Showing posts with label historical commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical commission. Show all posts

Friday, February 16, 2024

Annual Report Of The Franklin Historical Commission: FY 2023 Report

It was a good year for the Franklin Historical Commission and the Franklin Historical Museum as we dusted off the cobwebs of COVID and went head on into a full program of events, exhibits and speakers.

The museum's goal is to provide community events and programs that encourage and invite people to visit and learn about the town's history.

Second Sunday Speaker Series
A strong and varied list of speakers filled the schedule this past year, from a presentation on Senator Edward W. Brooke by commission member and local historian Alan Earls as well as his presentation on Massachusetts, the Library State; to former Town Administrator Wolfgang Bauer talking about his childhood in the wartime ruins of Hamburg Germany; to TV personality Ted Reinstein's book presentation 'Before Brooklyn'; to the History of the Wrentham State School by Ingrid Grenon; We also saw a history of the Union Street Cemetery and the Life of Horace Mann, both by commission chair Mary Olsson; Historian Joe Landry did a popular talk on Trains; and Local Historian Jim Johnston did a presentation on the Madness of Collecting; The Second Sunday Speaker Series is supported with funding from the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Community
The museum is proud to participate in all community events hosted by the Franklin Downtown Partnership, The Franklin Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural District. This past year we all enjoyed the annual Harvest Festival and Strawberry Stroll. In September we participated in the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival on the Common. We were also happy to host the Fifth Annual History Exhibition & Reception for the Dean College History Majors as part of Dean's Humanities in Action program.

Demolition Requests
The Historical Commission reviewed the following properties presented in accordance with the town's Demolition Delay Bylaw:
94 East Central Street 
803 Washington Street
201 Main Street - the Carriage House at the former Hayward Estate.
Two requests were approved for demolition; the request for demolition of 201 Main Street was denied. Demolition is prohibited for at least 12 months from the hearing date and the Commission is hopeful a preservation option will be considered.

Special Projects & Exhibits
December brought a very popular exhibit to the museum, one that will be expanded each year. TRAIN TOWN FRANKLIN. Commission member Scott Mason shared his remarkable skills in creating an exact scale model of the Franklin Train Station area circa 1932. The scene will be expanded for the upcoming exhibit in December 2023.

For the first year the museum hosted Silent Saturdays featuring Silent Movies on either end of the February School Vacation Week. We welcomed visits by the Senior Center's Sunshine Club for movies while the Senior Center was closed for repair. Two Cub Scout pack meetings were hosted at the museum which helped Scouts earn a badge.

Archivist Update
After more than a year with the position vacant, we welcomed our new archivist, Rowan Lowell in December. Rowan has picked up the reins and is working diligently at organizing the museums collections of photos, documents, artifacts, books, ephemera, etc. As of July, Rowan is now a full-time employee of the town which will serve the archiving goals of the museum and the town well.

New Members
We welcomed two new commission members, Jan Prentice and Scott Mason and a new associate commission member William Lee. A warm welcome to all.

Historical Commission Board Members
Mary Olsson Chairperson
Phyllis Malcolm Treasurer & CPC Rep Paul Pisani
Randy LaRosa 
Alan Earls
Jan Prentice 
Scott Mason

Associate Members
Kai Olsson 
William Lee

For current information follow us on Facebook and visit our website at Franklinmuseum1778.com where you will find event postings, research resources and much more.

The Historical Commission report can be found in one PDF ->

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

Annual Report Of The Franklin Historical Commission: FY 2023 Report
Annual Report Of The Franklin Historical Commission: FY 2023 Report

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Cinema 80: Feature Films Return to the Historical Museum - Feb 17 & Feb 24

During February, the Museum will welcome the public to Cinema 80 – a new program of films of the 20th century, curated by Chris Leverone in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center. Leverone, a videographer and graphics artist from Franklin, has directed promotional and fundraising videos, and is currently a producer at Franklin TV and is extremely passionate about film. Silent Saturdays start at 6 PM on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24.

Safety Last
Safety Last
On Feb, 17 Cinema 80 will screen the first of two treasures by comic genius Harold Lloyd, Safety Last, an over-the-top version of a young man trying to make good in the big city story (in this case, bustling, Jazz-Age Los Angeles). 

Then, on Feb. 24 it's The Freshman, a hilarious look at college culture 100 years ago, (we are a college town after all!). Both films are about 75 minutes in length.

The Freshman
The Freshman
"We are excited to provide this free, innovative programming in a time slot that should leave people free to squeeze even more into their Saturday night," said Commission Chair Alan Earls. "The best of the silent films are amazing and just as entertaining as anything Hollywood is doing today, we are sure our Franklin audience will agree," he added.


The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Second Sunday Speaker at the Historical Museum talks about the "Art & Commerce of Valentine's Cards"

For Your Valentine's...

Postal Poetry: The Art and Commerce of Valentine's Cards
The Art and Commerce of Valentine's Cards
The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the museum continues on Feb. 12, 2024 with Postal Poetry: The Art and Commerce of Valentine's Cards

Historical Commission chair Alan Earls will explore the remarkably long story of Valentine's greetings and how entrepreneurs and new technologies turned sentiment into big business in the 19th century. 

The story includes key Massachusetts innovators like Louis Prang and pioneering woman business leader, Esther Howland – plus images of many beautiful old cards.  A limited number of free, vintage reprint sample cards will be available at the event. 

Doors open at 1 and the presentation begins at 1:15 at Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. FREE



Thursday, December 28, 2023

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval

****   LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission will hold a Public Hearing, Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 6:30PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 240 East Central Street, Franklin MA

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

****

 

HEARING DATE Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Please reach out with any questions.
Thank you,

Mary Olsson, Vice chair
Franklin Historical Commission

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval
Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval

****   LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission will hold a Public Hearing, Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 6:30PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 240 East Central Street, Franklin MA

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

****

 

HEARING DATE Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Please reach out with any questions.
Thank you,

Mary Olsson, Vice chair
Franklin Historical Commission

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval
Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval

Saturday, March 11, 2023

When "No" means "yes, but not now - wait a year"

Per Alan Earl's update in the recent Franklin Observer about the proposed demolition of the carriage house at 201 Main St:
"After some more comments from Kelly and questions and comments from commissioners, the chair, Mary Olsson, asked for and received a motion to close the hearing. She then asked for a motion to approve the demolition. The motion was duly made and seconded and each commissioner, including the chair then voted and all voted no.

That vote sets the clock ticking on a one year delay, after which, the Archdiocese will be free to bulldoze the site if it hasn't found another alternative to demolition in the meantime."
Per email with Mary Olsson to clarify the "No" vote, she responded
"Sadly the only power we have is to delay the demolition of a building for one year. In that time we hope that the owner would come up with some alternative to bulldozing the building. 
After the one year, they can do as they please. In the case of the carriage house, because of it's historic significance and certainly it's uniqueness, there will be some effort to save the building one way or another. 
But you are correct, it's 'no' for now, but eventually 'yes' if they so choose.
The meeting agenda (originally scheduled for Feb 22, then rescheduled at last minute to March 8)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/reminder-historical-commission.html
 

****

view from Queen St
view from Queen St

view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner
view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner

view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)
view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)

view of parking lot side of building
view of parking lot side of building

view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building
view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Reminder: Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023

****

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 6:30 PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 
201 Main Street, Franklin MA (Carriage House).

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

****

view from Queen St
view from Queen St

view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner
view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner

view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)
view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)

view of parking lot side of building
view of parking lot side of building

view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building
view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023

****

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 6:30 PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 
201 Main Street, Franklin MA (Carriage House).

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

****

Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023
Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice for consideration of demolition of 803 Washington St

HEARING DATE Wednesday, January 11, 2023

****

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin

Historical Commission

will hold a Public Hearing,

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 6:30PM

regarding a demolition request

 application for the property at 

803 Washington Street, Franklin MA

Meeting will be held at the 
Franklin Historical Museum

80 West Central Street, Franklin

****


Please reach out with any questions.

Thank you,

Mary Olsson, Chairperson
Franklin Historical Commission

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice for consideration of demolition of 803 Washington St
Town of Franklin: Legal Notice for consideration of demolition of 803 Washington St

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Annual Report of the Franklin Historical Commission - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

Current Members:
Mary Olsson – Chair
Phyllis Malcolm – Treasurer
Colette Ferguson, Paul Pisani, Richard Remillard, Brock Leindecker, Randy LaRosa
Associate members: Alan Earls, Kai Olsson 
FHM Archivist – Rebecca Finnigan

Like everyone else, the Historic Commission and the Franklin Historical Museum weathered the storm known as COVID-19. After our March 2020 meeting we followed state and local health orders to temporarily close the museum and hold all of our meetings remotely. We opened the new year still having all of our meetings via Zoom, and continued with our limited operating hours of just once a week on Sunday afternoons. Our occupation numbers were limited and safety regulations including masks, temperature checks and social distancing were in place. The museum also had 3 air purifiers installed to assist in the effort to make the museum a safe place to visit in these trying times.

But the year was not a loss by any stretch. In January we saw the installation of The Clara J. Foss Johnston Memorial Federal Parlor, a donation of beautiful period furnishings from Jim Johnston in honor of his mother.

The room is a tasteful addition to the museum. With the installation of the Federal Parlor at the front of the museum, the FFHM relocated and updated their museum gift shop, and have added many new Franklin related items. The gift shop is worth a visit.

The townspeople had approved the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in the November election. In a special meeting, Phyllis Malcolm was nominated to represent the commission on the CPA committee.

A collection was taken up by commission members and a donation was made to the Franklin Food Pantry in memory of long time former Historical Commission member, Alice Vendetti, who had recently passed away. February saw a new exhibit open called Prominent Women in Franklin History. The display included short biographies of Lydia Ray Pierce, Annie Ray Thayer, Alice Wiggin, Palmer Johnson, Loraine Metcalf, Barbara Smith and Stella Kehayas Jeon, among others.

Demolition Delay - In January we had our only demolition request: Steven Narducci, 484 Union Street applied for a demolition permit. The commission saw no reason to delay the request.

The Commission arranged to have a historical marker installed at the former sight of the Thomson Press Building on Dean Avenue. The marker acknowledges the building’s historical influence in town from its original use as the Snow Basset Straw Mill to its final use as a printing and manufacturing business.
 
In June we were finally able to resume our in-person meetings and lift all covid restrictions for hosts and visitors alike. The first opportunity to host an event since March of 2020 occurred when Cultural District broke free of the COVID cloud and sponsored a summer kickoff event entitled ARTWALK. The museum participated by hosting 3 piano performances.

July saw the grand re-opening of the museum and a return to our normal operating hours. Invitations were sent and the public was invited to join the commission on the steps of the museum for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Welcome speakers included State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, James Johnson, Debra Pellegri and music was provided by Jamie Barrett.

Everyone was invited in to enjoy refreshments and see the new exhibit, Davis Thayer, a Retrospective. An exhibit that looked back on the nearly 100-year history of the building which opened as Franklin High School in 1925 and sadly this year closed its doors after service as the Davis Thayer Elementary School for many years.
 
In August we were able to resume our popular Second Sunday Speaker Series. The first program focused on the home of Charles Whiting of the Whiting and Davis Company. Darrin Cutler, the current owner of Whiting and Davis also gave a history of the 145-year-old company. 

Additional speakers in the coming months will include Retired NYPD Sargent and Franklin native Paul Faenza discussing his experience at Ground Zero during 9/11, in September; Author Steven Puleo, A Voyage of Mercy in October, sponsored by FFHM; Franklin Vintage Homes in November; Author and Franklin native Charles Harrington, A Contemplative Life in December; and Dennis Sardella presenting Byzantine and Russian Icons in January. The public is invited to attend these free and informative presentations on the Second Sunday of each month.

The museum is a town gem in the heart of downtown Franklin, open to the community and the public at large to experience and appreciate the history of our town. We hope you will visit soon.


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

HEARING DATE WED 8/3/22

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday August 3, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition request
 application for the property at 
121 Grove Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

For more about the Franklin Historical Commission, visit their page on the Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/historical-commission

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request
Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

HEARING DATE WED 8/3/22

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday August 3, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition request
 application for the property at 
121 Grove Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

For more about the Franklin Historical Commission, visit their page on the Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/historical-commission

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request
Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

Monday, January 10, 2022

Franklin Historical Commission Meeting - changed to virtual meeting Jan 12, 2022

The scheduled Franklin Historical Commission Meeting and Demolition Request hearing will be held this Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022 via Zoom due to safety and health concerns.

Topic: Franklin Historical Commission Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 687 896 1344
Passcode: 0JqDYQ

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6878961344#,,,,*586551# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,6878961344#,,,,*586551# US (New York) 


Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022
Franklin Historical Commission - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022 - virtual meeting

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Legal Notice = Franklin Historical Commission - Public Hearing scheduled for Jan 12, 2022, 6:30 PM

 PUBLIC HEARING 1/12/22


LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday January 12, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition
 application for the property
 at 230 East Central Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022
Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022

PUBLIC HEARING 1/12/22

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday January 12, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition
 application for the property
 at 230 East Central Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022
Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022


Thursday, May 20, 2021

FM #545 - Community Preservation Committee Mtg - 05/18/21 (audio)

FM #545 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 545 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Tuesday, May 18, 2021


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Committee members were in the Council Chambers, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Tuesday, May 18. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/33ee06e9-bb5d-4547-a818-de42694a4c65



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Meeting agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_for_may_18_2021.pdf


Recreation presentation doc

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/community_preservation_committee_2021_rec.pdf 


Recap of the meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/community-preservation-committee_19.html 


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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

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The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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Rec Director Ryan Jette presenting to the CPC
Rec Director Ryan Jette presenting to the CPC