Showing posts with label Sunday speaker series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday speaker series. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Second Sunday Speaker: “History in Our Backyard!”

Dean College Professor. Dr. Rob Lawson, presents “History in Our Backyard!” Congressman Tip O’Neill is remembered as saying all politics is local. All history is local too. 

In this interactive presentation, Dr. Lawson will share a variety of examples where “big” history (national/global) meets local history stories. Wars, pandemics, and natural disasters are painful reminders of how big events can affect local communities, and Franklin is no exception. 

Together, we’ll encounter a couple of Franklin history “puzzles” and explore some of the film and digital history initiatives that are making our local history accessible and relevant right now. 

Bring your curiosity and put on your thinking cap as we explore the history in our backyard! at the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Museum open 1-4, program starts at 1:15. FREE

Second Sunday Speaker: “History in Our Backyard!”
Second Sunday Speaker: “History in Our Backyard!”

Sunday, January 12, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, January 12, 2025 ???

Sunday, January 12

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum) 
2:00pm FPAC: To Tell a Story About the Earth (THE BLACK BOX)
2:30pm Chess Group (Franklin Public Library)


**  NO  Town Meetings today   **



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

Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

Sunday, December 8, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, December 8, 2024 ???

Sunday, December 8
  • Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
  • Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)
MBTA shuttle bus on Franklin Line

10:00am Breakfast Buffet with Santa Claus (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
11:00am Winter Wreath Design Class (Fiori and Fern)
1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: WCVB Chronicle's Ted Reinstein (Franklin Historical Museum)
2:00pm Franklin Performing Arts Company presents The Nutcracker (Franklin High School)


**   NO  Town Meetings today   **


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Second Sunday Speaker Series: The Story of the Boston Floating Hospital - Nov 10

Franklin’s own John Kulig, MD MPH, Professor of Pediatrics Emeritus at Tufts University School of Medicine, will share the remarkable story of the “Boston Floating Hospital,” which literally took its first trip around the harbor back in 1894, providing fresh air and medical care to poor, sick children. That beginning eventually led to an on shore hospital and remarkable research, including the development of life-saving ‘formula’ for children unable to get mother’s milk. 

Through research, ingenuity, and attention to the needs of ailing children and their families, the hospital grew into a scientific leader, pioneering pediatric medicine.

Kulig not only practiced at “Floating” he also was involved in the effort to write the history of the institution, which benefited not only Boston but many, many Franklin area children, over the years.

By Internet Archive Book Images - https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetarchivebookimages/14777891004/Source book page: https://archive.org/stream/harvardmedicalsc00parkuoft/harvardmedicalsc00parkuoft#page/n63/mode/1up, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43695820
By Internet Archive Book Images - https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetarchivebookimages/14777891004/Source book page: https://archive.org/stream/harvardmedicalsc00parkuoft/harvardmedicalsc00parkuoft#page/n63/mode/1up, No restrictions, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43695820


The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.    Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786. 
  

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for November 2024

Sun.  Nov. 3 – As Goes Franklin...a look at Franklin’s voting habits over the last 140 years…

Keyed up about the election? Learn about how and why Franklin has voted for presidents going back to the time of the Civil War!  Local history educator, Jayson Joyce, has been delving into archives and histories to learn about Franklin’s voting habits going back to the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln (yes, he carried Franklin), with lots of other interesting bits about how the town has voted right up to the 2020 election. Also look for some other bits of museum ephemera and visuals relating to our political past, on exhibit until Thanksgiving...Museum is open 1-4 with the presentation starting at 1:15.  The event is Free.

Sat. Nov 9 and Sun. Nov 10 – Recycle Your Political Signs!

With the election over, unclutter your property and your town and bring your corrugated plastic signs to the museum for recycling. Neither the town’s transfer station nor the curbside recycling program can take the type of plastic used in these signs. But our volunteers will! Just stop by the museum during open hours, Sat 10-1 (with coffee and cookies while they last) and Sunday 1-4, and stack you signs neatly on our front steps. Please, if possible, separate metal legs and pile them separately!  There is no fee for this service. AND while you are at the museum, consider taking a look at some of the displays showing how Franklin has voted over the last 150 years in its presidential elections. Questions? Call Historical Commission Chair Alan Earls 508 560 3786 or email alan.r.earls@gmail.com.

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for November 2024
Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for November 2024

Sun. Nov 10--Second Sunday Speaker Series: The Story of the Boston Floating Hospital

Franklin’s own John Kulig, MD MPH, Professor of Pediatrics Emeritus at Tufts University School of Medicine, will share the remarkable story of the “Boston Floating Hospital,” which literally took its first trip around the harbor back in 1894, providing fresh air and medical care to poor, sick children. That beginning eventually led to an on shore hospital and remarkable research, including the development of life-saving ‘formula’ for children unable to get mother’s milk. Through research, ingenuity, and attention to the needs of ailing children and their families, the hospital grew into a scientific leader, pioneering pediatric medicine. Kulig not only practiced at “Floating” he also was involved in the effort to write the history of the institution, which benefited not only Boston but many, many Franklin area children, over the years.

Sun. Nov. 17  “Third Sunday” Music at the Museum program features Greenwich Bay Brass

The Greenwich Bay Brass has been together since 2006. It is an all- volunteer, British style brass ensemble with unique instrumentation.  Based in Rhode Island, the GBB has made numerous appearances around the state including concerts at First Lutheran Church in East Greenwich, the Barrington Congregational Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Providence, and outdoor appearances at Hearthside House in Lincoln, and Wilcox Park in Westerly. Additionally, the ensemble has traveled to Massachusetts and Maine, with a concert at the historic Union Church in South Carver, MA and a joint concert together with the Salvation Army Brass Band in Old Orchard Beach, ME. The museum opens at 1 and the program will start at about 1:15. The event is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.


`CINEMA 80’

After a well-received experimental run from January to May at the Franklin Historical Museum, Cinema 80, captained by videographer and cinephile Chris Leverone, is back for another season of amazing free `Silent Saturday’ silent film entertainment on Saturdays at 6pm. The program is free but donations are encouraged.  The lineup for October includes:

11/2, City Lights – The often-comic misadventures of Chaplin's Tramp as he falls in love with a blind girl. Considered by many to be Chaplin’s greatest film.
11/9, The Big Parade – With a showing timed for proximity to Veteran’s Day, The Big Parade a 1925 American drama has been praised as one of the best and most realistic films about World War I. 

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.    Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   

Monday, August 26, 2024

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for September 2024

Sept 8 -- Second Sunday Speaker Series: As American as The Blues
A large and important part of the American experience is captured in the origin story of Blues music in the African American community. And the music itself has become embedded in musical artforms nationally and globally. Dean College History Professor, Dr. Rob Lawson will share his insights on this topic on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St., Franklin. 

Dr. Rob Lawson
Dr. Rob Lawson
Doors open at 1 and the presentation begins at 1:15. Presentations typically include audience questions and run about an hour in length. Lawson is the author of Jim Crow's Counterculture: The Blues and Black Southerners, 1890-1945. The event is FREE, but donations always welcomed.

Sept 15 - - will inaugurate the first “Third Sunday” Music at the Museum program.

Commission member and multi-instrumentalist Randy LaRosa will provide an inaugural demonstration and performance of our newly repaired and tuned, 120-year-old, Franklin-made Trowbridge piano. Expect a lively and informative afternoon, spanning multiple genres.

Sept. 28 - - In Conjunction with Franklin Harvest Fest – We Recap and Remember the Popular, Local St Rocco’s Festival

Join us during the Franklin Harvest Festival on Sept. 28 (rain date Sept 29) from 1-5 for a Celebration of the Long-running Saint Rocco’s Festival with special guest, PBS Great American Recipe contestant and Franklin resident, Marcella ‘Marcie’ DiChiara.  In addition to Marcie we will be sharing images, news clips, and memories of the St. Rocco’s festival as well as celebrating Franklin’s Italian roots 

(Look for signs at the museum marking well-known family names where kinfolk are encouraged to reconnect.) And, of course, it wouldn’t be St. Rocco’s without food, so The Rome Restaurant will be selling pizza slices in front of the museum! The event is FREE, but donations always welcomed.

'CINEMA 80'
After a well-received experimental run from January to May at the Franklin Historical Museum, Cinema 80, captained by videographer and cinephile Chris Leverone, is coming back for another season of amazing free `Silent Saturday’ silent film entertainment on Saturdays at 6pm. The program is free but donations are encouraged.  
'CINEMA 80'
'CINEMA 80'


The lineup for September includes:
9/7, Modern Times (comedy) – created by and starring Charlie Chaplin
9/14, Shorts by the tremendously innovative film maker D.W. Griffith
9/21, Orochi – a 1925 Japanese film that tells the story of a troubled samurai.
9/28, Man with a Movie Camera – a 1929 mesmerizing showcase of communist life by the Ukrainian Photo Cinema Administration.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM - 1PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM - 4:00PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.    Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   


Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Second Sunday Speaker at Franklin Historical Museum to Talk About the (mostly) Happy Days at the Town Pool

the (mostly) Happy Days at the Town Pool
the (mostly) Happy Days at the Town Pool
The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the museum continues on August 11, 2024 with perennially popular local historian, Joe Landry

Splish, Splash – A Seasonal Second Sunday Speaker Presentation on The Town Pool!

The Town Pool, now the location of the Sculpture Park off of Panther Way, was a fixture in Town Life from the 1930s to the 1980s.  Yet another gift to the town from the Ray family, its swimming program was overseen for many years by Lorraine Metcalf, scion of another “old” Franklin family. Joe will also share images and film clips from a not-so-distant past. 

Doors open at 1 and the presentation begins at 1:15 PM.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.  

Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Second Sunday Speaker at Franklin Historical Museum to Talk Bridal Fashion - Karen “Ren” Antonowicz - July 14

Karen “Ren” Antonowicz
Karen “Ren” Antonowicz
Sunday, July 14, the Franklin Historical Museum will be offering a conversation on bridal fashion with Karen “Ren” Antonowicz, a popular speaker and fashion expert who has presented at the museum before. Much of her presentation will refer to the large collection of bridal gowns on display at the museum through Aug. 4. 

Antonowicz received her Master’s Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design, with a concentration in Historic Costume & Textiles from the University of RI.  She then taught History of Fashion and other courses full time at the college level for 13 years, and taught part time in the CE Program at the RI School of Design.

In the meantime, Ren and her husband, Mike, opened Nostalgia Antiques & Collectibles, a 3-floor co-op located on historic Wickenden St. in Providence, RI and ran the business for five years.

Doors open at 1:00 PM and the presentation begins at 1:15 at Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. FREE
 
The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.



Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Summer Sunday Worship Series starts with "Equity's Call" scheduled for June 30, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024.  

Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.

All services start at 10:00 AM.

Afterwards, please plan to stay for coffee, cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Equity: Equity’s Call
June 30, 2024 
Lay Leader: Marggi

Summer Sunday Worship Series starts with "Equity's Call" scheduled for June 30, 2024
Summer Sunday Worship Series starts with "Equity's Call" scheduled for June 30, 2024

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Second Sunday Speaker provides insights on the Parachute Dress at the Historical Museum

The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the museum continues on June 9, 2024 with a focus on our famous Parachute Dress – a wedding dress made from a World War II parachute with a spectacular 15-foot train.  
 
Historical Commission Chair Alan Earls will talk about the social history and wartime pressures that brought tens of thousands of parachutes into service for the military, some of which eventually found their way back into the civilian economy. 
 
Doors open at 1:00 PM and the presentation begins at 1:15 at Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. FREE
 
The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.
 
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St
 

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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

Monday, March 4, 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
Joe Landry - "The Thomson Press Building " - March 10

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

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

For Your Valentine's...

Postal Poetry: The Art and Commerce of Valentine's Cards
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



Thursday, November 2, 2023

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
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.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

'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
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.

Sunday, September 17, 2023

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)"
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. 

Monday, August 21, 2023

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
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
Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Thursday, August 10, 2023

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, 80 West Central St 

Sunday, July 30, 2023

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
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Saturday, July 8, 2023

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
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St