Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

Our first year of the Second Sunday Speaker Series was a huge success and we are pleased to continue the series this year with the first two events scheduled for January and February.

Local historian Alan Earls returns to the museum Sunday January 13 at 1:15 PM to discuss a dark day in Franklin’s history. The early decades of the 1900’s were tumultuous and violent times throughout the world. Anarchy ruled and many cities, towns and communities found themselves caught up in the violent movement, including right here in Franklin.

When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary an historic and terrifying tragedy in Franklin’s history – an attempted bombing of the Ray Textile Mill on Union Street. Four local Italian-immigrant anarchists were killed when the dynamite bomb they were carrying to the Ray Mill went off prematurely, an event that brought world attention to Franklin. Earls will deliver a slide show and presentation on this event; the historical background and world events that led up to it; the men and their motives, and the aftermath – including the stories of the children and families of the would-be bombers. Join us for an interesting look back at this tragic event.

In February, Dean College History Professor Rob Lawson joins us to discuss historical memory, There are many contemporary controversies over historical memory, for example Confederate memory (i.e., the statues), and closer to home, the legacy of European relations to Native Americans, and the legacy of anti-immigrant discrimination. Lawson will discuss New England industrialists (Dean, for example), who profited by manufacturing with slave-grown cotton and the presence of slave-trade magnates in New England port cities. 

Presented in a lecture style atmosphere, this topic lends itself to input and conversation. Join us Sunday, February 10 at 1:15 PM for this intriguing presentation.

2019 Calendars are available for sale in the museum gift shop for $5.00. Filled with photos and facts on the town we all love. Get yours now.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and always free. Come in and find your history.

Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum