A beloved Western Mass historical institution opens its door for its 66th season when Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum takes us on a tour of 3 centuries worth of rural life. A gorgeous setting on the Connecticut River, the Museum hosts many interesting …
Tag Archives: Hilltown Families
Natural and Cultural Histories of Northampton’s Meadows
“The Great Meadow: Natural and Cultural Histories of Northampton’s Meadows” at Historic Northampton features the work of three local artists as they represent their unique artistic perspective on the Meadows and its many facets. Through the weaving of art, history and artistic vision, this exhibit offers three varying and fascinating interpretations of the culture in our local landscape. 
Playing with a Purpose: Gardening with your Children
Using the seasons as a catalyst for learning can help connect kids to their environment and the seasonal cycles of their community. Garden-based learning is just one activity that is on many minds every spring. Stop and think what else cycles around ea…
Visual Art in Western MA: May Openings, Closings & Calls for Art
Explore Western MA through the lens of visual art! Featured here are May art openings, closings & call for art at galleries, museums and public meeting places across the region, including: Norman Rockwell Museum, Yiddish Book Center, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Hancock Shaker Village, Neil Hammer Gallery at Meekins Library, Easthampton City Hall Gallery, Smith College Museum of Art, Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, and other locations.
Community Resource Supports Native American and Indigenous Studies
Offered through UMass, the weekly Community Connect discussion series provides adults and teens with an opportunity to explore Native American and Indigenous studies and build community to support further learning surrounding such topics. Such topi…
High Tech Planetarium Takes Us to the Stars
Milham Planetarium at Williams College is an incredible high-tech resource for Western Mass. Astronomy students in the area always seem to want to open up the planets for the rest of us. All through the Fall they will host free shows for the general public. There is something scientifically hypnotic about a planet show, and it can be a great “hook” for kids who are interested in the stars. Read on & reserve your spot in what will be a very popular show series. 
Suggested Events for September 12th-18th, 2015
“Hilltown Families is my go-to place to look for upcoming family activities in my community (and the surrounding communities). I truly appreciate this site and all of the work that’s put into it!” – Renee H. (Easthampton, MA) … Continue reading →
14 Playgrounds Recommendations in Western MA!
Where’s your favorite playground in western MA? We invited our readers to share their suggestions & lesser known treasures. Here’s what they had to share…
Museum Adventures: Yiddish Book Center
This month in “Museum Adventures: Highlights from Western MA Museum Educators,” Maureen Turner shares highlights from the Yiddish Book Center. Visitors to the Center don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although by visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (nosh, schmooze, and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more! 
Birding in Winter Offers Great Reward
During the winter, young wildlife enthusiasts can focus their attention on feathered friends, one of the few creatures who are still very visible throughout the coldest months of the year. Whether your family are avid birders or simply enjoy watching…