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

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

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

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

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
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

Saturday, April 29, 2023

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
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

Saturday, February 11, 2023

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.

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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

R. A. Lawson
R. A. Lawson

Thursday, October 27, 2022

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
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Thursday, October 6, 2022

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

Sunday, September 25, 2022

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

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

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 21st 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

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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

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

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 21st 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

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Franklin Historical Museum: July Second Sunday Speaker talks about Edward W Brooke

Edward W. Brooke
Edward W. Brooke
Join us Sunday, July 10 at 1 PM for a special presentation recognizing a man who made history in Massachusetts. Edward W. Brooke, the first black person ever elected to the US Senate, represented Massachusetts on Capitol Hill from 1967 to 1979, earning praise as a national leader as well as an important figure in the struggle for civil rights. In the "Juneteenth Plus" presentation, local historian Alan Earls will describe Brooke's rise from a childhood in a segregated Washington DC, to service in a segregated Army regiment that trained at Massachusetts Fort Devens. Learn more about this fascinating, forgotten figure and his impact on our state, nation and town!  

Learn and Share: Hosting volunteer opportunities available at the Franklin Historical Museum. If you can give 3-4 hours a month to host on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon, contact Mary @ franklinmuseum1778@gmail.com

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. 


Saturday, June 18, 2022

Franklin Historical Museum: July Second Sunday Speaker talks about Edward W Brooke

July's Second Sunday Speaker Series will be a special presentation recognizing a man who made history in Massachusetts. Edward W. Brooke, the first black ever elected to the US Senate, represented Massachusetts on Capitol Hill from 1967 to 1979, earning praise as a national leader as well as an important figure in the struggle for civil rights. 

In our "Juneteenth Plus" presentation, local historian Alan Earls will describe Brooke's rise from a childhood in a segregated Washington DC, to service in a segregated Army regiment that trained at Massachusetts Fort Devens. In his service in Italy he endured blatant racism yet won praise for his leadership and bravery -- and won the heart of an Italian girl whom he later married. A law degree from BU followed with an improbable rise through the tough political world of Massachusetts. 

Learn more about this fascinating, forgotten figure and his impact on our state and nation (and even our town!) Join us Sunday July 10th, doors open at 1:00PM

Learn and Share: Hosting volunteer opportunities available at the Franklin Historical Museum. If you can give 3-4 hours a month to host on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon, contact Mary @ franklinmuseum1778@gmail.com

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. 

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Strawberry Stroll, Ladybug Trail, ARTWALK and Second Sunday Speaker Series all in one weekend at the Historical Museum!

The Franklin Historical Museum plans a busy June weekend beginning with a special Friday night opening June 10. In conjunction with the Franklin Downtown Partnership the museum will be open from 4 PM - 8 PM during the annual Strawberry Stroll celebration. The much anticipate Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail will be dedicated that evening, on Main Street, as well.  

Stop by the museum to visit two points of interest on the trail, the Delegates Ladybug, which tells the story of the Ladybug becoming our ‘state insect’. And the Straw Hat Sculpture, sitting happily on the museum’s front lawn, which is a nod to the once thriving straw industry in our town. Learn a bit about the 2nd grade Kennedy School class that went to the State House and learned about the legislative process of making a new state law.

Saturday morning, June 11 the LiveARTS string quartet performs at 10:30 AM as part of the Franklin ArtWALK Celebration sponsored by the Franklin Cultural District. Events around town during this 3-day celebration include live performances, art exhibits, family activities, a kick off reception and more. The Franklin Historical Museum is proud to once again host one of the many live performances for this event. For more information on the ArtWALK schedule visit www.franklinculture.org

Rounding off this busy weekend is our Second Sunday Speaker Series with a presentation on the 150 year history of the Franklin Fire Department as they commemorate their founding in 1872. Fire photographs from the Stanley Chilson collection will be on display, and a presentation of interesting facts and figures recounting the early years from hand drawn pumper wagons, to horse drawn pumper wagons to today’s finest and fastest rescue apparatus. Do you know when our first fire station was built? Do you know which prominent Franklin citizen of his day funded the building that served our town for so many years? Do you remember the fire whistle signals? Join us and take a look back at the changes the years have brought to the Franklin Fire Department.  Doors open at 1:00pm and the presentation will start 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. 

Strawberry Stroll, Ladybug Trail, ARTWALK and Second Sunday Speaker Series
Strawberry Stroll, Ladybug Trail, ARTWALK and Second Sunday Speaker Series

Friday, May 6, 2022

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Leigh Schoberth, "Stone Walls of New England" - May 8

Join us at the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday, May 8 as Historic New England's Leigh Schoberth presents Stone Walls of New England.

Stone walls are an iconic landscape feature of New England. They once served a functional purpose, but today they are threads through time, defining the region's historical identity. Leigh Schoberth, Senior Preservation Services Manager at Historic New England, will trace the history of stone wall building through a preservation lens. Join us to learn how to identify types of stone walls and their unique characteristics to consider when taking on repairs.

The lecture will cover the big picture history of stone walls in the region, as well as review Protections (laws) and preservation efforts and maintenance basics for homeowners. There will be time for questions as well.

Doors open at 1:00, admission is always free. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. 

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 

Monday, April 4, 2022

Franklin Historical Museum hosts photos with Easter Bunny (4/9) and next speaker for Second Sunday Series (4/10)

Saturday April 9 – Bring the kids to have a fun photo taken with the Easter Bunny from 10:00AM to 12Noon. We’re thrilled to have this special visitor join us to delight the kids.

Sunday April 10 – The next installment of our Second Sunday Speaker Series features the return of Karen Antonowicz from Spirits of Fashion who will speak on the delightful era of the Swingin’ Sixties. Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Mary Quant, Biba, and the list goes on!  Discover the fashions of the Swingin’ Sixties, beginning with the Mod styles of London, traveling through the hippy era, and culminating in the bohemian styles and hot pants of the early ‘70s.  Join us to explore what drove these changing styles and how they affected people of all ages during this turbulent time!

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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 

Friday, March 25, 2022

From the Hindu Kush to Franklin - Conversation with Chris Woolf (audio)

FM #758 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 758 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Franklin author Chris Woolf. I met Chris when he did the Second Sunday Speaker Series at the Franklin Historical Museum. He talked of his adventurous trip to Afghanistan and we scheduled to get together at the Franklin studio to explore more of his story.


Links to Chris’s web site, the book link, and he and his wife’s voiceover company are included in the show notes. 


Let’s listen to my conversation with Chris as we follow his life journey from Britain, via Afghanistan, to the US, and ultimately to Franklin.  Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-758-chris-woolf-talks-about-bumbling-through-the-hindu-kush-03-21-22



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Chris Woolf   https://chriswoolfbooks.com/ 


The Voice Depot    https://the-voice-depot.com/   (voiceover company)


Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush - A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan

https://chriswoolfbooks.com/bumbling-through-the-hindu-kush/ 


Video link to Historical Museum presentation to be added when available from Franklin.TV 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Chris Woolf, left in 1991, right in 2021
Chris Woolf, left in 1991, right in 2021

“Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush - A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan”
“Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush - A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan”

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Second Sunday Speaker Series - March 13 – Chris Woolf

Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush – A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan

What happens when a regular person accidentally finds themselves lost in the middle of a war? In 1991, BBC journalist Chris Woolf travelled to Afghanistan. The government in Kabul was fighting for survival, after the withdrawal of its superpower patron; in this case, the Soviet Union. The parallels to today are extraordinary.

Woolf was visiting a colleague, Chris Bowers, to see what the life of a foreign correspondent was like. They hitched a ride with an aid convoy and bumbled straight into the war. They survived minefields, artillery, armed robbery. They were trapped in no-man’s land during a battle, and even escaped from detention by the secret police. They kept going, despite the horror and terror. There was no choice.

Amid the darkness, Woolf discovered the generosity and hospitality of ordinary Afghans, eager to share what little they had with strangers in peril. Along the way, they became the first journalists to pass through the battle lines from Kabul to meet with legendary warlord Ahmed Shah Massoud, and carried home a vital message for the peace process. They met with Soviet POW/MIAs and recorded messages for loved ones.

Woolf shares an intimate portrait of first encounters with death and real fear. He explores the lingering effects of trauma, and explains how he put his experience to good use. He introduces just enough of Afghanistan’s history, geography, culture and politics for audiences to understand what was going on around him. He also makes a few comparisons and contrasts between the situation in Afghanistan then and now. Chris’ book by the same title was published in October 2021 and is available in paperback; Kindle e-book; audiobook (narrated by the author).

Doors open at 1:00 PM, the presentation starts at 1:15 PM. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. When visiting the museum, please bring a non-perishable food item for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Admission is always free.

The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central St, Franklin, MA.


Chris Woolf - then and now
Chris Woolf - then and now

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Love Letters to Presidents - Jeff Roy - Feb 13, 1:15 PM

From the Franklin Historical Museum

Our next Second Sunday Speaker Series features State Rep Jeff Roy sharing his adventures as he traveled to each of the Presidential libraries and museums. 
Join us for this entertaining and informative presentation.

Doors open at 1:00, presentation starts at 1:15. Admission is always free, donations are always welcome.

Admission is always free. We are ADA compliant with an elevator access in the back of the building. Our gift shop is open year round. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non perishable food item, in the collection box in the front lobby, for the Franklin Food Pantry. Come in and find your history. 

Love Letters to Presidents - Jeff Roy - Feb 13, 1:15 PM
Love Letters to Presidents - Jeff Roy - Feb 13, 1:15 PM (courtesy photo)
 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Franklin Historical Museum: "Love letters to Presidents" - Feb 13, 2022

This month's Second Sunday Speaker Series features State Rep Jeffrey Roy, with his timely presentation titled, "Love letters to Presidents". Over the past several years, Jeff has made it his mission and goal to travel the country visiting each Presidential Library. His travels, his impressions, and his stories will be shared in this educational and entertaining account of his quest. 

Join us Sunday, February 13 for "Love letters to Presidents". Doors open at 1:00, presentation starts at 1:15. Admission is always free, donations are always welcome.

Admission is always free. We are ADA compliant with an elevator access in the back of the building. Our gift shop is open year round. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non perishable food item, in the collection box in the front lobby, for the Franklin Food Pantry. Come in and find your history. 


While waiting for this event, you can listen to the Toward a More Perfect Union episode where Rep Jeff Roy talks about his trips to the Presidential libraries


Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Second Sunday Speaker Series & Benjamin Franklin's birthday party

Second Sunday Speaker Series

The Franklin Historical Museum is happy to welcome Dennis J. Sardella, PhD, as our guest speaker on Sunday January 9th for his presentation on Byzantine and Russian Icons.  

Dennis has been a docent at the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, Massachusetts 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.

Please join us for this informative talk as our Second Sunday Speaker Series continues in 2022. Doors open at 1:00PM, presentation starts at 1:15PM.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN! 

On Sunday January 16th we celebrate Benjamin Franklin's Birthday. The man whose name inspired the naming of our town was born January 17th, 1706. Come learn about Ben and how Franklin came to be named for him. Hear about the story of a Toad and it's tail, how 'sense is preferable to sound' and how his donation started the first public lending library in America. Join us for birthday cake from 1:30-3:00 in the research room of the museum. All are welcome.

Admission is always free. We are ADA compliant with an elevator access in the back of the building. Our gift shop is open year round. 

Second Sunday Speaker Series & Benjamin Franklin's birthday party
Second Sunday Speaker Series & Benjamin Franklin's birthday party


Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Charles Harrington scheduled for the Second Sunday Speaker Series - Dec 12

 Franklin native Charles Harrington joins us Sunday, December 12 to discuss his book A Contemplative Life: Essays and musings from the last of the Baby BoomersAvailable at Amazon.

Charlie grew up in Franklin, attended St. Mary School, and was the middle child in the large Harrington family with four older brothers and four younger sisters. One reviewer writes: “Harrington is a talented story-teller and writes about his childhood, romances, addiction and losses to inspire readers to learn from his experiences. He includes personal letters, photographs and poems that make his stories come alive. Readers can relate to his experiences and reflect on what he learned from them.

We are excited to welcome Charlie back home and have him discuss his book, reflect on his life and share his memories of Franklin. 

We hope you will join us for this next chapter in our monthly Second Sunday Speaker Series. Doors open at 1:00 PM, admission is free, and the presentation will start at 1:15. 

Please bring a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry

Second Sunday Speaker Series - Dec 12 - Charles Harrington
Second Sunday Speaker Series - Dec 12 - Charles Harrington