Franklin Historical Museum Presents: Franklin's Connection to the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki

One of the most consequential events of the twentieth century has an unexpected connection to the Town of Franklin, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore that remarkable story during a special presentation at the Franklin Historical Museum.

On Sunday, Aug. 9, Franklin Historical Commission Member Scott Mason will present "Franklin's Connection to the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki," an illustrated program examining the life and legacy of Major General Charles William Sweeney, the decorated American airman who piloted the B-29 Bockscar on its historic—and controversial—mission over Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945.

The bombing of Nagasaki, only three days after the destruction of Hiroshima, helped bring World War II to a close and ushered humanity into the nuclear age. More than eighty years later, historians continue to debate the military, political, and moral questions surrounding the use of atomic weapons. This presentation will place Sweeney's mission within its broader wartime context while exploring the life of the man behind the controls.

Many New Englanders are not aware that Charles Sweeney was born in Lowell and grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts, and later served with distinction in the United States Army Air Forces before continuing his military career as an officer in the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Far fewer realize that, during his later years, he made his home in Franklin, where he lived quietly after a lifetime that placed him at the center of one of history's defining moments.

Drawing upon historical photographs, military records, and personal accounts, Mason will trace Sweeney's extraordinary journey from Massachusetts to the Pacific Theater, recount the events surrounding the Nagasaki mission, and discuss how one of the nation's most historically significant veterans ultimately became a resident of Franklin.

The presentation is intended for history enthusiasts, veterans, students, educators, aviation buffs, and anyone interested in World War II, military aviation, or the profound decisions that shaped the modern world. Audience members will also have an opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussion following the presentation.

The program begins at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Franklin Historical Museum, which is open to visitors from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Admission is free, although donations supporting the Museum's educational programs are gratefully accepted.

Located at 80 West Central Street in Franklin, Massachusetts, the Franklin Historical Museum preserves and shares the stories of the people and events that have shaped the community for nearly 250 years. Through exhibits, lectures, and special programs, the Museum regularly highlights surprising connections between Franklin and major events in American history.

For those who believe history is only found in great cities or famous battlefields, this program offers a compelling reminder that extraordinary stories often have unexpected hometown connections.

Questions? Contact Historical Commission Chair, Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com or 508 560 3786.

Senator Raushc Passes Historic Press Shield Law

Today (July 30, 2026), the Massachusetts Senate made history by passing a press shield law, filed by Senator Becca Rausch, on a unanimous 40-0 vote. This legislation prohibits government bodies from compelling journalists to reveal their sources, except in certain limited circumstances and only with clear and convincing evidence that the source disclosure is necessary and there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure. Currently, Massachusetts is one of just nine states in the nation without a press shield law on our books. 

“As Trump and his Administration accelerate and intensify their attacks on journalism and sources are increasingly afraid to speak up, the Massachusetts Senate takes an historic stand to strengthen our free press and fortify our democracy,” said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “The need for a statutory press shield law in our Commonwealth has never been more urgent. By passing this legislation, we show the federal government and our constituents that we will defend the First Amendment and support a free press, without which our democracy cannot survive. I want to thank Senate President Karen Spilka, Majority Leader Cindy Creem, Ways and Means Chair Mike Rodrigues, Senator Cindy Friedman, Senator Lydia Edwards, our staffs, the bipartisan group of cosponsors, and the coalition of experts and advocates behind this effort. Our collaboration brought us to this moment.” 

This month, the Trump administration subpoenaed phone records from several New York Times journalists, two of their spouses, and even one of their mothers – a significant judicial overreach that was later withdrawn due to shoddy legal work. The FBI raided a Washington Post reporter’s home in January in a ‘highly unusual and aggressive’ move. Attacks on the press exacerbate the mounting financial pressure facing newsrooms, especially local ones. Subpoenas are expensive and time-consuming to fight, and they intimidate sources with information of vital public importance.  

The Bay State is the birthplace not only of American democracy but also freedom of the press as we know it. In 1780, John Adams wrote in the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights that “[t]he liberty of the press is essential to the security of freedom in a state: it ought not, therefore, to be restrained in this commonwealth.” This is one of the earliest constitutional protections for a free press in the entire world.  

The legislation passed by the Senate today is modeled on a bill Senator Rausch filed at the start of the term, which was favorably reported by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary earlier this year. Its language covers both traditional media and volunteer journalism, which has become essential in many communities. The measure has broad support from across the political spectrum.

Note: The Press Shield was passed as an amendment to S.3200, about transparency and public access in state government, which is the Senate’s version of H.5469, on the same topic, which the House passed in June. A conference committee has been appointed to work on the reconciliation between the two sets of legislation.

The legislation passed by the Senate - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3200/Amendments/Senate?pageNumber=1&direction=asc&sortColumn=Action&keyword=

The legislation passed by the House - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469

Franklin TV: August

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/02/2026

How can we sum up the essence of August? Umm- Sultry? It’s a more poetic version of wikkid humid. August. I find a small irony in that Summer seems to fly by (Wasn’t it late May just last week?) while Winter slogs along. Yet Summer’s months (Jul, Aug) are just a bit longer than Winter’s (Dec, Feb). In the Southern hemisphere August is their slightly (10%) longer February. Do they feel mor chilly in Chile longer? Our perception of Winter time v Summer time is our reality.

The weather experts tell us that an abnormally huge El Nino is a-brewing – raising water temps in the Pacific. What does that mean? More heat? More sultry? More air conditioning into September? Less cold and snow in Winter?

Perhaps August is about shifting perceptions over time. We need to accept that, like it or not, tempus is fugit-ing. As we move ever deeper into August’s dog days let’s make the most of Summer’s sultry wilting leftovers while we begin that slightly reticent mental journey to Autumn.

Every month has its celebrations. What’s on deck for August? August is: 

National win with civility month. (Will President Trump celebrate?) 

National water quality month. (Will Interior Czar Doug Bergum celebrate?)

National immunization awareness month. (Will Health Czar RFK celebrate?) 

Note: This Friday is National Farmer’s Market Day. (Buy local. Buy fresh.)

If you check Wikipedia re: August – they list celebrations for every single day. So, if you’re not done ‘Summering’ (or simmering under the Sun), get out there and celebrate – something – in August.

Then – it’s on to Labor Day.

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 

Join SAFE at the Franklin Public Library for a drop-in Narcan training - Sep 16

--This event is open to the public and no registration is required--

Join SAFE at the Franklin Public Library for a drop-in Narcan training and resource session.

Attendees will:

- Learn how to recognize an overdose

- Practice administering Narcan

- Develop confidence in responding to an overdose

- Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan

Naloxone is a life-saving nasal spray used to reverse an opioid overdose caused by substances like oxycodone, Fentanyl, or heroin. Because an overdose can be life-threatening, knowing how to respond quickly is a vital skill for every community member.

This training is made possible through Franklin Opioid Abatement Funds.

Find more upcoming Narcan trainings here: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D1tLbAGvC/

This week at the Franklin Public Library - Aug 3 through 8 highlights

Putt around the Library with some mini-golf, finger knitting, diamond art, plushies, magic, music and more!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbgwT6JCGW_/

Understand the Burial Planning Process for your Veteran or Loved One (video)

When a Veteran or their spouse passes away, families often need to make important arrangements quickly. The last thing they should have to worry about is navigating burial benefits on their own. 

Knowing what benefits may be available and the steps to access them can help make that process easier. 

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) helps families navigate both the burial and memorial benefits Veterans have earned and the process for requesting them. 

Helping Families Navigate Benefits and Next Steps 

Many Veterans have earned burial benefits they may not even know about, including a place in a VA national cemetery or VA grant-funded state, territorial or tribal Veterans cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual gravesite care, all at no cost.  

▶ Watch: Honor Forever: A Guide for Families at Time of Need  video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXndT2OpG7g

This video explains:

• Burial benefits available at VA national cemeteries
• The steps families take to plan and schedule a burial at a VA national cemetery
• How VA and funeral directors will help guide families through the process
• Taking a few minutes to watch the video and sharing it with your family can help ensure they understand the benefits available and the steps to take when the time comes.

You can check with the Veterans Service Officer at the Franklin Senior Center

https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, August 2, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm.

Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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: (see image)

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf