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| Please support the event DONATE or https://franklin-july-4th-coalition-2.snwbll.com/2024-july-4th |
Which means you can help!
Join the sponsors listed!
Consider supporting the sponsors with your business !!
Monday, June 29, 2026
4th of July Coalition could use your help funding the festivities
GOOD DEEDS: “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary”
By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds
As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, it is an opportunity to reflect on the individuals and communities whose actions helped shape the nation at its beginning. The story of American independence is not only one of well-known historical figures, but also of local citizens whose contributions, both large and small, helped define the course of history and establish the foundation of our country.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds held an Open House to commemorate this historic milestone and celebrate the release of “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary,” the fifth volume in the Registry’s Notable Land Records series. The event, held in the Registry’s Great Hall in Dedham Center, brought together members of the community to reflect on our shared history and the important role Norfolk County played in our nation’s founding.
Guests at the Open House received complimentary copies of the publication and had the opportunity to explore the Registry while viewing displays highlighting the people, places, and events featured in the booklet. The evening served as both a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and a reminder of the immense struggle it took to found our nation. If you did not have the opportunity to attend the open house and would like a copy of the booklet, please contact us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org or call us at (781) 234-3305.
The creation of the “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary” booklet was made possible by the Registry’s History Comes Alive Transcription Project, which has transcribed over 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. These records have been transformed into clear, readable text while preserving their original script, allowing the public to better understand the rich history contained within Norfolk County land documents. This remarkable resource is available both at the Registry and online at www.norfolkdeeds.org, making local history more accessible than ever before.
This latest edition of Notable Land Records highlights individuals and stories from all 28 communities in Norfolk County that connect to the American Revolution and the founding of the nation. It tells the stories of citizen-soldiers who marched to Lexington and Concord, community leaders who helped shape early government, and residents whose actions contributed to the cause of independence. These narratives bring to life the human element behind the historical events that defined the birth of our country.
The booklet also includes a number of compelling and lesser-known stories that help shed light on this important period in history. From young patriots who left their farms to fight in the opening battles of the Revolution, to local leaders who helped organize resistance and governance, to individuals whose lives intersected with some of the most significant moments in American history, these accounts provide a deeper connection to the past. They remind us that the American Revolution was not only fought on distant battlefields, but also shaped in towns and communities like those here in Norfolk County.
The 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is a significant milestone for reflection and remembrance. It is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of those who came before us and to appreciate the enduring strength of our democratic system. By preserving and sharing these stories, we honor the individuals whose lives and actions helped shape our nation and ensure their contributions remain meaningful and relevant for future generations.
As we reflect on our country’s founding, it is important to remember that history is not just about distant past events, but about people, their lives, their struggles, and their achievements. The patriots highlighted in this publication remind us that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through dedication and sacrifice. Their stories, preserved in the land records of Norfolk County, continue to connect us to our past and inspire us for the future.
SAFE Coalition schedules teen drop in hours on Wednesdays beginning July 1
SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Center is a welcoming, low-key space to hang out, meet new people, express yourself, and grow, and our summer drop-in hours are a great chance to check it out for yourself.
FREE • Teens 13–18 • Wednesdays • noon–3 p.m. (drop in anytime) • Starts July 1 • Franklin, MA
Summer can be difficult for many young people who lose the structure and community provided by school. These drop-in sessions provide a safe, healthy space for teens to just BE this summer.
The Guardian: ‘Some are prayers, some are protests’: 76 musicians reimagine America the Beautiful
"Despite what you may have heard, there is no definitive version of the song America the Beautiful.
Katharine Lee Bates wrote its lyrics as a poem in 1893, inspired by an ecstatic road trip from the Massachusetts house she shared with her longtime companion Katharine Coman to a teaching gig in Colorado. Over the next few decades, dozens of musicians set it to music, including a tune by New Jersey’s Samuel A Ward. The uniting of the text to a hymn Ward had previously composed in 1882 became, in time, a standard. In 1972, Ray Charles recorded the more or less definitive performance of it. But everyone from Pete Seeger to Tammy Faye Messner have tried their hand at Bates’s ode to equality between peoples and equanimity with nature. At Joe Biden’s inauguration, Jennifer Lopez belted it into a medley, while Carrie Underwood struggled through it at Donald Trump’s second one.
The Korean-born, New Jersey-based pianist Min Kwon has spent her career thinking of ways to build communities through interpretation. As professor of piano at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, she curated concerts featuring university pianists at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall – like a 2015 performance of 50 variations on a waltz the Viennese music publisher Anton Diabelli commissioned in the 1820s from composers including Franz Schubert and Franz Liszt. After that challenge, she says: “I wanted to create a kind of new American Diabelli.” She just needed to find the right theme."
Continue reading the article with this shared link - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jun/23/america-the-beautiful-song-min-kwon?CMP=share_btn_url
YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6nRyFScCuc
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, June 29, 2026
Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 
It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.
Tune in to listen to the following:
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Franklin TV schedule for Monday, June 29, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Sunday, June 28, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 28, 2026 ???
Sunday, June 28
1:00pm Sunday Funday (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion (Franklin Historical Museum)
*** NO Town Meetings today ***
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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar
The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for July 2026
Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion (Continuing from June)
Sunday, July 12 -- Our `Second Sunday Speaker' topic is `Looking Back at Franklin's 1976 Federal Bicentennial,' delivered by Jim Johnston.
Jim Johnston, a retired Franklin history teacher and author, was also deeply involved with getting the town's 1976 Federal Bicentennial celebration off the ground and making sure it was successful. The museum will show some of its historic images of the event and Jim, always an entertaining speaker, will share stories, kudos, and maybe a few brickbats regarding the town's celebration of half-a-century ago. The museum is open from 1-4 on Sunday and the program starts at about 1:15. There is no charge but donations are encouraged and appreciated.
The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM (except as noted above), Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM,. Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786. Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org
Franklin 4th of July Coalition: schedule of events
Wednesday, July 1
Carnival Hours: 6-10
WRIST BANDS: 6-10
Music: 8-10
Thursday, July 2
Carnival Hours: 6-10
WRIST BANDS: 6-10
Music: 6-10
Fireworks: 10
Friday, July 3
Carnival Hours: 12-10
WRIST BANDS: 12-5
MEGAPASS: 12-10
Music: 12-10
Saturday, July 4
Carnival Hours: 12-10
WRIST BANDS: 12-5
MEGAPASS: 12-10
Music: 12-10
Sunday, July 5
Carnival Hours: 12-6
WRIST BANDS: 12-4
MEGAPASS: 12-6
Music: 12-6
Check out additional details at https://www.franklin4th.com/music
Sunday Funday features goat cuddles & and more at Fairmount Fruit Farm - June 28
"our Sunday Funday we have goat cuddles from 1-4pm! Join us for coffee, ice cream, and local craft vendors.
We have a new vendor called Charlotte’s Slime Shoppe. Stop by and check out the different slime kits!"
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1UoSEapmJE/
Franklin TV: Independence Day!
May the Fourth Be With You.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/28/2026
At our Senior Scribblers radio session this past week we had a reading of the Declaration of Independence. You know the one. It started our revolution and move to self-governance because we were being oppressed by the King of England.
These days the current King is more popular than our President. King Charles does not present himself as a man to be feared. When he recently appeared before the
U.S. Congress he quipped about the Revolution.
"Two hundred and fifty years ago – or as we say in the United Kingdom, 'just the other day'... they declared independence."]
The brilliant punchline drew widespread laughter and applause from lawmakers in the House chamber. The King offered a self-deprecating historical quip to break the ice and highlight the long, shared history and bond between the U.S. and the U.K. before diving into heavier geopolitical topics. He knew how to read the room. He was engaging, eloquent, insightful, on point.
Our President does not know nor care about such things. He cares only about his ego. his personal power, and his ongoing usurpations as he spews his wilted word salad'
“When in the Course of Human Events…If you read The Declaration you will experience wave after wave of déjà vu. 250 years on – how did we end up back where we began as a nation?
If we truly value our independence we need to do more than fire up the grill, go to the parade, and watch the fireworks. If you want to celebrate our independence, the real party is in November. Celebrate – for all your worth – at the ballot box.
Party like it’s – 1776.
And – as always –
Thank you for watching.Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,and staying informed at Franklin●news.
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
The AskSAFE question of the week answered !!!
Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more.
Check out this week’s Q&A!
Q: How do I balance staying safe and having fun in the summer?
A: Summer is full of celebrations: graduation parties, concerts, beach vacations, and more! These tips can help you mind your health and safety while enjoying these events:
Drink lots of water, apply sunscreen regularly, and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Some medications can affect how your body handles heat or sun, so be aware of any added risks.
When around water (pool, lake, ocean), have a designated Water Watcher. This sober, responsible adult supervises the people in and around the water—no phone or other distractions.
Be sure to know the exact address of where you are, so if you have to call 911, first responders can arrive as soon as possible.
-----------------------------
Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe
Q: How do I balance staying safe and having fun in the summer?
A: Summer is full of celebrations: graduation parties, concerts, beach vacations, and more! These tips can help you mind your health and safety while enjoying these events:
Drink lots of water, apply sunscreen regularly, and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Some medications can affect how your body handles heat or sun, so be aware of any added risks.
When around water (pool, lake, ocean), have a designated Water Watcher. This sober, responsible adult supervises the people in and around the water—no phone or other distractions.
Be sure to know the exact address of where you are, so if you have to call 911, first responders can arrive as soon as possible.
-----------------------------
Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe
Franklin Public Library features Big Bubbles, DIY Journals, Improv & more !!
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18nQP6dGry/
Have you bought your Fourth of July Lanterns from the Franklin MA Lions Club ???
The Franklin MA Lions Club are selling our 
Fourth of July Lanterns again! $15 for a set of three.
Please message us or email Lion Haley if you would like to purchase a set!
They make great decorations for the Fourth of July. Venmo, cash or check.
Thank you so much for your support!
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L1aZy3E5y/
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, June 28, 2026
It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.
Tune in to listen to the following:
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Saturday, June 27, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 27, 2026 ???
Saturday, June 27
9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00pm Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion (Franklin Historical Museum)
12:00pm Celebrate with Pride (Franklin Town Common)
8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)
 |
| For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/ |
*** NO Town Meetings today ***
---------
Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar
The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Historic Old South Church Given New Life Through Community Partnership
On Thursday, June 25, the Town of Franklin and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity celebrated the transformation of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House, known as the Old South Church, into a permanently affordable single-family home. The historic landmark, which has stood in Franklin since 1856, welcomed the Marmol family as its first residents, marking a new chapter in the building's history.
What began in 2022 with the Town's effort to redevelop the historic property has become a lasting investment in Franklin's future. Through its partnership with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, the Town preserved an important piece of Franklin's history while creating a permanent affordable home where a family can build a future.
"When the Town began exploring the future of the Old South Church, we knew we had an opportunity to preserve one of Franklin's historic landmarks while creating a lasting benefit for our community," said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. "Thanks to our partnership with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, that vision became a reality. We're proud to welcome the Marmol family to Franklin and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for both this historic building and the family who now calls it home."
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity was selected through a competitive redevelopment process to lead the renovation with the support of volunteers, donors, local businesses, architects, contractors and community partners.
Following Habitat's homeowner selection process, the Marmol family, including a mother who works in Franklin, was selected to purchase the home. Like every Habitat homeowner, the family completed hundreds of hours of sweat equity alongside volunteers before receiving the keys to their new home.
The home will remain deed-restricted as affordable housing in perpetuity, permanently expanding Franklin's affordable housing inventory while returning the historic property to productive residential use. The unit qualifies toward the Town’s Chapter 40B percentage.
“When I first learned that we had been selected for Habitat for Humanity, it felt like a dream," said new homeowner Sally Marmol. "Standing in front of this beautiful home, that dream has finally become a reality. We are excited to become part of the Franklin community, to be good neighbors, and to give back whenever we can, just as so many people have given to us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, every volunteer, every sponsor, the Town of Franklin and everyone who believed in us. We promise to cherish this home and all that it represents."
The Town of Franklin extends its sincere gratitude to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and the many volunteers, donors, businesses, architects, contractors and community partners whose collaboration helped bring this transformation to life.
“This project represents everything Habitat for Humanity stands for—bringing people together to create strength, stability and hope through homeownership," said Old Colony Habitat for Humanity CEO Kim Thomas. "We are incredibly grateful to the Town of Franklin, our sponsors, volunteers, tradespeople and community partners whose unwavering support made this extraordinary project possible. Transforming this historic building into a beautiful, welcoming home while preserving its incredible character has been a truly remarkable journey. The outpouring of generosity and collaboration has been inspiring, and we couldn’t be happier for the Marmol family as they begin this exciting new chapter in a home built with love, care and an entire community behind them.”
The Town proudly welcomes the Marmol family to Franklin and wishes them many years of happiness in their new home.
Additional photos courtesy of the Town of Franklin -
The Third Annual Presentation of the Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award has been made to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity
The Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award was established in 2024 by the Franklin Historical Commission, in honor of former chairperson, Mary Olsson, who passed away in 2024, a tireless advocate for historic preservation, as a non-monetary award to recognize an individual or organization that has made an important contribution to preserving, protecting, or communicating the history of Franklin.
By vote of the Commission, the third such award is being bestowed on Old Colony Habitat for Humanity for its imaginative embrace of historic preservation and adaptive reuse and for shepherding a challenging project to completion, namely the circa 1856 Old South Congregational Meeting House. Donated to the town for use as a museum in the early 1970s, it served in that role until about 20 years ago and has since been vacant. A beautiful landmark was starting to succumb to the effects of time and climate and no one had succeeded in finding a way to properly preserve and reuse the structure.
"Habitat for Humanity found a way and we hope this will be an example to others of what can be done with historic structures with a little imagination and grit," said Historical Commission Chair Alan R. Earls.
The former church is now an affordable, single-family home that will be maintained under a state supervised Historical Preservation Restriction, that will maintain the familiar look of the landmark building, while providing a family with a safe and modern dwelling in which to live. The structure will remain an affordable home in perpetuity.
More information about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is available at https://oldcolonyhabitat.org
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