Happy birthday Horace Mann!

Horace Mann, the father of American education, was born here in Franklin, MA in 1796.

The monument along RT 140 at the edge of the Shaw's Plaza marks Horace's birthplace.

Horace Mann birthplace monument - Shaw's Plaza

The Mann family grave in the cemetery here in Franklin is not where Horace lies. Horace's grave is in the North Burial Ground in Providence, RI. I managed to go exploring last year to find the site and take these photos.

Horace Mann grave site - Providence, RI

Horace Mann grave site view

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum. They have prepared an updated exhibit on Horace Mann.

The 6 main principles of the Common School are shown

Horace Mann - principles of the 'Common School'

These principles stand the test of time:

(1) the public should no longer remain ignorant; (2) that such education should be paid for, controlled, and sustained by an interested public; (3) that this education will be best provided in schools that embrace children from a variety of backgrounds; (4) that this education must be non-sectarian; (5) that this education must be taught by the spirit, methods, and discipline of a free society; and (6) that education should be provided by well-trained, professional teachers. 

For additional info on Horace Mann, check his page on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_Mann


The Franklin Historical Museum is open

• Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Thursday from 5:00 - 8:00 PM 
• Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

If you do find yourself in Providence with time to explore the North Burial Ground, it is a fascinating place. The info on how to find Horace Mann's grave site can be found on this link:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=664