Reading of the Wrentham/Franklin Declaration of Independence on Wrentham Common
Back in 1776, with encouragement from the provisional state government, Wrentham (which then included Franklin, Norfolk, and Plainville) joined with several other Massachusetts towns to write and issue its own Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, stealing a march on the delegates of the Continental Congress then meeting in Philadelphia. Wrentham officials will be recreating this important event. Representatives of Franklin will be in attendance from 5-7 pm and the public is invited. If you go, don't forget to visit the nearby Rochambeau monument in front of the tennis courts at King Philip Regional High School, commemorating the encampment of the French Army on its way to Boston during the Revolution.
Reading of Wrentham/Franklin Declaration of Independence + PORCHFEST
• Back in 1776, with encouragement from the provisional state government, Wrentham (which then included Franklin, Norfolk, and Plainville) joined with several other Massachusetts towns to write and issue its own Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, stealing a march on the delegates of the Continental Congress then meeting in Philadelphia. We will read this brief, historic document aloud, locally, just before noon and share copies of the text.
• PorchFest -- the third annual -- will be held at dozens of locations around town from noon to 6 pm, including the front porch of the Franklin Historical Museum.
> Jamie Barrett -- beloved local educator and performer from noon to 1
> Jabbering Trout -- from 1:30 to 3
> an additional performer has been requested but not confirmed.
• Franklin Art Association will be wrapping up their Fakes and Forgeries exhibit and bestowing show honors.
Sunday, June 7 -- Museum open regular hours, 1-4 pm
But if it rains on Saturday, Porchfest and FAA events will be held this day from noon to 6.
Strawberry Stroll, 4-8 pm
This annual community festival draws thousands of visitors from Franklin and neighboring towns. It’s a popular tradition for building community spirit and opportunity for businesses to meet their neighbors. The museum will have a booth in the main stroll area and will also be open from 4-8. Stop by for complimentary pop corn.
Welcome FIFA!
Short films on soccer history and a poster board display of some newspaper stories highlighting the early years of soccer in Franklin. The Museum is open from 10 to 1.
A `Second Sunday Speaker' Panel: Soccer's Massachusetts Roots and Branches
In coordination with FIFA games continuing at the "Boston Stadium" in Foxboro and drawing inspiration from a May 28 Soccer History Event in New Bedford, the Franklin Historical Museum is hosting a World Class array of experts to delve into the rich, regional history of soccer, which includes the Oneida Football Club that inaugurated organized "foot ball” of all kinds on American soil on Boston Common in 1862 as well as innumerable teams and players in Southeastern, Mass. This session will discuss the growth of soccer in the early part of the 20th century and the popularization of soccer in Franklin and in similar communities. The panelists start with a top-scoring FHS soccer player and long-time soccer coach, Rich Frongillo. Kristine Moore, a historian employed at the Patriot's Hall of fame, holds a Master's degree in Public/Applied History from Southern New Hampshire University and is an expert on the intertwined origins of US football and soccer, will also be attending as well as Dr. Kevin Tallec Marston, long-time Research Fellow & Lecturer with FIFA’s International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES) in Switzerland. He is also current president of the Society for American Soccer History (SASH). Other experts have been invited but have not yet confirmed their attendance. The Museum opens at 1 and the program begins at 1:15 and will continue with a 15 minute break in the middle, until approximately 3:15. Informal conversations among panelists and visitors are encouraged thereafter. Reserve Your Free Ticket HERE.
- Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21
Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion
Brides didn't always wear white, but in the 19th century, a number of factors combined to make that the preferred color choice. Today, white remains dominant for American brides as well as for brides in many other lands. Revolutionaries in White will display gowns spanning from the 19th to the 21st century, offering insights into rapid social changes, with groupings that include multi-generational family gowns and the unique 1946 Parachute Dress with its spectacular 13-foot train. The museum is open from 10-1 and Saturday and 1-4 on Sunday. Admission is free but donations are very appreciated. This exhibit will continue through July during regular hours
The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM (except as noted above), Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM,. Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786. Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org
