Press Release  DCR Announces Free Solar Eclipse Viewing Events and Programming at Parks Across the State

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is inviting   families to witness the near-total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, at eight state parks across Massachusetts. Each park will host educational programs and provide guided viewing sessions. DCR is also offering visitors free, safe viewing glasses that filter out harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in this celestial spectacle. DCR encourages attendees to follow recommended safety guidelines when viewing the solar eclipse. 

“This partial solar eclipse is a unique opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the world around them and witness the wonders of the universe,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We're excited to offer educational opportunities for the public to learn about the science behind eclipses and witness this awe-inspiring event firsthand.” 

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the face of the sun. Massachusetts is not in the path of the totality for the April 8 eclipse – it will instead have a partial total eclipse with more than 85 percent of the view that will be visible from various locations across the state. Eclipses like this are rare and DCR parks are a great place to experience them. 

DCR’s eclipse programming includes a solar system tour where visitors can walk through 12 stations across a half mile, an eclipse folding craft, and a make your own sun clock activity. DCR is also providing information on alternative ways to view the eclipse including interlacing your fingers to create small apertures, closing your fist to make a pinhole viewer, projecting an image of the sun through a perforated spoon or colander, and creating a pinhole viewer with a sheet of paper. 

To celebrate this phenomenon, DCR will host programs from 2:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. at the following locations: 

• Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge, MA 01569 

• Blue Hills Reservation, 840 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186 

• Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA 02356 

• Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 

• Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Hwy., East Falmouth, MA 02536 

• Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave., Rockport, MA 01966 

• Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Ave. A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 

• Mt. Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237. Please note the Summit Road at Mount Greylock State Reservation is currently closed for the season. 

For a full list of the eclipse programs that will be held at DCR parks visit the agency’s eclipse webpage. DCR is previewing these programs to the public with a social media video. All programs are free and open to the public and children must be accompanied by an adult.   

DCR’s partner, Boston Harbor Now (BHN), is also hosting an eclipse viewing event, [Not Quite] Total Eclipse of the Park, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on DCR’s Spectacle Island. To purchase tickets for the event visit BHN’s website. Additionally, participants should be at Long Wharf at 12:30 p.m. to board the ferry which will leave promptly at 1 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. 

DCR’s eclipse programming is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to provide Massachusetts children, families, and residents with fun, safe and educational recreational opportunities. 

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