Here is a rundown of the events planned at Fall River Heritage State Park for February and March.
FEATURED EXHIBITS
Daily February 1 thru March 10: SING! THE SESAME STREET® WORLD OF COMPOSER JOE RAPOSO, 8:30 am—3:30 pm, Visitor Center
Time to celebrate the creative genius of a local hero: Joseph Guilherme Raposo, the son of Azorean immigrants who was born in Fall River, went to Harvard College, studied music, and became one of the creators of Sesame Street®. Drop in and take a photo with an image of Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster or many of their friends. See our exhibit on the life of Joe Raposo with his friends Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, President Jimmy Carter, First Lady Nancy Reagan and so many more! The Visitor Center will host sing-a-long StoryWalks® of his books “Sing” and “Imagination Song.” Fun activities for the whole family.
Daily February 1 thru March 10: LEWIS HINE’S FALL RIVER: IN LIVING COLOR 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, Visitor Center
The photography of Lewis Wickes Hine focused on the harsh labor conditions in the textile industry and the exploitation of child and women workers. When those black and white images are colorized and enhanced, it adds an entire new dimension to these remarkable photos. Experience the world of Lewis Hine’s Fall River with new eyes. This is an exhibit in progress, and we invite you to witness an exhibit as it evolves. Savor the insightful captions from the Library of Congress. Hine created over 200 images of Fall River and we are just getting started!
Daily February 1 thru March 10: FREEDOM’S AGENDA: AFRICAN AMERICAN PETITIONS TO THE MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNMENT, 1600–1900, 8:30 am—3:30 pm, Visitor Center
A Black History Month Event The “right of free petition,” where any citizen of Massachusetts can petition the state legislature, is one of our state’s most cherished political traditions. As this exhibit reveals, from abolition to desegregation and voting rights, the Commonwealth has shaped American society. This special exhibit is on loan from the Commonwealth Museum in Boston, courtesy of the Secretary of State.
FILMS
Daily February 1 thru March 10: BEHIND THE SCENES FEATURETTES: A TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN THOMAS J. HUDNER & ENSIGN JESSE L. BROWN, 10:00 am, Visitor Center Theater
A Black History Month Event Discover the true story behind the theatrical hit film “Devotion” and the amazing friendship of Fall River’s own Captain Thomas J. Hudner and his navy partner Ensign Jesse Brown, the first Black naval pilot. We are honored to offer five featurettes that go behind the scenes and tell their story. Join us in our comfortable theater. For ages 12+ years. Total running time of the films: 40 minutes. Accessible.
Daily February 1 thru March 10: A Black History Month Event FILM: SAFE HOUSES: FALL RIVER AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, Visitor Center Theater
Discover the hidden history of Fall River and its role in the Underground Railroad. See the houses and streets that welcomed escaped formerly enslaved people. Learn about the abolitionists of Fall River, especially the women, who opened the gates of freedom and their homes in this 20-minute film. Shown in our warm comfortable theater. For ages 12+ years. Accessible.
Daily: FILM: THE FABRIC OF FALL RIVER, 11:45 am & 1:45 pm, Visitor Center Theater
Discover Fall River’s rich past through this classic documentary that showcases the history of Fall River from the First People through the cotton mill era, to the needle trades of the 1980s. For ages 8+ years. Run-time: 34 minutes. Accessible.
Daily: ACTIVITES: Friday-Tuesday, 9:00 am—3:00 am, Visitor Center, 9:00 am– 3:30 pm
Get creative! Stop by the Visitor Center, grab one of our unique coloring sheets of moments in Fall River History. Learn about textiles and calico and help us complete our calico stamp wall or even weave a row on our community loom. If you complete an entire row, you too can add your name tag! Origami, anyone? This is a drop-in program. Stay for the duration or drop in for a few moments. For all ages.
Stop by the Visitor Center, grab one of our unique coloring sheets of moments in Fall River History. Try your hand at origami or even weave a row on our community loom. If you complete an entire row, you, too can add your name tag! This is a drop-in self-guided program. Stay for the duration or drop in for a few moments.
ONGOING PROGRAMS:
1. Water + Granite + Gravity= Fall River.
Fall River was once the third largest city in Massachusetts with thriving factories and bustling piers on its waterfront. Without the water of the Taunton and Quequechan Rivers, the granite cliffs and the power of gravity and the waterfalls that they produced, there would be no Fall River. The Park highlights this legacy with seven distinct granite way finders around the Park that commemorate the industry that has been here. This is a 30-minute walk through waterfront history connecting the way finders and can be self-guided or led by a park interpreter. Tours start at the Front Desk. Saturdays at 11:00 am.
2. People, Ambition and Hard Work
A Portuguese American poet, a beloved local entrepreneur, a decorated military hero, and a visionary state legislator all have their names enshrined in Fall River Heritage Park. Who were these people and how did they inspire others through their vision, ambition, and hard work? This is a short walking tour of the landmarks named for these pioneers and can be self-guided or led by a park interpreter. Tours start at the Front Desk in the Visitor Center. Saturdays at 2:00 pm.
ONGOING EXHIBITS IN VISITOR CENTER:
Daily 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
1. FACES OF FALL RIVER: Meet the people of Fall River’s past through a gallery of classic black and white photographs from the textile era. Featured are photos by labor activist/sociologist/photographer Lewis Hine of the immigrant women, men and children who worked the mills that made Fall River the premiere textile city in America. These are the photographs that inspired change in American labor laws and helped abolish child labor.
2. TRACING THE THREADS: Explore our comprehensive permanent exhibit which celebrates the cultural, ethnic, and industrial history of Fall River. Learn about the waterfalls that shaped the city, enabled its industries, and even gave it its name. Share the stories of the many ethnic groups from around the world who called this city home.
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