Download the Quest Map (2.41M pdf)

Download the Quest Map in Spanish 

In the spring of 2006, one hundred members of the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club (HBGC) developed a Quest of Downtown Holyoke.  This family-oriented, self-guided treasure hunt uses clues and a hand-made map to teach the history of Holyoke and it describes how the city has changed over time.

The HBGC youth created the Downtown Holyoke Quest through the winter and spring of 2006 with guidance from Trustees Educator Aimee Gelinas and local artist, Sheryl Jaffe. Through the creative process, the youth learned to look very closely at their surroundings. Much to their surprise, they discovered features and landmarks that they've never noticed before, even though they're very familiar with their community. In talking about the local landmarks, studying historic photos, and drawing architectural details, the youth have become experts of the downtown landscape.

Because the quarry operation made use of the Mt. Tom ski area unsafe for the HBGC youth, Aimee turned their attention from the natural to the built landscape downtown. “It's given them a chance to explore the city's past and to learn more about their community,” she says. “They're able to see how people have shaped and interacted with their local landscape, and they're developing a greater respect for the many special places in Holyoke, from Mt. Tom to Dwight Street.”