deTours: Exploring the Westfield River

deTours invites participants to slow down, observe an environment differently than they have before, and learn some new histories or practices for engaging with a place. It’s an opportunity for wonder, surprise, and for shaking up what you think you might already know. By engaging with the same place repeatedly—focusing on different nooks each time—through the practices, ideas, and histories presented by walk facilitators, participants have the opportunity to notice small changes, and both figuratively and literally turn over every rock, experiencing it over time and at a closer scale than they might otherwise. 

deTours are free, rain or shine events for all ages; youths 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Refreshments will be provided at each of these free community events.

deTours was piloted in July and August 2024 at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead with a set of walking explorations inspired by Bryant’s legacy in the arts, humanities, and nature, led by Hilltown experts and creatives in those fields. It was organized by the Cummington Cultural District and implemented in partnership with the Trustees of the Reservation and Cummington Historical Commission. 

deTours seek to offer a unique and participatory experiences for regional audiences, deepen and expand Cummington Cultural District’s programmatic and outreach partnerships, showcase often overlooked parts of Cummington for non-locals, and support the practices of diverse hilltown walk facilitators, who share their processes and vision as a frame for participants to walk through and experience for themselves.