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 Street803 Washington Street201 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
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| Annual Report Of The Franklin Historical Commission: FY 2023 Report |
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