Scavenger hunts, colonial medicine, and history: April at Heritage State Park

FALL RIVER — Get creative while learning some local history, hands-on, at Heritage State Park in April.

The Visitor Center is located at 100 Davol St. in the Captain Thomas J. Hudner Jr. Memorial Building. The Visitor Center will be open again starting April 6.

All programs are free and open to the public.

Free parking is available in the DCR parking lot at 5 Water St.

An adult must accompany children.

For more information, call 508-675-5759, Ext. 0.

The Visitor Center and boardwalk are wheelchair-accessible. For ADA and accommodation questions, call 617-645-0358, or send an email to [email protected].

Here's what's happening at Heritage State Park in April:

Scavenger hunts

Visitor Center lobby, Wednesday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

These scavenger hunts put guests on the path to discovering the people and stories that are the fabric of Fall River's community. Two scavenger hunts are available: "Find that Flag," and "Textiles, Textiles Everywhere." Free; all materials provided.

Learn about colonial medicine

Visitor Center, Wednesday, April 17, from noon to 2 p.m.

Learn about the tools and devices used in early American medical and dental practices with Dave Jennings from the Lafayette-Durfee House.

Films at Heritage State Park

Wednesday to Sunday, available on demand

"The Fabric of Fall River" explores the city's rich past (30 minutes; ages 8 and up). "The Fall River Line" tells the story of Fall River's famous steamboat service (57 minutes). "Safe Houses: Fall River and the Underground Railroad" explores the abolitionists of Fall River and the city's connection to the Underground Railroad (20 minutes).

"Road to Revolution: The Stamp Tax Crisis of 1765"

Visitor Center Exhibit Hall, Wednesday to Sunday, through May 31

On loan from the Commonwealth Museum and Secretary of State, this explores the Stamp Act creating a firestorm of protest in colonial America.

"Faces of Fall River"

Visitor Center lobby, Wednesday to Sunday

Explore a selection of historic Fall River photographs, which features the work of Lewis Hine, whose photographs of children in Fall River's cotton mills helped galvanize the nation against child labor.

Self-guided tours

Wednesday to Sunday, Visitor Center lobby for information

"Water + Granite + Gravity = Fall River" is a 30-minute walk that connects the park's wayfinders. "People, Ambition, Hard Work" tours the landmarks named for those who have been enshrined in Heritage State Park.

Creation Station activities

Visitor Center lobby, Wednesday to Sunday

Grab a unique coloring sheet of moments from Fall River history. Help complete the calico stamp wall, or weave a row on the community loom. If you complete an entire row, you can add your name to the tapestry! This is a drop-in program, for all ages.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: April 2024 programs at Heritage State Park in Fall River