Wistariahurst Museum

Why is the bicycle called the "Noblest Invention?"  It is the most efficient form of transportation (per calorie of energy per mile) in the world.  It doesn't guzzle gas, it doesn't create smog, it makes its driver healthier, and its fun!

This exhibition will present information on bicycle safety, bicycles as green transportation, bicycle racing and the wonderful history of bicycles.  The exhibit will also feature an 1890s Ladies Safety Bicycle, an 1860s Velocipede, a 1935 Ingo Bike and more! Admission $3 Vehicle for a Small Planet is on view through Friday, July 31. This program is sponsored in part by Highland Hardware and Highland Bicycle in Holyoke and Trailside Bicycles in Hadley. Admission $3

The bike lady is as old as her oldest bike – 147 years! See them both for a lively and spirited presentation on the history of the “noblest invention.” Audiences of all ages will enjoy this costumed historian as the history of bicycles comes to life. Admission $3

Transportation has had a profound effect on the environment and on human civilization since prehistoric times.  Guest speaker James Lowenthal, President of MassBike/Pioneer Valley and a professor of Astronomy at Smith College, will discuss how America's over-reliance on automobiles for the last century has wrought havoc with our cities and communities, our economy, and now with the earth's atmosphere on which we depend.  Prof. Lowenthal started bicycling for transportation during the 1979 transit strike in NYC to get to high school.  He and his wife and young daughter own a car but put more miles on their bicycles every year.  He will show us examples from around the world of how bicycling can repair our cities, our health, our economy, and the environment, and will discuss how we can move from our current cars-first emphasis to a more balanced and sensible transportation policy.  Lowenthal urges attendees to bike, walk, take the bus, or carpool to his talk if at all possible. This program is sponsored in part by Highland Hardware and Bike Shop in Holyoke and Trailside Bicycles in Hadley. Admission $3

Bring any type of plant (labeled) for this fun and friendly plant swap on the grounds of Wistariahurst. Donation fee of $2 per person; bring your own chair

Master Gardener and Interior Designer Martha Hamilton has won many a competition with a local gardening club! Instead of arranging flowers en masse  and without thought, Martha will be discussing a new way to approach fresh flower arranging:  as room or table décor, using color; or as sculpture ala Ikebana. Martha will provide versatile tips and will even be raffling off one or two of her designer arrangements! Garden talks are a $5 donation to benefit garden restoration projects at Wistariahurst. Garden Workshops are presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners & the Western MA Master Gardeners

Brownie Scouts are invited to join museum staff and Master Gardeners to explore plants.  They will plant seeds, do plant rubbings, learn about seed growth, and complete a leaf hunt and follow-up activities.  Dress for mess!  Girls will complete all badge requirements during their visit.  Bring a snack. Reservations required by calling 413 322 5660. $ 5 per scout

Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic! Sit on the lawn on a Sunday summer afternoon at Wistariahurst to listen to Shingle the Roof: Old Time String Band. Shingle the Roof is made up of three long time friends, Tim Woodbridge, Jerry Devokatis and Kate Spencer. Specializing in traditional songs with haunting vocal harmonies; Shingle the Roof will delight the audience with their lively tunes, funny songs, gruesome murder ballads and historical or imagined tales of life and love. Admission fee $7per person or $15 per family

Bring any type of plant (labeled) for this fun and friendly plant swap on the grounds of Wistariahurst. Donation fee of $2 per person; bring your own chair

Master Gardener Janet Dolder will be giving a presentation Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden that will visually introduce you to some of the "good guys" that can be found in your garden, and provide you with many helpful hints on how to build the biodiversity needed to insure a healthy garden environment. Garden talks are a $5 donation to benefit garden restoration projects at Wistariahurst. Garden Workshops are presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners & the Western MA Master Gardeners

Sherry Wilson has been a Master Gardener since 1986 and is the garden columnist for the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Her September program will include a slide lecture on planting bulbs for spring bloom and information on forcing bulbs for winter bloom indoors. A variety of bulbs will be on hand so people can see how different they are from each other. The tulip is Sherry’s favorite bulb followed by glory of the snow and daffodils with snowdrops, snowflakes and scillas not far behind! Garden talks are a $5 donation to benefit garden restoration projects at Wistariahurst. Garden Workshops are presented by Wistariahurst Museum Gardeners & the Western MA Master Gardeners