This summer, movie buffs and puzzle-solvers alike will have the chance to step into the spotlight of Western Massachusetts’ cinematic past. From August 9 through September 1, 2025, Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts is hosting the Pioneer Valley Picture Show Scavenger Hunt—a free, interactive event that takes players across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties to uncover the region’s rich movie-making history.
The scavenger hunt serves as the prelude to the museum’s upcoming Pioneer Valley Picture Show exhibit, opening September 6 and running through October 31. The exhibit will showcase more than a century of filmmaking in the region, with highlights ranging from costumes designed by Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter to artifacts from Ken Burns’ early career, and even costumes worn by Sam Elliott during the filming of The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot in Western Mass.
How the Hunt Works
Using the free EVENTZEE app, players can join the scavenger hunt with the code PVMOVIES. Once registered, participants will embark on a series of challenges that bring them to iconic filming locations and places tied to Pioneer Valley movie stars. The hunt blends trivia, GPS check-ins, and photo or video challenges. Some puzzles can even be completed from home, while others will unlock as surprise bonus challenges throughout the competition.
The scavenger hunt is open to anyone age 13 and older and can be played solo or as a team. All that’s needed is an email address and a bit of curiosity.
Prizes Worth the Chase
Competitors have the chance to win an impressive lineup of prizes. From movie tickets at local theaters to family passes to Springfield Museums, Six Flags New England, and The Zoo at Forest Park, the rewards celebrate both regional culture and entertainment. Other prizes include dining gift cards, film festival passes, a stay at Three Sisters Sanctuary, and more. Winners will be announced through the app after the hunt concludes, and prizes must be collected in person at Memorial Hall Museum.
A Celebration of Film in the Valley
The scavenger hunt and exhibit are more than games and displays—they’re a celebration of the Pioneer Valley’s ongoing contributions to film and television. From Hollywood blockbusters to independent productions, the region has provided backdrops, talent, and creative inspiration for decades.
Supported in part by Partridge-Zschau Insurance, BankESB, Three Sisters Sanctuary, and Tower Cinemas, the event is designed to highlight the Valley’s deep-rooted connection to the screen while inviting the community to engage with that legacy in a fun and memorable way.
Details at a Glance
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Scavenger Hunt Dates: August 9, 2025, 11:00 AM – September 1, 2025, 4:30 PM
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Exhibit Dates: September 6 – October 31, 2025
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Cost: Free to play and free to visit
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How to Join: Download the EVENTZEE app and enter the join code PVMOVIES
For questions or more details, participants can contact Memorial Hall Museum at mhm@deerfieldmuseum.org.
Learn more at memorialhalldeerfield.org.
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