Hikes to Museums. May Day to Art Walks. Textiles to Renaissance… These are just a few of the community-based learning highlights we’re featuring this week!

Peruse our list below and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!

Featured community highlight this week:  Explore the Clark Art Institute’s exhibit Machine Age Modernism: Prints from the Daniel Cowin Collection at their free Machine Age Family Day on Sunday, May 3, 1pm-4pm. There will be fun activities for all ages, including performances by the Williams College Jazz Ensemble (1:15pm) and Kris Allen Quartet (2:30pm), a Machine Age Modernism gallery talk (1:30pm & 2:30pm), a printmaking workshop, a 3D printing demonstration, fingerprinting, flipbooks, a robotics demonstration, art making activities, and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to explore this local museum for free! Call the Clark at 413-458-2303 for more information. The Clark is located at 225 South Street in Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Peruse our list below and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!

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Local History  ♦ Museum Adventures ♦ Walking Tour ♦ College Sampler ♦ Service-Based Learning ♦ May Day ♦ Hiking  ♦ Workshops ♦ Preschool Highlights ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Sheep & Wool ♦ Renaissance Studies ♦ STEM ♦ Zoology ♦ Parents’ Night Out ♦ Art Walks

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Local History

Sunday, May 3, 1:45pm-5pm – HISTORY HIKING: Today, you can easily travel from Boston to Albany via any number of roads, or even by plane! But back in the mid-18th Century, the primary road was an old post road that ran the length of Massachusetts all the way to Albany. There is not much left of the road today, except for some old roadways, abandoned farms, and the remnants of a bridge that once crossed the Westfield River by the Chesterfield Gorge. Discover the history of this long-lost roadway with the Worthington Historical Society on a free hike along the old road. This backwoods hike, which would be best for older students and adults, will take you from Harvey Road in Worthington to “the gate” at the Chesterfield Gorge and teach you about the history of this road and the evolution of roads in western Massachusetts. Space is limited; email evanspring@gmail.com to RSVP or call the Historical Society at 413-238-0491 for more information. Meet at the Chesterfield Four Seasons on River Road in West Chesterfield, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, May 3, 3pm – CYCLING HISTORY: Do you ever wonder what riding a bike in Massachusetts was like in the past? Before the days of bike trails or even gears, what was it like to ride your bike down the street? Discover the fascinating history of cycling in the Bay State with Lorenz Finison at Historic Northampton (46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA). Finison will present, “The Cycling Craze of the 1890s: A Story of Race, Gender, Sport, and Society,” which draws from his book, Boston’s Cycling Craze, 1880-1900, and focuses on the history and evolution of cycling in Massachusetts. Many things about bikes and cycling have changed over the past century-and-a-half, but other things have remained the same, such as controversies about right of way and who is at fault in an accident. Finison compares and contrasts cycling today and explores the rise of cycling by focusing on several important cyclists of the past, and how cycling was impacted by race, gender, class, ethnicity, and religion. This talk would be great for older students interested in history and bikes. Call Historic Northampton at 413-584-6011 for more information on this free presentation. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Museum Adventures

Sunday, May 3, 1pm-4pm – CLARK ART INSTITUTE: Explore the Clark Art Institute’s exhibit Machine Age Modernism: Prints from the Daniel Cowin Collection at their free Machine Age Family Day. There will be fun activities for all ages, including performances by the Williams College Jazz Ensemble (1:15pm) and Kris Allen Quartet (2:30pm), a Machine Age Modernism gallery talk (1:30pm & 2:30pm), a printmaking workshop, a 3D printing demonstration, fingerprinting, flipbooks, a robotics demonstration, art making activities, and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to explore this local museum for free! Call the Clark at 413-458-2303 for more information. The Clark is located at 225 South Street in Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Friday, May 8, 4pm-8pm – SMITH COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART: As part of Northampton’s Art Walk, the Smith College Museum of Art is holding a Free Second Friday event! Come to the museum for hands-on art making, a gallery talk, dance, and more. 413-585-2760. Elm Street & Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Walking Tour

Saturday, May 2, 10am-12noon – JANE’S WALKS: Discover the economic, cultural, and historic significance of Great Barrington on a free walking tour with Berkshares, Inc. on Saturday, May 2 from 10am-12noon. All are welcome to attend “Walk the Talk,” which takes participants around Great Barrington as part of an international festival of walking tours called “Jane’s Walk.” These walks are named after community organizer and advocate for regional economies Jane Jacobs, who was active through the late-20th Century. All ages can attend this walking tour to learn about the history and importance of Great Barrington and to discuss future sustainable economic development in the town. Take what you learn on the walking tour and apply it to your visions for the future. Students interested in regional economies, economics, and sustainability would enjoy this walking tour. Email info@berkshares.org to RSVP.

College Sampler

Saturday, May 2 – SPLASH: Amherst College’s Splash! is a unique event for high school students taking place at Amherst College. Amherst College students will teach courses to local high school students on a variety of subjects, like government, poetry, language, public speaking, music, dance, and more. Splash! gives teens an opportunity to learn from college students and engage with materials from the college-level, and allows high school students to further develop their interests in a particular field. In addition to the courses, there will also be a student panel on about college experiences that college-bound high schoolers can learn from. Register ASAP for this exciting educational opportunity! Email amherstsplash@gmail.com with questions or for more information. Amherst, MA (FREE)

Service-Based Learning

Saturday, May 2, 8am – CLEAN UP DAY: Spend time with community members cleaning up Easthampton at the city’s Annual Clean Up Day. Meet at the Chamber of Commerce office and bring gloves, rakes, shovels, and brush cutters, if possible. This is a great chance for older students to gain valuable community service experience by making a visible difference in their community. 413-527-9414. 33 Union Street. Easthampton, MA. (VOLUNTEER)

Sunday, May 3, 8am-12noon – CLEAN UP DAY: Join the Springfield Museums for an Earth Day Clean-Up event at Duggan Middle School. All ages can come help with this community service project. Call to register. 413-263-6800 x404. 1015 Wilbraham Road. Springfield, MA. (VOLUNTEER)

Sunday, May 3, 11am-1pm – TRAIL WORK: The Trustees of Reservations need volunteers to help improve the trails at Mount Warner. Come help with bridge building, trail work, invasive species control, picking up trash, and more. Please pre-register. 413-532-1631 x21. Mount Warner Road. North Hadley, MA. (VOLUNTEER)

Thursday, May 7, 9am-12noon – TRAIL WORK: Be an Eco-Volunteer at The Trustees of Reservations‘ Bartholomew’s Cobble! Help The Trustees monitor and care for the trails and plant communities at the Cobble. Call for more information. 413-229-8600. 105 Weatogue Road. Sheffield, MA. (VOLUNTEER)

May Day

Saturday, May 2, 9am-12pm – MAY DAY: Families with small children can join the Cushman Scott Children’s Center for a May Day celebration. Families can enjoy a pancake breakfast, Morris Dancers, Maypole dancing, and more – all at the early education center. 413-549-1167. 71 Henry Street. North Amherst, MA (FREE)

Saturday, May 2, 10am-3pm – MAY FAIRE: Celebrate spring and May Day at the Meekins Library‘s May Faire! Come in costume and enjoy magic tricks by Ed the Wizard, build a fairy house, make a May basket, and more. A fun way to celebrate May Day with community members of all ages! 413-268-7472. 2 Williams Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE)

Hiking

Saturday, May 2, 10am – HIKING: Join the Naturalists’ Club for a field trip to Chapel Brook Falls. Explore the property’s forest and streams and hike to the top of Pony Mountain, where there are amazing views of the forest and Berkshire foothills. Best for self-directed teens and adults. Call to RSVP. Meet at Table and Vine parking lot. 413-525-4697. Route 5. West Springfield, MA.

Sunday, May 3, 11am – HISTORY HIKE: Join the Swift River Valley Historical Society for a hike to the Macedonia section of New Salem. Learn about local history on this hike. Meet at New Salem Common. Call to RSVP. 978-544-6882. New Salem, MA. (DONATIONS ACCEPTED)

Sunday, May 3, 1:30pm-3pm – FAMILY HIKING: Hike It Baby is holding a family hike at the Robinson Park Yellow Trail on May 3. Families can attend this 3-mile hike, which features views of the Westfield River. Hiking is a great way for families to spend time together in the outdoors, and these family-friendly group hikes give you the opportunity to meet other families who enjoy the outdoors! 978-833-3938. 462 North Street. Feeding Hills, MA.

Workshops

Saturday, May 2, 10am-11:30am – PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOP: The Collaborative for Educational Services is offering a parent-child workshop at Our Lady’s Child Care Center on May 2. “Young Scientists” is a program for parents/caregivers and their children (birth-kindergarten) that focuses on encouraging and building on your child’s natural inquisitiveness and includes fun science activities for caregivers and children to do together. Pre-registration required. 413-586-4900 x5568. 35 Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, May 7, 9am-10:30am – PARENT CAFE: The Hampshire Regional CFCE is offering a Parent Cafe on April 30, May 7, and May 14 at Westhampton Elementary School. Parents can attend this free cafe to meet and talk with other parents. Childcare provided. Call to register. 413-570-3061. 37 Kings Highway. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

Friday May 8th, 10am-12pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Gateway Family Center and Center for Women & Community welcome families, care givers, and community members to join us for a workshop entitled “Teaching Boundaries to Children and Other Strategies to Prevent Abuse.” The workshop will discuss how to evaluate and address children’s behaviors and how to communicate prevention messages and teach boundaries to children in order to keep them safe. Childcare & refreshments provided. Takes place at the Gateway Family Center. 413-667-2203. 9 Russell Road. Huntington, MA (FREE)

Preschool Highlights

Saturday, May 2, 10:30am – ART LAB: Kids ages 2-5 and an adult can participate in an Art Lab at the Berkshire Museum. Come build fine motor skills and improve language by using paintbrushes, learning colors and techniques, and more. Space is limited; call to register. Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171 x10. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)

Tuesday, May 5, 4:15pm – BUBBLES: Families can join Hike It Baby in Childs Park for the Bubbles and Wheels Walk. Come with bikes, trikes, strollers, or scooters to explore the park’s pathways, and bring bubbles for bubble-blowing fun! This is a fun event for families to spend time together outdoors and get to know other community members. Meet at Woodlawn Avenue entrance. 301-906-4700. Woodlawn Avenue. Northampton, MA.

Tuesday, May 5, 9:30am-11:30am – MUSIC/MOVEMENT: Maggie Shar is offering a series of Music and Movement programs at the South Hadley Family Center during their regular playgroup hours on May 5, 11, and 19. This fun music and movement program would be best for ages 5 and under and their families. Call or email shfckids@yahoo.com to pre-register. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, May 5, 10:30am-12noon – NATURE STUDIES: The Housatonic Valley Association and the Becket Athenaeum are offering a preschool program, “River Wise,” at the library. Preschool-aged kids can come learn about animals that live in the watershed. 413-394-9796. 3367 Main Street. Becket, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, May 6, 10:30am – ARTS & CRAFTS: Join Multi-Arts at the Belchertown Family Center for a fun morning of art activities! Come make toys, masks, sculptures, creatures, 3D art pieces, and more! This is a fun opportunity for families to work on art projects together. 413-584-7951. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA. (DONATIONS WELCOME)

Wednesday, May 6, 11:30am-12:15pm – MUSIC/MOVEMENT: Families can attend a Music and Movement class at the Belchertown Family Center this April and May. Come for music, movement, and fun! Drop-in. 413-835-5201. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, May 7, 3:15pm-4:15pm – STEAM: Preschool-aged children can learn about animals at the Leverett Library as part of a series of programs focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. This is a great chance to introduce young kids to STEAM topics! Call to register. 413-548-9220. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE)

Culinary Arts

Saturday, May 2, 10:30am-12noon – CULINARY ARTS: Chandler’s Restaurant offers a Kids Cooking class for families to explore the art of cooking, proper use of kitchen tools, and raw ingredients that go into delicious dishes! A brief tour of their professional kitchen follows the class. Great way to introduce children to the world of culinary arts! Space is limited, reservations are required 413-665-1277. 25 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA ($$)

Sheep & Wool

Saturday, May 2, 11am-3pm – TEXTILES: Celebrate New England’s fiber industry at the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation’s Sheep to Shawl Festival on May 2. See herding, shearing, and weaving demonstrations throughout the day. There will also be animals and produce from local farms, children’s activities, local artisans, and food. This is a great way to celebrate New England history and culture! 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road. Williamstown, MA. (>$)

Renaissance Studies

Sunday, May 3, 11am-4pm – RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: The Massachusetts Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies is holding their 13th Annual Community Renaissance Festival on May 3. The Festival features live music, falconry, a theater performance, Renaissance board games, weaving demonstrations, blacksmithing, dancing, and more. All ages will enjoy this Festival, which gives you an idea of what life was like in Renaissance times! 650 East Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

STEM

Tuesday, May 5, 10am-2pm – STEM: Homeschool students ages 6-12 can attend a Homeschool Discovery Day at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment. Learn about spring and pond habitats at this fun program. Sign up in advance; space is limited. 413-256-6006. 525 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. ($$)

Zoology

Tuesday, May 5, 3:30pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: Learn about the animals of spring with Teaching Creatures at the Millers Falls Library. All ages will love this live animal program, which features rabbits, box turtles, and frogs. 413-659-3801. 23 Bridge Street. Millers Falls, MA. (FREE)

Parents’ Night Out

Saturday, May 2, TBA – DINNER: Celebrate the Buckland Public Library’s 125th anniversary at the 3rd Annual Historic Upper Buckland Progressive Dinner! Attendees will enjoy a three-course meal at different historically significant locations around Upper Buckland. Call for reservations and for more information. 413-489-3114. Buckland, MA. ($$$)

15bSunday, May 3, 6:30pm – FOOD & AUCTION: The 24th Annual Future Begins Here Gala takes place May 3 at the Holyoke Mall. The evening includes delicious food and auctions to benefit the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, the Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke Rows, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin and Hampshire Counties. Get your tickets ASAP! 50 Holyoke Street. Holyoke, MA. ($$$)

Thursday, May 7, 5pm-8pm – CULTURE & COCKTAILS: The fifth season of Culture and Cocktails continues on May 7 at the Springfield Museums! This month’s event is “Margaritas in May.” There will be live music, entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and more. You must be 21 or older to attend this event. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. ($$)

Art Walks

Saturday, May 2, 4pm-8pm – SHELBURNE FALLS: May 2 is Shelburne Falls’ first Art Walk of the year! There will be live music, food, art shows, demonstrations, and much more. The Art Walk is a great chance to explore Shelburne Falls and all it has to offer! 413-625-2526. Downtown. Shelburne Falls, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, May 7, 5pm-8pm – AMHERST: Amherst Art Walk is the first Thursday of every month! Come downtown to tour art galleries and stores, explore the local art scene, and discover great local artists. Art Walks are a great way for people of all ages to experience art in their community. Downtown. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

Friday, May 8, 5pm-8pm – NORTHAMPTON: Check out Northampton’s local art scene at this month’s Arts Night Out. Visit galleries, do activities, see exhibitions, and more at this monthly event. Downtown. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

[Photo credit: (cc) Alyss]

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Learn Local. Play Local. is supported in part by a grant from the Buckland, Colrain, Cummington, Deerfield, Hadley, Longmeadow, Montgomery, New Salem, Plainfield, Shelburne, Sunderland, Westhampton, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.