For ages 4 and up.
For ages 8 and up. Start the New Year off on the right foot! A leisurely guided 3-mile stroll on the Canalside Rail Trail. This family-friendly hike follows a gentle, level route. Discover the abundant natural, historical, and cultural features that make the Discovery Center and rail trail an amazing state park! Dress appropriately for winter […]
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 winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
January 6—25: Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife. 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 […]
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.
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 winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
Join us for crafts and activities related to the popular character, Bluey! Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Ages 3-10+. Meet in the Great Hall.
A Long Row in Fertile Ground by WGBY. The story of agriculture in Western New England. Meet retired WGBY General Manager Rus Peotter for a discussion after the film. Snow date: 1/21. "Western New England’s agricultural legacy has persisted for more than three centuries. In many ways it is the birthplace of American agriculture that […]
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.
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 winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
An informal group of musicians will 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.
Artist, Amy Dawn Kotel’s exhibit asks: “What do we see and how do we perceive our earth and all who dwell here?” See beauty and strangeness from different angles.
January 26—February 17: Tracks in the Snow, by Wong Herbert Yee Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife. 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 […]
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 winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Friday 1/26 topic: the John Russell Cutlery Factory for our Food, Farms, […]
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.
The Connecticut River used to be navigable. Come learn about the original canal connecting Montague City to what is now Turners Falls and why it was important for moving molasses! Meet in the Great Hall.
This program is postponed to 2/4 at 2 p.m. due to the forecast of inclement weather. Double Feature from the Montague Historical Society! The Genesis of the Turners Falls Community - The post-colonial creation of Montague’s largest village. "This 20 minute 'crash course' history of the Turners Falls Canal uses vintage media and music to […]
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.
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 winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the Main Entrance.
Meet the artist Amy Dawn Kotel and enjoy an artist reception including food and music, all in celebration of the exhibit, On the Ground and In the Air and In Between. Meet in the Great Hall. For all ages.
Double Feature from the Montague Historical Society! The Genesis of the Turners Falls Community - The post-colonial creation of Montague’s largest village. "This 20 minute 'crash course' history of the Turners Falls Canal uses vintage media and music to introduce the story of the birth of a new industrial community." -- From Montaguearchive.org The Franklin […]