The Second Sunday Speaker Series: 'twisted sisters' - April 14, 2024

The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the museum continues on April 14, 2024 with a look back at the ‘twisted sisters’ – the four devastating hurricanes that hit New England (and Franklin) 70 years ago, starting in the summer of1954 and continuing through the summer of 1955. 

Doors open at 1 and the presentation begins at 1:15 PM. The presenter will be Eamon McCarthy Earls, a local author and former town councilor. FREE

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 PM - 4 PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Check their current needs listing here ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/

Visit the Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

The Second Sunday Speaker Series: 'twisted sisters' - April 14, 2024

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry - "The Thomson Press Building " - March 10

The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the museum continues on March, 10, 2024 with popular local historian Joe Landry, discussing the Thomson Press Building and its history (a structure recently added to the miniature Franklin exhibit, on display in December and January). 

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

Joe Landry - "The Thomson Press Building " - March 10

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

For Your Valentine's...

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

Reminder: 'Celebrate Wrentham 350' at the Franklin Historical Museum - Nov 12 at 1:15 PM

We are pleased to host our neighbors and friends from Wrentham for our Second Sunday Speaker Series, November 12.

Wrentham has had a year long celebration of the incorporation of the town in 1673. Ed Goddard, head of the Wrentham 350 Committee will share information on the committee formation, fundraising, merchandising and events over the past year.   

Celebrate Wrentham 350

Events throughout the year have included a Brunch at the Senior Center, St. Patrick's Day Celebration, William Sweatt Day, the town's Birthday Party on the common, their Grand Parade, the Time Capsule Burial and their upcoming Gala Ball scheduled for December at Lake Pearl Ballroom.

Ed will present photos of their various events, the ins and outs of planning, and hopefully share lessons learned. 

Historians will know Franklin was once part of Wrentham, known as Wrentham's Western Precinct, before breaking off and establishing our own town in 1778. This event will be of interest to all who want to wish our neighbors a Happy Birthday and specifically to any civic minded folks from Franklin interested in learning more about Wrentham's celebration as we look ahead to our 250th in 5 year's time.

Help us give a warm welcome to our neighbors and join us Sunday November 12. Doors open 1:00PM and presentation starts at 1:15. Admission is always free. 

When attending a museum event, please consider donating a non-perishable food item to be collected at the museum and donated to the Franklin Food Pantry.

'Celebrate Wrentham 350' at the Franklin Historical Museum - Nov 12, 2023

We are pleased to host our neighbors and friends from Wrentham for our Second Sunday Speaker Series, November 12.

Wrentham has had a year long celebration of the incorporation of the town in 1673. Ed Goddard, head of the Wrentham 350 Committee will share information on the committee formation, fundraising, merchandising and events over the past year.   

Celebrate Wrentham 350

Events throughout the year have included a Brunch at the Senior Center, St. Patrick's Day Celebration, William Sweatt Day, the town's Birthday Party on the common, their Grand Parade, the Time Capsule Burial and their upcoming Gala Ball scheduled for December at Lake Pearl Ballroom.

Ed will present photos of their various events, the ins and outs of planning, and hopefully share lessons learned. 

Historians will know Franklin was once part of Wrentham, known as Wrentham's Western Precinct, before breaking off and establishing our own town in 1778. This event will be of interest to all who want to wish our neighbors a Happy Birthday and specifically to any civic minded folks from Franklin interested in learning more about Wrentham's celebration as we look ahead to our 250th in 5 year's time.

Help us give a warm welcome to our neighbors and join us Sunday November 12. Doors open 1:00PM and presentation starts at 1:15. Admission is always free. 

When attending a museum event, please consider donating a non-perishable food item to be collected at the museum and donated to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Tougias to present "Until I have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War)"

NY Times best selling author Michael Tougias returns to the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday, October 8, where he will give a slide presentation and talk on his two books covering the war between the Colonists and Native Americans in 1675-76 .  Tougias is the author of the acclaimed Until I Have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War), and co-author with Eric Schultz of King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict.

Tougias to present "Until I have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War)"

The first part of the presentation will discuss the Indian way of life, Colonial settlements, and the events leading up to the war as depicted in his novel. The second part covers the battles and the strategy during this cataclysmic war, which on a per capita basis was the bloodiest conflict in our nation's history.  Book signing and questions will follow.

Slides include battle sites, period sketches, historic markers, maps, and suggestions for visiting road-side history.  Tougias also discusses  Native strategy during the war and the challenges of writing a historic novel.  Former Commissioner of Indian Affairs for Massachusetts and member of the Wampanoag Tribe, Edith Andrews, is quoted on the novel's back cover, commenting that Until I Have No Country "captures the essence of the Native American."  The novel includes adventure, romance, and intrigue while staying true to historical facts.  

Tougias is best known for his seven books about true survival and rescue stories.  His latest book is Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds.

The author grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts which was the scene of a raid during King Philip’s War and that is where the author’s fascination with this conflict began.

Tougias is the author and co-author of 29 non-fiction  books including the national bestsellers Rescue of the Bounty, A Storm Too Soon,  Overboard!  The Finest Hours: The True Story of the Coast Guard’s Most Daring Rescue (to be a Disney movie), Derek’s Gift, The Cringe Chronicle and his award-winning book, There’s A Porcupine In My Outhouse! (Misadventures of a Mountain Man Wannabe). His book, Ten Hours Until Dawn: The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do is the recipient of the American Library Association “Editors Choice” award. He also wrote a memoir titled The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures and the Healing Power of Nature More about the author can be found at http://www.michaeltougias.com 

The museum opens at 1:00 PM and the presentation will start at 1:15 PM. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is free, open to the public and sponsored by The Friends of The Franklin Historical Museum.  Handicap access is available through the back entrance of the museum.  Be sure to visit our gift shop after the presentation for unique Franklin gifts.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Dean College has always shared a strong connection with the Universalist Church. It’s founder, Oliver Dean was instrumental in the growth of Universalism in Franklin.

Rob Lawson

Our next Second Sunday Speaker will be Dean History Professor, Rob Lawson, who will explore that connection and the relationship the Universalists had with the school. Historic documents will be on display from the First Universalist Society Franklin. 

Join us Sunday September 10 for this revealing discussion on Franklin’s history. Doors open at 1:00PM and the presentation starts at 1:15. 

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheel chair accessible and always FREE. The Second Sunday Speaker Series are sponsored by The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Second Sunday Speaker Series: features "Massachusetts: The Library State"

Sunday, August 16 is next in our Second Sunday Speaker series., featuring

Massachusetts: The Library State - A presentation about the amazing history and cultural treasures represented across the Bay State's hundreds of  libraries.

When Benjamin Franklin donated more than 100 books to the tiny Massachusetts town, newly named in his honor, he probably didn't realize the impact he would have. In 1790, the citizens of the Town of Franklin voted to make Ben's books freely available to any resident – a library policy that is all but universal in today's libraries but was a novelty at the time. His books are still on display at the Franklin Public Library, though too fragile for modern citizens to borrow or even touch.

Those books are among the treasures and the remarkable stories of our libraries, including:

• The oldest library building in the United States, now part of the Sturgis Library in Barnstable, MA
• The location of the first dedicated children's library in the world, at Arlington, MA
• The first taxpayer-supported library, at Wayland, MA – a town named for its library benefactor.
• The W.E.B. Dubois Library at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, the tallest in the western hemisphere.
• The first large city library to be funded by the public - the Boston Public Library with its millions of books and priceless art treasures.
• A death on the Titanic that led to creation of the Centerpiece of the Harvard Libraries - largest academic library system in the world.
• Local libraries with remarkable art treasures

In addition to dozens of libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie, the story of many other wealthy individuals who funded local libraries is fascinating and inspiring. For example, merchant Jacob Edwards funded the library that bears his name in Southbridge, MA. He was also responsible for acquiring many of the most famous impressionist paintings now at the Museum of Fine Art!

In his presentation, local author and historian, Alan Earls, will help you look at our library legacy with fresh appreciation and excitement.

The museum opens at 1:00PM our presentation begins at 1:15.

Admission is always free and we are ADA accessible. 

Be sure to visit our gift shop which is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Franklin Historical Museum: Second Sunday Speaker for August features "MASS - The Library State"

Sunday, August 16 is next in our Second Sunday Speaker series., featuring

Massachusetts: The Library State - A presentation about the amazing history and cultural treasures represented across the Bay State's hundreds of  libraries.

When Benjamin Franklin donated more than 100 books to the tiny Massachusetts town, newly named in his honor, he probably didn't realize the impact he would have. In 1790, the citizens of the Town of Franklin voted to make Ben's books freely available to any resident – a library policy that is all but universal in today's libraries but was a novelty at the time. His books are still on display at the Franklin Public Library, though too fragile for modern citizens to borrow or even touch.

Those books are among the treasures and the remarkable stories of our libraries, including:

* The oldest library building in the United States, now part of the Sturgis Library in Barnstable, MA

* The location of the first dedicated children's library in the world, at Arlington, MA

* The first taxpayer-supported library, at Wayland, MA – a town named for its library benefactor.

* The W.E.B. Dubois Library at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, the tallest in the western hemisphere.

* The first large city library to be funded by the public - the Boston Public Library with its millions of books and priceless art treasures.

* A death on the Titanic that led to creation of the Centerpiece of the Harvard Libraries - largest academic library system in the world.

* Local libraries with remarkable art treasures

* In addition to dozens of libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie, the story of many other wealthy individuals who funded local libraries is fascinating and inspiring. For example, merchant Jacob Edwards funded the library that bears his name in Southbridge, MA. He was also responsible for acquiring many of the most famous impressionist paintings now at the Museum of Fine Art!

In his presentation, local author and historian, Alan Earls, will help you look at our library legacy with fresh appreciation and excitement.

The museum opens at 1:00PM our presentation begins at 1:15.

Admission is always free and we are ADA accessible. 

Be sure to visit our gift shop which is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Second Sunday Speaker Series features James Johnston - July 9 at 1:15 PM

The July 9th speaker for our Second Sunday Speaker Series is James C. Johnston.  Current owner of the historic "Oliver Pond House,"  retired history teacher and historian, Jim has spent a life accumulating bits of knowledge, local lore, and a great many things which he has cataloged and curated.  In a talk that promises to showcase Jim's wit, formidable wisdom as well as a show and tell of some of his favorite objects, Jim will remind us of the "sparkle" of the shiny things that propel collectors of every sort.  

There will be a lot of audience interaction as Jim is inviting folks to bring material they may want identified including, but not limited to antiques, rare books, stamps, coins, art, bamboo fishing poles, toys, and anything else. Jim has spoken at hundreds of venues in his long career and never fails to both entertain and inform. 

The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Doors open at 1:00, the talk will begin at 1:15.

And in our Gift Shop ... Christmas in July! 

 

One weekend only, July 8 + 9 , The Historical Museum's Gift Shop's special sale on the Christmas Ball Ornaments ( ladybugs, the library, the water trough)  1 for $16, or any 3 combo for $15 each.  A perfect little gift for any Franklinite , and it comes in its own velvet box for safe storage! 

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

July at the Franklin Historical Museum

JIM JOHNSTON TO DISCUSS COLLECTING MANIA AT THE FRANKLIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The July 9th speaker for our Second Sunday Speaker Series is James C. Johnston.  Current owner of the historic "Oliver Pond House,"  retired history teacher and historian, Jim has spent a life accumulating bits of knowledge, local lore, and a great many things which he has cataloged and curated.  In a talk that promises to showcase Jim's wit, formidable wisdom as well as a show and tell of some of his favorite objects, Jim will remind us of the "sparkle" of the shiny things that propel collectors of every sort.  

There will be a lot of audience interaction as Jim is inviting folks to bring material they may want identified including, but not limited to antiques, rare books, stamps, coins, art, bamboo fishing poles, toys, and anything else. Jim has spoken at hundreds of venues in his long career and never fails to both entertain and inform. 

The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Doors open at 1:00, the talk will begin at 1:15.

And in our Gift Shop ... Christmas in July! 

 

One weekend only, July 8 + 9 , The Historical Museum's Gift Shop's special sale on the Christmas Ball Ornaments ( ladybugs, the library, the water trough)  1 for $16, or any 3 combo for $15 each.  A perfect little gift for any Franklinite , and it comes in its own velvet box for safe storage! 

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Wrentham State School Presentation At Museum - Sunday, June 11

One town away Franklin is the sprawling complex long known as the Wrentham State School. Built in the early years of the last century, with the best of intentions, the facility brought care and help to many individuals suffering from a wide range of maladies, mostly categorizable as mental illness. But, over the years, experts sometimes got things very wrong, Or, particularly after World War II, shrinking budgets turned care into a travesty and then simply abuse. Some from Franklin were doubtless residents. Many more found employment there, linking its story to that of our town. 

Indeed, the 2014 book, “From One Century to the Next: A History of Wrentham State School and the Institutional Model,” which tells the whole story – the good and the bad – was written by longtime Franklin resident, Ingrid Grenon, who spent some 33 years affiliated with the facility.

On Sunday, June 11, Grenon will present a talk, sharing her rare collection of images and unmatched knowledge of this important institution as part of the Franklin Historical Museum’s Second Sunday Speaker Series. 

Doors open at 1 pm and the program begins at approximately 1:15. As always, events at the museum are free.

Visitors to the museum are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item for the Franklin Food Pantry.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   or on Facebook at   https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

From One Century to the Next: A History of Wrentham State School and the Institutional Model

Reminder: "The Life of Horace Mann" - Second Sunday Speaker Series at the Historical Museum - May 14 at 1:15 PM

In May, we celebrate Franklin’s Favorite son, Horace Mann. Our Second Sunday Speaker Series presentation will be The Life of Horace Mann. Born in Franklin and commonly known as the Father of American Education, Mann’s life from a young farm boy from Franklin, braiding straw for pennies to Brown University, to the State House and beyond is a story our town can be proud of. An educator, lawyer, abolitionist, orator and statesman, Mann gave much to many in his short life. Learn about his family life in Franklin, his education, friends, loves and his strong desire to establish free education to all. 

Horace Mann

Join us for the presentation Sunday, May 14th. Doors open at 1:00, presentation starts at 1:15. Then join us for coffee and cake as we celebrate the 227th birthday of Horace Mann. COVID-19 prevented us from celebrating Horace’s 225th, and he hasn’t quite forgiven us!

Visitors to the museum are asked to bring an item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Personal items such as shampoo/soap/razors/toothpaste, etc. or individually wrapped paper towels, among other items would be welcome. 

We also encourage visitors to browse our gift shop and make a purchase in support of the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum and the programs they support. 

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Second Sunday Speaker to celebrate Horace Mann - May 14 at 1:15 PM

In May, we celebrate Franklin’s Favorite son, Horace Mann. Our Second Sunday Speaker Series presentation will be The Life of Horace Mann. Born in Franklin and commonly known as the Father of American Education, Mann’s life from a young farm boy from Franklin, braiding straw for pennies to Brown University, to the State House and beyond is a story our town can be proud of. An educator, lawyer, abolitionist, orator and statesman, Mann gave much to many in his short life. Learn about his family life in Franklin, his education, friends, loves and his strong desire to establish free education to all. 

Horace Mann

Join us for the presentation Sunday, May 14th. Doors open at 1:00, presentation starts at 1:15. Then join us for coffee and cake as we celebrate the 227th birthday of Horace Mann. COVID-19 prevented us from celebrating Horace’s 225th, and he hasn’t quite forgiven us!

Visitors to the museum are asked to bring an item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Personal items such as shampoo/soap/razors/toothpaste, etc. or individually wrapped paper towels, among other items would be welcome. 

We also encourage visitors to browse our gift shop and make a purchase in support of the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum and the programs they support. 

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

February 12, 2023 - Second Sunday Speaker Canceled - to be rescheduled

Due to a death in the Lawson family, the event scheduled for Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 has been canceled and will be rescheduled. We extend our condolences to the Lawson family for their loss.

----------------

February Second Sunday Speaker Series at Franklin Historical Museum features Dean College Professor Rob Lawson

History is everywhere around us—we all know that. However, we often focus on that which is most easily seen: a monument, an historic site, a holiday marking an historical anniversary. Inspired to find social connections and foster historical curiosity during the COVID-19 pandemic, two editors at the New England Journal of History (who happen to also be Dean College professors) developed a citizen-historian video series entitled History in Your Backyard. The goal was to get people looking for—and sharing—the history in our communities. 

Recent post announcing event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/february-second-sunday-speaker-series.html

R. A. Lawson

Franklin Historical Museum: Second Sunday Speaker Series features the return of Dennis Sardella - Nov 13

Second Sunday Speaker Series features the return on Dennis Sardella, from the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, MA.

Dennis has been a docent at the Museum of Russian Icons since 2012, where he leads gallery tours and introduces visitors to the world of Russian icons. He also writes and speaks regularly to area groups on the topics of religious icons and the role they play in Eastern Christian spirituality. He was a professor at Boston College from 1967 until 2012. In 1990 he became the founding director of the Boston College Presidential Scholars Program, which he directed until his retirement in 2010. For 17 years he and his wife led groups of Boston College Presidential Scholars on month-long study trips to France, and they have continued to travel extensively throughout Western Europe.

Dennis' presentation will introduce you to a selection of the Museum's collection of icons, and explaining their history, how they are created, how to understand them, and the role they play in Eastern Christian spirituality.

Join us Sunday, November 13 at 1:00. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is supported by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Admission is always free.

Gift Shop

If you're looking for a unique gift with a Franklin theme visit the Franklin Historical Museum Gift Shop. You'll find a selection of mugs, pillows, maps, note cards and more. This year's Christmas Ornament features the Ladybug, a nod to Kennedy School's effort to establish the Ladybug as our state insect. 

The gift shop is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum, the fundraising arm of the museum. Proceeds of sales at the gift shop help support museum programs such as the Second Sunday Speaker Series, Ben Franklin's Birthday, the Town Birthday celebration, Horace Mann's Birthday and other events and programs at the museum. Your purchase will provide you with a lovely gift and a good feeling of supporting your hometown history.

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10AM-1PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00PM-4:00PM. Come in and find your history.

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Second Sunday Speaker Series with Chronicle's Ted Reinstein - Oct 9

October 9 features the Second Sunday Speaker Series with Chronicle's Ted Reinstein discussing his latest book, Before Brooklyn, the unsung heroes who helped break baseball's color barrier. 

The Franklin Historical Museum opens at 1:00 PM on Sunday with the presentation beginning at 1:15. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Admission is always free.

When visiting the museum, shop many unique items in our Museum Gift Shop including this year's edition of the Holiday Ornament featuring adorable ladybugs. A nod to Franklin's participation in securing the ladybug as our state insect.  Come in and find your history!

You can also visit the museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

Before Brooklyn, the unsung heroes who helped break baseball's color barrier

What is happening at the Franklin Historical Museum in October?

We are glad you asked:

1 - Be sure to stop by the Franklin Historical Museum during your visit to the annual Harvest Festival, Saturday October 1st. 

• On our front lawn children will love the creative Balloon Art from Bobo the Clown while enjoying a bag of freshly popped popcorn
• Inside discover the many Vintage Images of Franklin at our special postcard exhibit
• The postcards, from our archives, tell the story of a Franklin of yesteryear with familiar locations and some long gone. Discover how Franklin streets looked over 100 years ago

The museum will open our regular Saturday hours at 10:00AM, staying open through the end of the Harvest Festival at 5:00PM. We look forward to seeing you all there!

2 - October 9th is our next Second Sunday Speaker Series with Chronicle's Ted Reinstein discussing his latest book, Before Brooklyn, the unsung heroes who helped break baseball's color barrier. 

The museum opens at 1:00PM on Sunday with the presentation beginning at 1:15. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Admission is always free.

When visiting the museum, shop many unique items in our Museum Gift Shop including this year's edition of the Holiday Ornament featuring adorable ladybugs. A nod to Franklin's participation in securing the ladybug as our state insect.  Come in and find your history!

You can also visit the museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

Before Brooklyn, the unsung heroes who helped break baseball's color barrier

Reminder: Second Sunday Speaker: Firestorm - Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War - Aug 14

Our August Second Sunday Speaker Series features a name familiar to many in Franklin. 

Firestorm: A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War 

Wolfgang Bauer, a former Franklin Town Manager and currently a representative to the Charles River Pollution Control District, was born in Hamburg, Germany in the midst of the 1943 Allied firebombing that destroyed much of the city and killed tens of thousands. Bauer will review some of the main features of the bombing raids and discuss his life as a small child growing up in the wreckage of a once-prosperous city; a situation now being repeated in Ukraine in the 21^st century.

Join us Sunday August 14 at 1:15 PM for this personal look at a childhood memory of war, a timely presentation. Doors open at 1:00 PM

***

The Franklin Historical Museum is located downtown at the town's original town hall and former Senior Center, 80 West Central Street. Stop in and visit our gift shop, run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Find unique Franklin items for yourself, a friend or anyone who loves Franklin. Road sign 'Entering Franklin' mugs, Franklin pillows, beautiful note cards and this year's edition of our highly popular annual Christmas tree ornament. The 2022 ornament is a sweet tribute to Franklin's place in establishing the Ladybug as the Massachusetts state insect. 

***

What Franklin treasure have you found in your attic or basement? Always consider the museum before pitching it in the trash can. One man's trash could be a Franklin treasure! Local research available on our website franklinmuseum1778.com. Follow us on Facebook. Come in and visit us soon. 

Second Sunday Speaker: Firestorm - A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War - Aug 14

Second Sunday Speaker: Firestorm - A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War - Aug 14

Our August Second Sunday Speaker Series features a name familiar to many in Franklin. 

Firestorm: A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War 

Wolfgang Bauer, a former Franklin Town Manager and currently a representative to the Charles River Pollution Control District, was born in Hamburg, Germany in the midst of the 1943 Allied firebombing that destroyed much of the city and killed tens of thousands. Bauer will review some of the main features of the bombing raids and discuss his life as a small child growing up in the wreckage of a once-prosperous city; a situation now being repeated in Ukraine in the 21^st century.

Join us Sunday August 14 at 1:15 PM for this personal look at a childhood memory of war, a timely presentation. Doors open at 1:00 PM

***

The Franklin Historical Museum is located downtown at the town's original town hall and former Senior Center, 80 West Central Street. Stop in and visit our gift shop, run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Find unique Franklin items for yourself, a friend or anyone who loves Franklin. Road sign 'Entering Franklin' mugs, Franklin pillows, beautiful note cards and this year's edition of our highly popular annual Christmas tree ornament. The 2022 ornament is a sweet tribute to Franklin's place in establishing the Ladybug as the Massachusetts state insect. 

***

What Franklin treasure have you found in your attic or basement? Always consider the museum before pitching it in the trash can. One man's trash could be a Franklin treasure! Local research available on our website franklinmuseum1778.com. Follow us on Facebook. Come in and visit us soon. 

Second Sunday Speaker: Firestorm - A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War - Aug 14