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| Edward W. Brooke |
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.
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.
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.
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| Strawberry Stroll, Ladybug Trail, ARTWALK and Second Sunday Speaker Series |
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
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| Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St |
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
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| Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St |
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"
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| Chris Woolf, left in 1991, right in 2021 |
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| “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
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.
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| Chris Woolf - then and now |
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.
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| Love Letters to Presidents - Jeff Roy - Feb 13, 1:15 PM (courtesy photo) |
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.
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| Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St |
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.
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| Second Sunday Speaker Series & Benjamin Franklin's birthday party |
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 Boomers. Available 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.
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| Second Sunday Speaker Series - Dec 12 - Charles Harrington |
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 Boomers. Available 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.
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| Second Sunday Speaker Series - Dec 12 - Charles Harrington |
The museum is happy to once again be participating in the annual Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 2. The museum will have a display of photographs depicting farms, farm life, animals, gardens and harvesting. The series of photographs from early 20th century Franklin, is from the private collection of Franklin photographer Nathan Wales’ images. The museum is also happy to be host vintage cars from the local car club, the Red Devils. We will serve apple cider and cookies on the porch. The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum will have a table out front selling Christmas Ornaments from the gift shop. We look forward to you stopping by!
We’re very excited to have author Stephen Puleo return for our Second Sunday Speaker Series on October 10. Steve’s recently released book, Voyage of Mercy will be the topic of his presentation. Thousands of ships left Ireland during the potato famine in the late 1840s, transporting the starving and destitute away from their homeland. The first to sail in the other direction was the USS Jamestown, a converted warship stripped of its guns and committed to the peaceful delivery of food, clothing, and supplies. The USS Jamestown, the Irish famine, and the remarkable story of America’s first humanitarian mission. Join us for this compelling presentation. Doors open at 1:00PM. Presentation to start by 1:15PM. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.
The museum is open Thursday evenings 5 PM - 7 PM; Saturdays 10 AM - 1 PM and Sundays 1 PM - 4 PM. Visit our giftshop for fun and unique Franklin gift items. We are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.
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| October events at the Franklin Historical Museum |
The Franklin Historical Museum is honored to welcome Franklin native, Paul Faenza as presenter in our Second Sunday Speaker Series, Sunday September 12 @ 1:15pm.
Everyone old enough to remember, can recall where they were when they heard about the events of September 11th, 2001. Retired NYPD Sergeant Paul Faenza shares his memories of that day and the days that followed in a one-hour power point presentation. As a member of the New York City Police Department, he responded to the scene immediately after the buildings collapsed and remained at Ground Zero for two weeks.
He details that morning from a personal to a professional level and beyond. From wading through knee high dust to witnessing the collapse of Building 7; searching buildings, digging on the pile, and participating in an honor guard at the temporary morgue. This is not a history lesson, nor a political discussion, it only serves to provide a sense of what occurred that day in New York City from a First Responders point of view.
The purpose of Paul’s presentation is to ensure that people remember the events that occurred on this day twenty years ago. It also serves to remind us of the hundreds who have died or are sick from exposure at Ground Zero. Please consider a donation to www.answerthecall.org . Their mission is to provide financial assistance and a network of support to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police, and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.
Please join us on this 20th anniversary weekend the 9/11 attacks for Paul’s first-hand account.
The museum is open Thursday evenings 5pm-7pm; Saturdays 10am-1pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm. Visit our giftshop for fun and unique Franklin gift items. We are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.
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| Franklin Historical Museum: Never Forget September 11, 2001 - A personal reflection |
The Franklin Historical Museum is honored to welcome Franklin native, Paul Faenza as presenter in our Second Sunday Speaker Series, Sunday September 12 @ 1:15pm.
Everyone old enough to remember, can recall where they were when they heard about the events of September 11th, 2001. Retired NYPD Sergeant Paul Faenza shares his memories of that day and the days that followed in a one-hour power point presentation. As a member of the New York City Police Department, he responded to the scene immediately after the buildings collapsed and remained at Ground Zero for two weeks.
He details that morning from a personal to a professional level and beyond. From wading through knee high dust to witnessing the collapse of Building 7; searching buildings, digging on the pile, and participating in an honor guard at the temporary morgue. This is not a history lesson, nor a political discussion, it only serves to provide a sense of what occurred that day in New York City from a First Responders point of view.
The purpose of Paul’s presentation is to ensure that people remember the events that occurred on this day twenty years ago. It also serves to remind us of the hundreds who have died or are sick from exposure at Ground Zero. Please consider a donation to www.answerthecall.org . Their mission is to provide financial assistance and a network of support to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police, and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.
Please join us on this 20th anniversary weekend the 9/11 attacks for Paul’s first-hand account.
In October we welcome author Steve Puleo who will discuss his latest book Voyage of Mercy. A truly remarkable story about America’s first humanitarian mission.
The museum is open Thursday evenings 5pm-7pm; Saturdays 10am-1pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm. Visit our giftshop for fun and unique Franklin gift items. We are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.
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| Franklin Historical Museum: Never Forget September 11, 2001 - A personal reflection |
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| August at the Franklin Historical Museum |
The Franklin Historical Museum is excited to announce the re-opening of the museum to its regular pre-pandemic operating schedule, Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons now that all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the state.
The museum will host a re-opening celebration on Thursday afternoon, July 15 at 5:00 PM. With a ribbon cutting, new exhibits and refreshments.
We are working on an exhibit celebrating the History of the Davis Thayer School. The building of course, was opened in 1924 as Franklin High School, and has served Franklin students for 97 years. Sadly, for many, it has closed its doors as of the end of this school year.
Join us for a look back at the building, the students, faculty, athletic teams, stories and memories.
Many families had generations of students attend that school. We’d love to hear from you. Visit our Facebook page and share a memory, or email us at franklinmuseum1778@gmail.com. The exhibit will run from mid-July through the end of the summer.
We also have a new permanent exhibit on display, The Federal Parlor Room, from the Oliver Pond Home, generously donated by James C. Johnston in memory of his mother Clara J. Foss Johnston. The elegant pieces of furniture, from the Federal and Empire periods, are made of mahogany and were collected by the Johnston family over a period of many years. The room is beautifully appointed with fashionable décor from the family collection.
We will also be resuming our popular Second Sunday Speaker Series in August. The first event on the schedule, Sunday August 8, is a first look at the private collection of glass plate negatives from Franklin photographer Nathan Wales (1886-1969). These priceless images, purchased at auction, depict everyday life in Franklin from approximately 1910-1915. A selection of the now digitized photos will be presented and discussed. Join us and see how early 20th Century Franklin residents once lived. Their beautiful homes, their clothing styles, their cars, their pets and their daily lives were all captured for us to view.
Visit our newly refurbished Gift Shop with many Franklin related items. We welcome back our regular patrons and new visitors alike. Thursdays 5 PM - 7 PM; Saturdays 10 AM - 1 PM; Sundays 1 PM - 4 PM. Admission is always free and we are ADA compliant. We’re always looking for volunteers to host, so let us know if you are interested in joining our volunteer team that keeps Franklin history alive.
Come in and find your history! We look forward to seeing you soon.
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| Franklin Historical Museum announces re-opening celebration - July 15 |
