DCR Expands Winter Hours at Great Falls Discovery Center

A press release from the Great Falls Discovery Center

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is pleased to announce expanded winter hours for the Great Falls Discover Center in Turners Falls, MA.  Beginning Friday, November 6, 2015, the center will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and by appointment on Tuesdays.  The center is free and open to the public and is accessible. Exhibits in the museum highlight the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River watershed. DCR staff will provide interpretive programming in the Great Hall and on the Canalside Rail Trail throughout the winter season.

The current art exhibit, The Artists of Franklin County, curated by Ellen Blanchette, is displayed in the Great Hall through the end of November. Artists include: Bruce Kahn, Gloria Kegeles, Ellen Blanchette, Lynn Pelland, Beth Pelton, Ginny Newton, Debbie Rittall, Diane Interlande, and Alice Thomas.

Upcoming Great Falls Discovery Center events:

Saturday, November 7
(1 pm)
More about the Moores: The Hidden History of Millers Falls
Learn about the family who brought the tool company to Millers Falls - their triumphs and tragedies. Shari Strahan and Sara Campbell will reveal the fruits of their research at repositories from Sturbridge to New Haven, and show the depths of the local resources that were mined to tell this story. Come and learn more about this history of this village that spans the Millers River. This project is partially funded  by the Montague Cultural Council, through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Friday, November 13
(7- 9 pm)
The Great Falls Coffeehouse - Outbreak of Peace
Outbreak of Peace - Sarah Pirtle and friends - present songs and stories for peace. Each month the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center host an evening coffeehouse with local musical talent. Refreshments available. Museum and museum store open during intermission.

Friday, November 20
(10:30 - 11:30 am)
Let’s Talk Turkey! A Story Hour for Young Children
Join us for a special turkey scavenger hunt on the center grounds and in the museum where we will hunt and peck for turkey clues—with stories and crafts—all about our favorite fall bird. For ages 3 - 6 years old. Siblings and friends welcome.

Saturday, November 21
(12—3 pm)       Beaver Moon Gathering
The Annual Beaver Moon Gathering, co-sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project and DCR, will be held in the Great Hall. A brief opening focused on “Giving Thanks” will begin at noon, followed by the keynote presentation by Billy "Iahteho:tas” Myers of the Kanien' ke'ha (Mohawk) Bear Clan. He will talk about the challenges faced by American Indians in the 21st century while remaining connected to their nation, history, ceremony and commitment to the environment.

The Great Falls Discovery Center is located at 2 Avenue A in Turners Falls, MA. Please call with any questions, (413) 863-3221.

Now through December 1st DCR parks and visitor centers across the state are hosting a food drive for local food banks. Bring your non-perishable food items to the Great Falls Discovery Center to make a donation.