PassportHolyoke.org
Passport Holyoke Partners
Children’s Museum at Holyoke
Come play with us!
Shop in our bodega, cook for our Do-Da Diner, blow an awesome bubble, make paper, drive the ambulance, create art, then crawl up the Curvy Climber for a bird’s eye view of our museum. There are over 30 hands-on exhibits that show how learning can be fun!
Dress up as a doctor or make music on the bongo drums. Try floating ducks down our watertable canal, curl up with a book, or see yourself on TV.
Who knew that you could do all of this in one place, right in Holyoke!
Come play with us, and see for yourself!
| hours: | Hours of operation: Wed – Sat 10am - 4pm; Sun 12pm -4pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) |
| admission: | $6/person; Children under 1 FREE Senior citizens (over 62) $3 |
| location: | 444 Dwight Street Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 536-KIDS |
| web: | www.childrensmuseumholyoke.org |
City of Holyoke
Holyoke was incorporated as a town in 1850 and became a city in 1873. It was the first planned industrial city in the world. At one time Holyoke was known as the “Paper Capitol of the World”. Today, Holyoke has a rich heritage with many ethnic and religious groups of people living in its boundaries.
Holyoke celebrates its rich heritage through many annual cultural events such as; the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Easter Drag, Celebrate Holyoke, Hispana de Familia and Founder’s Day. The City also helps sponsor a downtown Farmers’ Market every Thursday in Holyoke.
Holyoke’s governmental center is housed in a beautiful historic building built in 1873. The architectural style is Victorian Gothic style. There is a clock tower that rises 225 feet and has twelve sun catching stained glass windows in the Grand Ballroom.
| hours: | M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
| location: | 536 Dwight Street Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 322-5510 |
| web: | www.holyoke.org |
Enchanted Circle Theater
Enchanted Circle Theater, founded in 1976, is a non-profit, professional educational theater company dedicated to engaging, enhancing and inspiring learning through the arts. Our programs integrate theater arts - theater, dance, music, visual and literary arts – with academic and social curricula. Our goal is to help youth become active and engaged learners; to support teachers in the development of creative curriculum programs; and to build community through creative education projects.
We offer touring and site-based performances, creative arts workshops, in-depth artist-in-residence programs, and professional development training for teachers. Our site-based and touring productions build community through creative education performances on topics of social relevance.
HONORS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
ECT's productions and workshops have earned national acclaim. The company was in residence at the Smithsonian Institution's Discovery Theater and was voted "outstanding family theater" at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. In addition to thousands of schools and museums along the East Coast, the company has performed at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center and the Jewish Museum in NYC, the Olney Theater in Maryland, and the Amaturo Theater in Miami. We have been in residence at the New York State Museum and Education Center in Albany, and have performed at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston for over two decades.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES:
• Professional touring productions to theaters, schools and cultural institutions;
• Original site-based performances on historical and cultural themes;
• Artist-in-residence programs to enrich classroom curricula and immerse teachers and students in the creative process of learning;
• Literacy programs which inspire students to read for pleasure;
• Professional development workshops to offer teachers practical experience in the effective use of drama as a dynamic teaching tool;
• Community collaborations with local cultural and human service organizations on projects of social relevance.
| location: | Many schools, youth, and human service organizations in and around Holyoke, and up and down the East Coast. Bring us to your site! (413) 534-3789 |
| web: | www.enchantedcircletheater.com |
Friends of Pulaski Park
Friends of Pulaski Park is a park advocacy organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation and improvement of Pulaski Park for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Pulaski Park is located in downtown Holyoke, along the Connecticut River.
| location: | 4 Open Square Way, Suite 214, Holyoke, MA 01040 |
| web: | www.friendsofpulaskipark.org |
Greater Holyoke YMCA
Programs offered for youth and adults including after school care, summer camp, swim lessons, adult aquatics, sports leagues, group fitness, outreach and financial assistance.
| hours: | M-F 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM, Sat 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. |
| admission: | Membership fees |
| location: | 141 Pine Street, Holyoke MA |
| web: | www.holyokeymca.org |
Holyoke Civic Symphony
Holyoke Civic Symphony is in its fifth decade of performing accessible, beautiful, live symphonic music. This is a season of 21st Century originality and beloved longtime treasures.
THE HOLYOKE CIVIC SYMPHONY
The Holyoke Civic Symphony is a non-profit community orchestra and cherished local institution that provides to the people of Holyoke and surrounding towns opportunities to perform and enjoy great works of music.
CONCERTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE
Visit the HCS symphony and learn about our
upcoming concerts.
Concerts are free of charge except for an annual fundraising concert when ticket prices are modest. We are grateful for support from local businesses, arts agencies, and from our friends in our audiences that make it possible to bring great music to Holyoke free of financial barriers. Holyoke Community College provides the symphony with rehearsal and concert space, instrument loans, and other services.
THE SYMPHONY WELCOMES
The symphony welcomes a wide variety of participants from all walks of life. Guest soloists and new works by local and regional composers are featured. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at Holyoke Community College; new members are invited to audition.
DAVID KIDWELL
David Kidwell has been Music Director and Conductor of the Holyoke Civic Symphony since 1997, longer than any conductor in the orchestra's history. He has expanded the orchestra’s commitment to education by adding educational and partnership concerts with local school groups and has reinforced the HCS commitment to performing new music and music by living American composers.
| admission: | Free Admission |
| location: | Concerts are presented in the Forum, Building C, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA |
| web: | www.holyokecivicsymphony.org |
Holyoke Community College
The Commonwealth’s oldest community college, Holyoke Community College is an accredited, public community college serving Western Massachusetts and beyond. In addition to offering a wealth of credit and non-credit courses in subjects from art to technology, HCC annually hosts a variety of recreational and cultural activities open to the community. Most are free; some charge minimal admission.
Theater: HCC’s theater arts program produces plays annually in the 316-seat Forum Theater, and sponsors playwrighting and other workshops.
Music: HCC’s music program offers faculty and student concerts and sponsors the annual spring Jazz Festival, which features renowned jazz artists and instrumental workshops for area high school students and the community.
Art: The Taber Art Gallery hosts exhibits and gallery talks by a variety of artists throughout the year.
Fitness: The David M. Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation is available to community groups and individuals, and is equipped with a three-court gymnasium, full fitness center with strength and cardiovascular equipment, and steam and sauna facilities. The Bartley Center offers group fitness classes, including aerobics, kickboxing, and body sculpting, as well as personal training, blood pressure screening, massage, and more.
Recreation: HCC outdoor amenities include a walking track, hiking trails, six-court tennis facility, and soccer, baseball, and softball fields. The campus also features a disc golf course that is free and open to the public year-round.
Youth Programs: HCC offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including music, art, outdoor adventure, sports clinics, and science and math programming. Summer youth programs are especially popular.
Conference/Meeting Space: The Kittredge Center, Bartley Center, Campus Center, and Forum Theater offer a number of venue options for your conference or seminar. Facilities are available all year round and can accommodate from 6 to 400 people.
| hours: | Please call for specific information or visit www.hcc.edu |
| location: | 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 538-7000 |
| web: | www.hcc.edu |
Holyoke Creative Arts Center
The Holyoke Creative Arts Center at the end of I-391 in Holyoke is a non-profit learning center with a mission to promote arts and other art-related programs in the Pioneer Valley to adults and teens.
They have been a staple in the Holyoke landscape for over 90 years! Their non-credit classes are among the most affordable in the area, taught by accomplished artisans, who bring their creativity into the classrooms and community.
| hours: | Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 8:30PM Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| location: | 400 South Elm Street, Holyoke (behind the South St. Plaza) (413) 532-0465 info@holyokeCAC.org |
| web: | www.holyokeCAC.org |
Holyoke Heritage State Park
Holyoke Heritage State Park is owned and operated by the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of State Parks and Recreation. The park Visitor's Center offers group tours and historical and environmental programming year-round and features exhibits about water power, paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial and social history. The eight-acre urban site also contains the Children's Museum at Holyoke, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame.
If you would like to hear about programs at Holyoke Heritage State Park, please email charlie.lotspeich@state.ma.us with “email list” in the subject line, and you will be put on our list.
| hours: | Open Tuesday – Sunday, noon – 4:00 pm; other times by appointment. |
| admission: | Free. |
| location: | 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. (413) 534-1723 |
| web: | www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/hhsp.htm |
Holyoke Parks and Recreation
Holyoke Parks and Recreation seeks to develop and promote a wide variety of recreation opportunities and to encourage and inspire all Holyoke residents to come out and play in Holyoke .
| hours: | Office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm |
| location: | Administrative Offices are located at 536 Dwight Street. Programs and Events are held at various locations around the City |
| web: | www.holyoke.org |
Holyoke Public Library History Room & Archive
Discover the lively history of the City of Holyoke and its inhabitants through the use of local history books, carefully preserved documents and a broad range of historical city images.
| hours: | Current Hours beginning January 26, 2009 Call 413-552-2842 for up-to-date hours for the week. Monday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday Evening 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday closed Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday: 8:30-12:30 Saturdays by appointment |
| admission: | FREE! Includes access to extraordianary historical resources and expert assistance of professional research staff. |
| location: | Temporarily housed at Holyoke Community College Library 303 Homestead Ave. Donahue Bldg #204 Holyoke, MA 01040 |
| web: | www.holyokehistory.blogspot.com |
Massachusetts Academy of Ballet
MAB is located in beautiful Open Square. The Academy offers high quality training for ages 5 and older, including a special Adult program. Advanced students take daily lessons and are offered many performing opportunities. Artistic directors Rose and Charles Flachs have danced professionally with the Nashville Ballet, Ballet West and the Cincinnati Ballet.
Photo courtesy of Clive J. Mealey www.mealey.com
| hours: | Morning Afternoon and Evening Classes |
| location: | 4 Open Square Way Suite #403 Holyoke MA 01040 Phone: 413.536.6200 |
| web: | www.massacademyofballet.com |
MIFA- Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts & Victory Theatre
MIFA/Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts & Victory Theatre presents national and international artists showcasing the finest examples of contemporary practice in opera, theatre, dance, film, music, literature and the visual arts in Holyoke and is committed to sharing the arts through educational programing by visiting artists. Now in its 17th year, MIFA has presented 135 events with 1,191 artists from 43 international and national companies, including 26 company debuts in America and 11 world premieres.
MIFA is restoring the Holyoke's historic Victory Theatre as part of the comprehensive downtown arts development project.
| admission: | prices vary depending on the event. We also offer a student rate for tickets. |
| location: | 56 Suffolk Street, Suite 300 Holyoke, MA 01040 413-540-0200 fax 413-540-0225 email: info@mifafestival.org |
| web: | www.mifafestival.org |
Open Square
Open Square is a modern mixed-use community where Business, Art and Cultural life merge. Our company enlivens communities by creating well-designed, walkable urban environments for people to live, work and thrive.
| location: | Open Square 4 Open Square Way Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 532 5057 |
| web: | www.opensquare.com |
The Canal Gallery
The Canal Gallery is a nonprofit contemporary art organization located in the historic district in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Set in a 19th century paper mill, this building has been a facility for the arts for over 30 years. The Canal Gallery and artist studios has become a unique venue where new artwork is created and presented through exhibitions, installations, performance, and public events.
| hours: | Mon - Thur 9-5 |
| location: | The Canal Gallery 380 Dwight Street - PO Box 6183 Holyoke, MA 01041 |
| web: | www.thecanalgallery.com |
The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round located at Heritage State Park, is a beautifully preserved 1929 Philadelphia Toboggan Carousel that originally resided at Holyoke’s Mountain Park. The carousel is a great place for a child's birthday party which can be scheduled during operating hours or privately. It can also be rented privately for family celebrations, school field trips, reunions, community and corporate events, weddings, wedding receptions and pictures.
We hope you'll "Come Along for the Ride!"
| hours: | Open Saturday & Sunday 12 noon - 4 p.m. September - June; also open Monday holidays & school vacations. 2010 Summer hours begin Saturday, July 3. Will be open 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until Labor Day, September 6. |
| admission: | Rides $1. per person or 6 rides for $5. $.50 per person rate for non-profit, daycare & camp groups. |
| location: | 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke MA 01040 (413) 538-9838 |
| web: | www.holyokemerrygoround.org |
The Trustees of Reservations
Together with our neighbors, we protect the distinct character of our communities and inspire a commitment to special places in Massachusetts. Here in Holyoke, we invite you to visit Dinosaur Footprints.
The Trustees have joined with the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club and state and federal consevation agencies to purchase the land at the former Mt. Tom ski area. Today we are helping Holyoke children discover nature in our community and look forward to opening a new reservation to the public in a few years when the quarry ceases operations. Our passion is to share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures we care for.
| hours: | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| location: | Pioneer Valley Office 193 High Street Holyoke, MA 01040 413.532.1631 x 13 |
| web: | www.thetrustees.org |
Volleyball Hall Of Fame
The Volleyball Hall of Fame memorializes the history of volleyball, invented at the Holyoke YMCA in 1895 by William Morgan. With large scale graphics and interactive displays you can learn about the people, teams and organizations that spurred its growth to become the second most popularly played sport in the world. Annual Induction in October. Gift shop.
| hours: | Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4:30 |
| admission: | Adults $3.50 Seniors $2.50 Children $2.50 Children under 5 Free |
| location: | 444 Dwight St. Holyoke, MA 01040 |
| web: | www.volleyhall.org |
Wire Monkey Dance
Wire Monkey Dance creates highly physical dance installations that transform towers of steel scaffolding into multimedia dance events. Addressed are timeless human themes such as the struggle for power, tenderness and longing. The company creates a unique genre of movement on scaffolding, blending contact improvisation, Body-Mind Centering, Modern dance and Arial Dance techniques. WMD tours internationally to Macao China, Taiwan, Berlin Germany, Boston and New York City.
| location: | 108 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 536-8059 x3 |
| web: | www.wiremonkeydance.com |
Wistariahurst Museum
Wistariahurst Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the former home of William Skinner and his family featuring parquet floors, vaulted ceilings, elaborate woodwork and two marble lions that have guarded the entrance since the late nineteenth century. The Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Holyoke and to inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events.
| hours: | Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons from 12 - 4 p.m. |
| admission: | $5, $3 for students and seniors |
| location: | Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street Holyoke, MA 01040 |
| web: | www.wistariahurst.org |