Halloween and History cemetery tour comes around again Oct 31 with Rob Lawson

Via Dean College's Rob Lawson:

I want to bring to your attention an annual event I do — the Halloween and History cemetery tour. 

I’ve been doing this for over a decade and it’s always a good time. Attendees learn about meaning of tombstone icons and the materials used in gravestone-making, the stories of famous Franklinites and the founders of Dean College, and this year I’ll be working in new material about the origins of Halloween-type celebrations in Massachusetts as well as a story of a Franklinite who met a grisly end in Quebec in the years after the Revolution. 

Also this year I’ll be encouraging guests to consider donating to the Franklin Historical Museum gift fund. 

Admission/participation is free but gratuities are accepted.

Halloween and History cemetery tour comes around again Oct 31 with Rob Lawson

GOOD DEEDS: Keeping History Alive

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

October is National Family History Month, a time dedicated to preserving the stories and traditions of our ancestors and learning about our roots and the experiences that have shaped our families for generations.

By exploring our family history, we can gain a deeper understanding of our roots and connections to the past. Have you ever wondered where some of your family traditions come from, or wanted to uncover the root of a family story passed down through the generations?

GOOD DEEDS: Keeping History Alive

Today, millions of Americans are on the hunt for clues to find out more about themselves and their family’s background. According to an ABC News report, genealogy is ranked the second most popular hobby in the United States. Genealogy websites get more than 100 million hits per year. But its popularity doesn’t end there. There are also genealogy television shows, college courses, and businesses. Therefore, a survey that revealed 78% of people want to research their ancestry shouldn't really surprise us. And the search for answers may just lead you right to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, thanks in part to our History Comes Alive program.

For some, the Registry of Deeds may not be the first place that comes to mind when trying to trace your family's history. However, it can be a great place to start your genealogical journey. We have a wealth of information and cutting-edge technology to assist you. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds possesses approximately 13.1 million land records, recorded in 42,028 Registry books dating back to when Norfolk County was created in 1793. Some of these records include deeds, liens, foreclosures, mortgages, conveyances, trusts, and mortgage discharges.

What can you learn from these documents? Plenty. You can discover where a family member lived. What they generally paid for the property by looking at some of the recorded documents such as the deed as well as any mortgage filings. When and who they sold it to. And if while owning the property they faced any financial burdens, such as an attempted foreclosure or having a lien placed on their home. However, you might also say, “That sounds like great information, but it's impractical for me to get to the Registry given my work schedule.” Well, thanks to technology that’s no longer a problem, you can do it from the comfort of your home computer or cell phone 24/7. Just go to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds website www.norfolkresearch.org hit the Search for Your Deed button and type in the name you are looking for. If they owned property in Norfolk County you will find records all the way back to the 1700’s. We made this research process even easier for you through our History Comes Alive Transcription Program where all the Registry documents written in hard-to-read cursive penmanship from 1793 to 1900 were transcribed into clearly readable print.

In addition to the wealth of information at the Registry, both on sight and via our online records database, the Registry’s Genealogy Research and Resource Center has 4 workstations dedicated to genealogy research. These workstations have free access to Ancestry.com and American ancestors.

Click the following link to watch an interview about the Genealogy Research and Resource Center which aired on the Needham Channel: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/registry-free-genealogy-research-program

These databases can help you continue your journey as you try to discover your roots by gaining access to records across Europe and across the world wherever your families are from. You can find census records, draft cards, and prison records for ancestors who may not have been on the straight and narrow.

The primary mission of the registry is always the security, accuracy, and accessibility of our communities’ land records and reliable service to the residents of Norfolk County, but if you think about it, the registry also records history every day, accurately preserving a detailed chain of events on Norfolk County properties from 1793 to the present. The addition of the Genealogy Research and Resource Center only adds to the wealth of information you can find at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. So, whether you are a historian, genealogist, or simply curious about your family history the Registry might have some clues to help you discover your roots.

You can help fill in the missing details for this FHS football history being collected

via Tim McDonald Jr.

You can help fill in the missing details

Good morning community. 

I'm in need of your help. I've been working on the history of Franklin High School Football for the past couple of years. I would like to get a site made up where you can go and see past and present history. 

Over time I would like to have rosters, records and pictures of Panther Alum.  My hope is with the help of many of you I'll be able to gain the information I need. 

If you or anyone you may know who can help me out please have them reach out to me. If you have team pictures, action shots from past teams please feel free to sent them to me with names. 

Missing information is listed below. 

• Record 1940-1959, 1974, 1975, 1977
• Team scores Vs opponents 1940-1963, 1966-1990 
• So old pictures and teams from 64 and 65.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mfXpddorqpPEhZiW/

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Joe Landry presented on Restaurants and Bars in Franklin at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin TV produced the video recording for replay.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMozn1LGDnI

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: History Comes Alive episodes features Franklin (video)

August 26, 2024  GOOD DEEDS: History Comes Alive: Franklin Library ____Dear Friend of the Registry, ____The Land records dating back to 1793 at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds are crucial to the legal title to one's property. However, these land records are rich in history. ____The Registry's "History Comes Alive" Program transcribed over 450,000 handwritten documents recorded between 1793 and 1900. This project transcribed the land records into easy-to-read text. Out of this project an interest in the stories behind the records developed. ____Attached are links to two Franklin pieces about Ben Franklin and the Franklin Library. Good Deeds History Comes Alive: Franklin Library https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/GD_History_Comes_Alive_Franklin_Library.mp4 Good Deeds History Comes Alive: Closer Look Franklin Library https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Good_Deeds_History_Comes_Alive_A_Closer_Look_Franklin_Library_FINAL.mp4  ____I hope you find these interesting and informative.   Sincerely yours, Bill O'Donnell Register of Deeds

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, MA 02026-1831 US

Good Deeds History Comes Alive: Franklin Library

History Comes Alive, A Closer Look - The Franklin Public Library

QATV Wins 2nd Hometown Media Award from "History Comes Alive" Segments (video)

Quincy Access Television, in partnership with Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell achieved national recognition for the second time with their History Comes Alive segments by winning the “Best of Experimental Access Center Professional” award at the 2024 Hometown Media Awards in San Jose, California. The Foundation of the Alliance for Community Media presented the Hometown Media Award for the segment Good Deeds: History Comes Alive, Norwood Theater.

Every year, close to a thousand entries are submitted. These submissions are assessed based on a variety of criteria. A panel of industry judges evaluates the entries. Award winners are those who create the most innovative shows that address community issues, foster varied community engagement, and encourage viewers to experience television in new ways.

“Inspiration can come at unexpected moments and from the most unlikely sources,” said Crosby. “The idea for this series came while watching Italian movie director Dario Argento's film, The Stendhal Syndrome; the movie introduced me to a medical condition in which an art observer can become so emotionally involved in viewing a work that a psychosomatic (mental and physical) response is experienced. As one who always looks for a new and unique way to tell a story, adapting it to a history lesson seemed logical.”

The “Best of Experimental Access Center Professional” award is presented annually by the Foundation of the Alliance for Community Media to recognize the creative use of media technology in a new and unique way. This award is highly regarded in the industry and is given to individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and impact in their work. Winning this award is a testament to the quality and uniqueness of Crosby and O'Donnell's project, as it was selected as the best among a pool of highly competitive entries.

“These segments grew out of a History Comes Alive land record project at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. History in our local communities is all around us,” said O’Donnell. “The piece allows those in the community to learn about some of that fascinating history in a way that both captivates and educates the audience.”

In the program “History Comes Alive, Norwood Theater,” the museum patron, Michael LePage, steps into a historical image of the Norwood Theater through the use of green screen technology and is seemingly transported back to 1927. Amidst the sound of movie reels, the narrator, Register O’Donnell, explains the historic Norwood Theater was designed by William G. Upham and opened to much fanfare. The video details the history of the building and highlights some of the unique features that make it a local landmark. The piece closes with the museum patron stepping out of the photograph and returning to modern times.

To watch a video of the award-winning segment “History Comes Alive, Norwood Theater,” follow the link here: https://youtu.be/m-fGcPzyb68?si=hDSZ0SwjZ-KDs6Cj

 

Register O’Donnell expressed, “I want to thank Mark Crosby whose creativity and production skills made the program possible. I also want to thank Jonathan Caliri and the staff at QATV for all their hard work in making this vision a reality. I cannot forget our star Michael LePage who by day does a fantastic job of recording Land Court documents at the Registry and Mike’s performance tied the piece together, thank you.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Roberta Trahan for Women's History Month

Senator Becca Rausch (@BeccaRauschMA) posted Tue, Mar 19, 2024:

Today's local leader shout-out goes to Roberta Trahan of @TOFranklinMA. 

A dedicated nurse of 47 years, Roberta is a pillar of the community, having served on the School Committee, serving as VP of @FranklinDowntwn and supporting many groups. 

Thank you, Roberta!
#mapoli #WHM2024 https://t.co/ecfJPz6Wai

Editor's Note: I am quite pleased to share this recognition. I have had the privilege of working with her on a number of causes and events over the years and she is a pleasure to work with. I understand she doesn't like the spot light but the work she has done and continues to do is making a difference! Sorry Roberta, "just reporting on the facts"....

Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Roberta Trahan for Women's History Month

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1770161731932709365

@FranklinCulture   @FranklinFoodPan  @FranklinPSNews

History Photographed: "This too shall pass"

History Photographed (@HistoryInPics) posted Sun, Dec 31, 2023:

"For a quick moment, imagine you were born in 1900. When you are 14, World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday with 22 million people killed. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until you are 20. Fifty million people die from it in those two years. Yes, 50 million. When you're 29, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, global GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet. When you're 41, the United States is fully pulled into WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war and the Holocaust kills six million. At 52, the Korean War starts and five million perish. At 64 the Vietnam War begins, and it doesn’t end for many years. Four million people die in that conflict. Approaching your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, could well have ended. Great leaders prevented that from happening. As you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How do you survive all of that? A child in 1985 didn’t think their 85 year old grandparent understood how hard school was. Yet those grandparents survived through everything listed above. Perspective is an amazing thing. With so much happening right now and as 2023 ends, let's try to keep things in perspective, knowing that we will get through all of this. In the history of the world, there has never been a storm that lasted forever.  

This too shall pass."

Shared from -> https://t.co/JyInPcL7PC

History Photographed: "This too shall pass"

Scott Mason talks about the "Train Town Franklin" exhibit opening today (Dec 2, 2023) at the Franklin Historical Museum (audio)

FM #1103 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1103 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with current Historical Commission member Scott Mason. Scott has a lifelong passion for model railroads. 

Scott is designing and building the second diorama of historical Franklin, circa 1932. This second part features a scale model of the Thompson Printing Mill and of the railroad roundhouse located just east of the downtown train station. 

Our conversation explores some of his Franklin story and then gets into the development of this second of the series of dioramas. We talk about the research, interesting findings, decisions on scale, etc.

Train Town #2 will be displayed along with Train Town #1. The exhibit is scheduled to open Dec 2, 2023 and run through the end of January 2024 at the Historical Museum. The museum is open on Saturdays (10 AM to 1 PM), and Sundays (1 PM to 4 PM) during winter.

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Scott and his work on “Train Town #2” recorded November 30, 2023.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1108-train-town-2-with-scott-mason-11-30-23 (oops, the original audio file has a technical glitch as the interview closed out. This file was corrected as of 9:30 PM, Dec 3, 2023)

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

Historical Museum notification on Train Town #2 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/downtown-franklins-model-railway.html 

Scott’s model railroad page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/wwwScottyMasoncom/100063840514784/

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

Photo album of Train Town #1 -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Photos of Train Town #2 will be added as soon as available

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

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!

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

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

Scott Mason talks about the "Train Town Franklin" exhibit opening today

Boston Globe: "Voicing history: Audio technology added to Boston Women’s Memorial"

"Ever wonder what story a statue would say if it could talk?

Well, if you’re passing by the Boston Women’s Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall with a smartphone, you can find out.

While not quite like “Night at the Museum,” a collaboration between the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail and the Talking Statues Association unveiled Saturday gives voice to First Lady Abigail Adams, poet Phillis Wheatley and suffragist Lucy Stone.

October marks the 20th anniversary of the Boston Women’s Memorial, a bronze by sculpture Meredith Bergmann. t

As part of the project, the sculpture now features a plaque with Bergmann’s name on it, a QR code, and Braille. It works like this: the QR code gets scanned on a smartphone and the person receives a call with the audio, the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail said in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/10/21/metro/voicing-history-audio-technology-added-boston-womens-memorial/

Boston Globe: "Voicing history: Audio technology added to Boston Women’s Memorial"

Joe Landry schedules presentation on "Funeral Homes in Franklin" - Oct 4 at 1 PM

Via Joe Landry:

"Hi there!!!  

My next presentation is Wednesday, October 4 at 1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.  

I hope you can make it!!!!!!"

Joe Landry schedules presentation on "Funeral Homes in Franklin" - Oct 4 at 1 PM

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/506785703069434/permalink/1853448518403139/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Reminder: Join Cobi & I for a walk and talk about Franklin today (5/06/23 at 10:30 AM)

Should be good weather today for a walk!

You are invited to join Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo & I as we walk and talk about Franklin, zoning, interesting tidbits, etc. 

We'll meet at the High St side of the Town Common and leave at 10:30 AM Saturday morning, May 6, 2023.

The route as proposed is just over 3 miles (or about 5 K) that will bring us back to the Common. We should return to the Common by about noon.

• Dress for the weather whatever it is or forecasted to be for Saturday
• Bring along water (talking makes one thirsty)
• Wheels and paws are welcome to come along

Photo of the walking route (Counter clockwise)

Interactive Maps (via MapMyWalk) 

Counter clockwise  https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/5511189451

Clockwise  -> https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/5518318138/ 

Franklin's first participation in the national annual @janeswalk, in honor of the late social activist Jane Jacobs - May 6, 10:30 AM

The Historical Museum welcomes those visiting Franklin for Dean College's 157 Commencement

We invite all those visiting town for the 157th Commencement of Dean College to stop in for our look back on the History of Dean College.  

Museum Hours are Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday 1 PM - 4 PM. Congratulations to all Dean Grads.

Dean commencement information -> https://www.dean.edu/events/details/dean-college-commencement/2023-05-06/

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 

Dean College: "When the Boston Celtics Played at Pieri: The Forgotten Story of How Dean Influenced the Start of a Dynasty"

Via Dean College:

"As the @celtics kick off their quest for their 18th championship, we retell the forgotten story of when the team brought eight basketball Hall of Famers to campus and kicked off a streak of eight consecutive world championships."

Learn more: https://t.co/LL5QDNTUkB

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/DeanCollege/status/1646875857649123330

 

"The photo showed two basketball giants: Bill Russell, a civil rights pioneer and the man who set the standard for winning in professional sports, and John Havlicek, like Russell a basketball Hall of Famer and the Celtics' all-time leading scorer.

Between Russell and Havlicek stood Red Auerbach, the Celtics coach and considered one of the best ever; former Dean President William Garner; Louis Pieri, class of 1916, Celtics co-owner and namesake of the College’s gym; and Joseph Martin, a former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives."

Good Deeds: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Celebrates Women's History Month

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

Women's History Month is observed in March to recognize the impact and importance of women in our society. We should all be aware of the importance of women in society, in shaping the country we all live in, and in our history.

Women’s History Month began in 1978 as a weeklong celebration to coincide with International Women’s Day and originated in Santa Rosa, California. The movement was met with wide-spread support and gained nationwide notoriety. The following year, communities throughout the country began adopting the celebration.

Women's organizations and historians successfully lobbied for national recognition in 1980. President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation establishing March 8th as National Women's History Week. Each President after President Carter continued this proclamation until 1987, when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as "Women’s History Month." Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as "Women’s History Month."

Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes the yearly theme. This year the theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." In keeping with this year’s theme for Women’s History Month, I would like to share some of the stories I discovered while researching records at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams, the United States' second First Lady, was born in Norfolk County. She was born in 1744 in Weymouth. In 1764, she married John Adams. She was President Adam's closest confidant and took an active role in politics and what was taking place in the country. She was an abolitionist who believed in a woman's right to education and the ability to make their own decisions about their lives. John Quincy Adams, Abigail Adams' son, would become the sixth President of the United States. She is buried in Quincy alongside her husband.  

Deborah Sampson

Deborah Sampson lived in Sharon, a town in Norfolk County. Born in 1760, she attempted to enlist as a man in the Continental Army. Despite being discovered and sent home, Ms. Sampson later attempted again to enlist, this time succeeding and joining the 4th Massachusetts Regiment. During the American Revolutionary War, she was wounded in battle and received an honorable discharge.

Sunita Williams

A more modern warrior who I had the pleasure of meeting down at the Falmouth Road Race is American astronaut Sunita Williams. Sunita grew up in Needham and graduated from high school there in 1983. She went on to complete her education at the United States Naval Academy. She has had a long and successful career with NASA and at one point held the record for the most spacewalks of any woman. Ms. Williams also ran the first marathon in space. In 2017, the Needham School Committee voted to name a newly constructed elementary school the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School.

Katharine Lee Bates

Katharine Lee Bates was born in Falmouth in 1857, but did you know she lived in Wellesley? Ms. Bates was a well-known author who was inspired to write "America the Beautiful" after hiking up Pike's Peak in Colorado. These words were later adapted into a hymn that was chosen as the runner-up for the National Anthem.

Helen Keller

Helen Keller was an advocate for the disabled and a suffragette. She contracted an illness at a young age that rendered her blind and deaf. When you think of Helen Keller, you also think of Anne Sullivan, her incredible teacher and champion. Both of these great and strong women lived in Wrentham, Norfolk County. Helen Keller's autobiography, "The Story of My Life," and later the film "The Miracle Worker" provide great insight into these two women's ability to overcome obstacles, their compassion, and the idea that no one should be defined by the expectations of others.

Dr Helen P. Cleary

Every day, the women of Norfolk County make our communities a better place to live. Doctor Helen P. Cleary, for example, who joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, was the first woman elected to the Town of Norfolk's Board of Selectmen.

Mindy Kaling

Norfolk County has been home to other inspiring and impactful women. In 1896, Harriet L. Hemenway of Canton co-founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Audie Cornish grew up in Randolph, Massachusetts, and is a journalist and National Public Radio news anchor. Norfolk County can claim entertainers ranging from actress Mindy Kaling, who was born and raised in Wellesley and produced the show "The Office," to noted Broadway and film star Lee Remick, who was born and raised in Quincy. 

Aly Raisman

The strength and grace of Needham’s Aly Raisman to be an Olympian Captain and to win numerous Olympic medals is inspirational enough. Yet Ms. Raisman’s bravery and eloquence in speaking out as a survivor to stop sexual abuse, which led her to be a recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, should be a shining example to all of us.

It is great to recognize and be mindful of the women in our society and all that they have accomplished. Let us take a moment to thank all the women who have made a difference in our communities and lives. Our lives, our communities, our county, and our country would not be what they are without all of you.