"Franklin in Miniature" exhibit opens at Historical Museum - Saturday, Dec 6

The Franklin Historical Museum and Franklin Historical Commission cordially invites you to the Grand Opening of our new exhibit "Franklin in Miniature"! 

Please join us for the opening ceremony at 10 AM on December 6, or visit us anytime in the months of December and January to view the exhibit!

The new HO scale train exhibit adds the Franklin Mill Store complex to that of  "Train Town 1" (Franklin Dean Station) and "Train Town 2" (the former Thompson Press & the roundhouse)

Listen to my conversations with Scott Mason as we talk about 

Train Town 1 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Train Town 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Train Town 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3.html

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, November 27, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This segment shares my conversation with Scott Mason as we talk about Train Town #3 opening Dec 6 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show hosts, Pauly G and the Vibe feature the "Pretenders" debut record on the Album Hour and an epic "Women of Rock" Vibe Playlist Hour.  The Pretenders debut vinyl released January 11, 1980 is the band's top selling album, certified platinum in many countries, with many hits including: “Brass in Pocket” (their biggest hit),  “Talk of the Town”, “Kid”, and  “Stop Your Sobbing”.   
• The Playlist Hour features many of the classic and new leading bands including:  Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, PLUS, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Amy Lee and Evanescence, Haley Williams and Paramore, Stevie Nicks, Nancy and Ann Wilson and Heart, Martha Davis and The Motels,  and Gwen Stefani and No Doubt.  Enjoy Chrissie Hynde and all Women of Rock Turntable Playlist!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Scott Mason talks about the Train Town 3 exhibit to open Dec 6 (audio)

FM #1585 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1585 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, November 10, 2025.

 

Our conversation covers 

• Train Town 3 - the Mill Store, Franklin Paint

• Opening Dec 6, 2025 & running through Jan 2026

• What’s next? Other history bits possibly worth exploring

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1585-scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3-11-10-25/

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Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photos of Train Town 1  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & the railroad roundhouse  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Photos of Train Town 2  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

  
  

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!

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

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

Scott Mason talks about the Train Town 3 exhibit to open Dec 3

Franklin Historical Museum events for December 2025

Franklin Historical Museum events for December 2025

"There's something for everyone at Franklin Historical Museum!

Check out new and upcoming events at www.franklinmuseum1778.org

See the latest on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Franklin-Historical-Museum/61577107304816/#."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRK6NsVEq6Q/

Former Franklin Town Council Chairman Scott Mason Shoots for 100th Baseball Win

Scott Mason

Scott Mason has 93 wins in the Rhode Island - Massachusetts Senior Baseball League.  He hopes to notch his 100th by mid-summer.  No other pitcher in the league's history has more wins.

Scott, 62, dominates in this "Over 50" league, which is composed primarily of former college ballplayers as well as a few former minor and major leaguers.  Mason is on the short-list to make the league's Hall of Fame.

Scott was born and raised in Franklin.  He pitched for Franklin High School, the University of Dayton and Dean College, and had winning seasons at all three schools.  He pitched at Dean College under Rick Smith, former Superintendent of Schools in North Attleboro.  Said Smith about Mason: "He was and is the smartest player, and quickest learner, I ever coached...in my entire career, if I ever needed just one out, I would give the ball to Scott."

Scott was on the Franklin Town Council from 2005 to 2011, serving as its Chairman for the last two years.  He also coached youth baseball, including multiple high school and Legion teams.  

Scott is also a Franklin Historical Commission Member and a professional modeler of miniature railroad dioramas. Since 2022, Scott has re-created the Franklin Historical Museum's train depot diorama.

Scott was also a professional sports photographer, having worked for the  New England Patriots, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Sun Chronicle.

Scott is married to Tina Powderly and together they have five children: Kelly (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kathryn (Franklin), Samantha (Boston), Tyler (Franklin) and Allison (Franklin).

Mason is slated to pitch Opening Day, April 26 at 9 AM, Cranston Stadium, Cranston, RI.

 

 

Train Town #3 rescheduled for November 2025

via Scott Mason:

"Here are some photos of the 'finished' exhibit for the Franklin, Mass Historical Museum. This diorama recreates two large textile mills in Franklin in 1932.  

This diorama, along with the previous two, will go on exhibit on November 29, 2025.  

Between research, design and construction, it took Project Engineer, Sam Maxwell and me about 18 months and 2,500 hours to complete."

Additional photos -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18xYajdsrN/

part of the "diorama recreates two large textile mills in Franklin in 1932"

Scott Mason says Train Town 3 is on schedule for display early in 2025

FM #1304 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1304 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, October 28, 2024.

 

Our conversation covers 

• Train Town 1 & 2 reactions from community

• Train Town 3 - the Mill Store, Franklin Paint

• Likely ready early in 2025

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1304-scott-mason-train-town3-10-28-24/

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

Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photos of Train Town 1  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & the railroad roundhouse  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Photos of Train Town 2  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

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

The Mill Store building as seen in 2015

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason (video)

Want to catch up to the Second Sunday Speaker Series featuring Joe Landry & Scott Mason? Thanks to Franklin TV, you can.

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAfa7Z5v8XM

Franklin Cultural District: Tricky Trivia, Electric Youth, Best Buddies, 2nd Sunday Speaker & more as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, January 10

1:00pm Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, January 11

6:30pm Tricky Trivia (Franklin Public Library)

Friday, January 12

7:30pm Electric Youth Debut Concert (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Electric Youth

Saturday, January 13

9:00am KoC Free Throw Tournament  (Hockomock YMCA)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:30pm FHS Best Buddies fund raiser basketball game (Franklin High School)

8:00pm Joe Jencks (live music) (ticketed event) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Sunday, January 14

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker  (Franklin Historical Museum)

Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 16

7:30pm - Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:   https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curMode=LOGOUT&curHelp=&woof&CFID=23662954&CFTOKEN=d411d9e119c07574-BBA36F88-D4AE-528A-5350C00C60ACA17E

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin Cultural District: Library events daily, labyrinth walk, & more lead to New Year as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, December 27

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt!  (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Music at the Blissful! A Fun Family Concert!  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Buildwave Family Night!  (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, December 28

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt!  (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Interactive Puppet Storytime!  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewing)

Friday, December 29

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt!  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Noon Year's Eve Party!  (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Comedy Show (ticketed event) (3 Restaurant)

Train Town Franklin; Part 2

Saturday, December 30

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

Sunday, December 31 = New Year's Eve

5:00pm Labyrinth Walk (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

Monday, January 1, 2024 = New Year's Day

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:   https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curMode=LOGOUT&curHelp=&woof&CFID=23662954&CFTOKEN=d411d9e119c07574-BBA36F88-D4AE-528A-5350C00C60ACA17E

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!