By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Turners Falls, MA) The Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls is one of six sites that has been chosen for a Mass Humanities grant, traveling exhibition, and educational resources to engage with the community about local history.
“Like the whole of America, Franklin County has seen transformation and depression, ebbs and flows. The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center are excited to bring the Smithsonian’s Crossroads exhibit to Turners Falls so that we all may explore together the unvarnished and beautiful history of this community, and where we are today, within the context of the country at large.” said Sarah Doyle, Secretary of the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center
“The partnerships and conversations planned by the team at Great Falls Discovery Center reflect a deep commitment to the Turners Falls community. We look forward to learning from their innovative approach to Museum on Main Street.” said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities.
This is part of the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street program that began in 1991 when thirteen states found that small museums can better address and respond to local concerns as well as being more accessible to communities.
Today, this program works over the course of three years to foster community engagement with local history. Including extensive training to prepare for events and a an opportunity for an additional grant to continue community outreach beyond the exhibition.
Events regarding Turners Falls history will run from February 5th to March 18th, find more details here.