Eastern European Immigration & Industrialization in Massachusetts
Sunday, April 14, 2:00 p.m.—3:30 p.m.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Polish and other Eastern European immigrants arrived in the Connecticut River Valley to begin new lives as small farmers and factory workers. Learn about this migration in a talk by Robert Forrant, Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is co-editor with Mary Anne Trasciatti of Where are the Workers: Interpreting Labor and Working-Class History at Museums and Historic Sites. This free event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. For youth and adults. Meet in the Great Hall.
Eastern European Culture: Family Craft Activities
Friday, April 19, 1:00—5:00 p.m.
Discover how Eastern European immigrant families influenced and enhanced life in the Connecticut River Valley. Join Helena Alves and Patty Solomon, Museum Educators from the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s Deerfield Teachers’ Center, for drop-in family craft activities. Explore pysanki egg painting, paper cutting designs and see traditional clothing and costumes that can be fitted for paper dolls. Visitors can dress up in period costumes and take a selfie. This free event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. All ages welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.
The Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A in Turners Falls, is hosting a year-long exploration on the themes of “Food Farms and Factories.” This multi-faceted programming will examine the topic from historic, Indigenous, immigrant, economic, industrial, and artistic perspectives. Spring programming includes multiple events related to the contribution of Polish and Eastern European immigrants, an exhibition and performance curated by Exploded View, and workshops about gardening and environmental awareness. Visit www.discoverycenter.org for more information about these events, workshops, exhibitions and performances.
