Showing posts with label museum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label museum. Show all posts

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Liberty Bell missing from Franklin museum

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff on 2/10/11

The Historical Commission is asking for the public's help locating a Liberty Bell that is missing from outside the Historical Museum sometime this week.

Things you can do from here:



This picture was taken on a warmer day.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

FM #84 - Week Ending Jan 30, 2011

Let's spend a few minutes to catch up on what matters in Franklin, MA as this week ends Jan 30, 2011. We'll look at the Town Council goal setting session, the School Committee budget workshop and close with some of the music and conversation from Ben Franklin's birthday party at the Historical Museum on Jan 23

Time: 21 minutes, 20 seconds




MP3 File

Session Notes:

This internet radio show or podcast is number 84 in the series for Franklin Matters.

I missed last week's show due to technical issues with my laptop. Those issues have been resolved and I am up to speed writing and reporting again but still trying to catch up on some things. As the week ends this Sunday, Jan 30th, the snow is piled up higher than my mailbox and winter is still upon us.

In this session we'll spend sometime with the Town Council who held their goal setting session on Weds Jan 19. From that session we'll look into the possible field use fee, and the future of the old museum. The School Budget workshop was held on Saturday providing a preview of the budget to be unveiled on Tuesday, Feb 1. It is not going to be pretty.

On a more positive note, we'll close with a sample or two from Ben Franklin's birthday party held at the Historical Museum on Sunday Jan 23rd. There were many folks came in throughout the afternoon. I know I had a great time talking with several. Those who came by were able to learn from Vera Meyer about the glass harmonica that Ben invented while listening to her play.

1 -

The Council goal setting session was a more informal meeting than most. Five councilors participated along with Jeff Nutting and Maxine Kinhart. Brian Benson and I were the only others in attendance. Jeff provided his update on the overall FY 2012 budget, it will be a very tough budget year with a deficit of about 4-5M dollars expected. How to address the systemic expense side of the budget is where much of the discussion took place. The group will hold a working session with the School Committee to get into more detail on health benefits and what options there are to control them. They would like to look at how to get the retirees to share more of the cost. The employees currently contribute 32% of the cost with the Town picking up 68%. Moving to a 50/50 split would take $10 M out of the budget. Doing this is also subject to collective bargaining with the Towns unions. The working session would bring in a health care specialist and be held in 'executive session' due to the collective bargaining nature of some of the discussion.

While the overall Town revenue is ultimately in the voters hands (by their determination of any override or debt exclusion), there are some smaller items that can be used to help prepare to cover for eventual costs. For example, the artificial turf fields will need to replaced sometime down the road. By adding a user fee now, a small fee can accumulate over the years of use by the various sports teams and when the fields do need to be replaced, the funds should be available. Pay a little now or pay a whole lot later. The fields were purchased and installed with a grant of what something in the neighborhood of 4-6M. Adding a small fee to each participant in a sport for each season will set up a fund to be able to pay for the replacement.

Somehow this has become quite a lightning rod. It is not meant to cover maintenance of the fields, those are covered in the regular operational budget. It is meant to cover the replacement of the artificial turfs. The simplest and fairest way to implement the fee is for all to share. If you tried to do t just with those sports using those fields, that would get real complicated and ultimately be unfair. This is only a proposal. It has not been determined when it will appear on a Council agenda for further discussion.

2 - 

The old museum came up in discussion but rightfully belongs with the Historical Commission to make a decision or propose some options for the Council to weigh in on. To do otherwise would not be appropriate. The Historical Commission is the group of record responsible for managing the property. The Council ultimately can have its say but HC needs to take the lead. It is not an simple matter. There is a pumping station on the property but it should not hinder usage. The lot is zoned residential but you could not put in a residential building without a ZBA variance. The lot is currently too small for a residence. If it were used for something other than a residence, the neighbors would have their say. The property has been quiet for quite some time. The church that had turned over the property to the town still has first right to it should we not want it. The church merged in with what is the Franklin Federated and doesn't really exist as a separate church today.

To re-use the building itself would require extensive renovations. Before even going down that path, you need to determine a use for the property. Once the use is determined, then the proper planning can be done to see what it would take to bring it up to current zoning and building code requirements to meet the need. Then you could begin to look at alternative ways of funding the renovations. So let's not get wrapped around the axle of a cart that may not even need to move.

3 - 

The School Committee, Central Office and all the principals meet for their budget workshop on Sat Jan 29th. Councilors Tina Powderly and Glenn Jones also participated. Julie Balise from the Milford Daily News and I were the only non-school, public representatives. Disappointing but that is what it is.

The preview of the budget shows an ugly picture. Even with an almost level service proposal, there are 14 plus positions being lost which will result in further increases to class size. I was not provided a copy of the document but didn't press the issue as the full budget package is coming out Tuesday night anyway.

Why 'almost level service'? This is due to the stimulus funds provided the last couple of years. The funds were required to be applied to keep some existing positions and to fund some positions that would otherwise be cut. With the stimulus funding gone this year, those positions come back on the budget to the tune of about 1.1 M. This accounts for the bulk of the personnel increase of 1.7M with the balance mostly in contractual commitments.

A nice what-if scenario was explored. With Franklin at 10,010 per pupil expenditures, and the State average at 13,006 – what would the State average look like for the Franklin budget? Try 78M, yes much more than the 52 million proposed. It would provide the budget that just about should be if the prior year cuts were not implemented. Another way to look at it, if the failed override for schools had passed since 2002, this is closer to what the school budget would be today. Very pie in the sky and unrealistic but certainly an insightful perspective.

4 - 

So instead of closing on this depressing note, let's shift to include some segments of the party held at the Historical Museum on Sunday Jan 23. As I mentioned in the opening, there was good attendance, Many folks came in throughout the afternoon. I know I had a great time talking with several. Those who came by were able to learn from Vera Meyer about the glass harmonica that Ben invented while listening to her play. I hope she is able to come back to the museum in the future. The instrument is special and her presentation of it is engaging.

I hope you enjoy these few minutes from what was a really pleasant afternoon.

Photos from the afternoon at the Museum can be found here

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.

How can you help, you ask?

If you have an interest in covering the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and or the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings in Franklin, please let me know.

And as always -

  • If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like this, please tell me

Without this feedback loop, I can not improve this service.

Thank you for listening.


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For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!





Monday, January 24, 2011

Vera Meyer - Glass Harmonica

The Franklin Historical Museum celebrated Benjamin Franklin's birthday with a musical performance by Vera Meyer on the glass harmonica (invented by Ben in 1761. I'll have a more complete write up on the afternoon during the week. In the meantime, these photos capture the fun of the afternoon.




It was a delight, I hope you enjoy!


Franklin, MA


Friday, October 15, 2010

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Amongst the many things possible, there is (1) a performance of Little Women at Dean College and (2) wool spinning at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday


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(1) Franklin, MA – The Dean College Theatre program will present Louisa Mae Alcott’s classic tale of growing up in 19th-century New England, Little Women: The Musical starting Thursday, October 14, with evening and matinee performances throughout the weekend. The production features 12 students from the College’s School of the Arts who are majoring in theatre, musical theatre or arts and entertainment management. The production is directed by Dean College faculty member Craig Handel; and the musical elements will be under the direction of Rob Goldman. The musical recently ran on Broadway.

"We wouldn’t be able to approach the quality of work that our students have been doing lately without Rob,” said Prof. Handel. “He’s not only a great conductor and vocal coach, but he’s a teacher who understands and communicates the difference between professional quality work and the type of work usually done by amateurs. Under Rob, our students are constantly being pushed toward the higher standard and the results have been apparent in the high quality of our shows.”

The much-beloved story of Little Women: The Musical centers around the four March sisters and focuses primarily on Jo, the second oldest of the girls. The plot traces Joe’s evolution from an uncertain but headstrong young girl into a mature and successful writer. According to Handel, the character of Jo has been an inspirational role model for young girls ever since Alcott published the novel in 1868.

“The songs in this musical version tap into the struggle and eventual triumph of Jo’s spirit in a way that truly captures the inspirational elements of her journey,” said Prof. Handel.

The play will run Thursday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 15 and 16; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 17. All performances will take place in the Dean College Performing Arts Studio on School Street. Tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 508-541-1606 or visit the website at http://www.dean.edu/events/index.cfm.

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(2) SPECIAL EVENT - this Sunday, October 17th

Wool Spinners (probably 6-8 women) from Bellingham will demonstrate how wool is spun into yarn with their antique spinning wheel. They will then explain how this yarn can turn into sweaters, scarves, etc. Come and watch this historical event and learn their special techniques.

The museum will be open from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.



Franklin, MA

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Museum open for Harvest Festival

The Franklin Historic Museum will be a part of the Downtown Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 26th from 11:00am to 4:00pm


We will offer free apple cider on the front porch along with a bake sale sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. If you would like to make a donation of bake good for our event, it would be very much appreciated. You may drop it off at the museum on Sunday the 26th in the morning. This will be our first fundraiser and funds will be used to offer programs during the year at the museum.


We are also planning to show films from the early 50s during the day. Stop by and see if you can recognize yourself or someone that you may know. Outside the museum, in our parking lot, we will have some antique cars for you to view.


All in all, it will be a very pleasant day to visit the new Franklin Historical Museum.


See you there!


Franklin Historical Commission


Prior posts on the Museum:

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/07/stanley-chilsons-films-are-big-hit.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/franklin-ma-moving-museum.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/10/museum-construction-progress.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/06/franklin-new-museum-repairs.html

Franklin, MA

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Stanley Chilson's films are a big hit

Yes indeed, Stanley Chilson's films are a big hit at the new Franklin Historical Museum. The museum was my first stop for the 3rd Thursday events. I stayed there a while being thoroughly entertained by a group of women who were reminiscing and laughing as they viewed the films from the 1930's. I was too busy writing notes to take any pictures so you'll need to imagine the scene.

Multiple families are visiting the museum. They are exploring the display cases and talking amongst themselves. In the center aisle, chairs are set and almost filled by a group of about 12-15 women. Some who weren't sitting (actually exploring one or more of the exhibits) get called over to view a scene from the movies and stay to sit.

The movies are being shown on a screen dropped from the ceiling in front of the circular display with the bust of Ben on top.

The films being shown are black and white and according to the text dated in 1933 and 1935. There is no music or background to the film. However, the silence is ably filled in with the women's commentary as they roll.

The Pond/Crowley wedding of 1935 is shown. The bridal party is coming down the steps at St Mary's. At that time, there are no railings on the stairs. "Where's Judy? Is she there?" (Judith Pond Pfeffer?)

The next clip shows the intersection of Chestnut St and King St. The roads are more dirt than pavement. There are more trees around. The old house on the corner is the same one there today. It looked much more lived in then.

The next clip is of Main St and the old railroad bridge. "Look, there are no flowers!" (Kudos to the efforts of Eileen Mason and the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the flowers we get to enjoy today.)

There is a scene showing the Town Clerk walking across the street to get into an auto reported to be leaving work to go for dinner with a friend. The two men are dressed to the nines. "Look how sharply they are dressed. No jeans and t-shirts!"

The next scene shows construction on Chestnut St, the group tries to figure out if it is in the same spot as the construction going on today. The scene changes before they can figure it out.

The mother of one of the families exploring the cases asked the group: "Does anyone remember what they called the kids who wore these?" She was pointing to a manikin wearing a cowboy-themed uniform standing in the corner. "Yes, they were Rangerettes! They were good."

There were other scenes around Franklin,  of the pool, and a football game between Franklin and North Attleboro. Additional sections of the Chilson film archive will be converted to an updated format for viewing.

As the group was leaving, they were making requests for more scenes particularly dated around the time period of the Class of 1957.

The museum is open Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and then again on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Stop down to the museum and explore the exhibits. Maybe you'll time your visit with another group providing commentary on the Chilson films!


Franklin, MA

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Franklin's choice

In response to a comment on a recent Milford Daily News article, I said:
Prop 2 1/2 provides for the voters of Franklin to make a choice. We either are satisfied with the services we receive and vote to maintain these services (police, fire, DPW, Library, etc.), or we are not and as a result we decide to do with less services.
No matter which you choose, make sure you do vote on June 8th. 
Comments don't count on June 8th, only votes do.

In response to a comment on a recent Milford Daily News article, I said:
The money on the museum comes from the 'capital' fund which cant be used for 'operations'. The capital money for the museum was small change made mighty big by contributions from volunteers and other organizations. Tri-County students built the shelves and displays. The move from Washington St to downtown was done by volunteers on a Saturday. The hours the museum is being kept open is staffed by volunteers, no expense to the Town.
The museum is actually a very good case for the creative 'thinking out of the box' approach that the Town has being doing to save us money and provide something to be proud of.

Franklin, MA

In the News - Memorial Day, golf, museum, Tri-County

Franklin plans Memorial Day Parade

from The Milford Daily News News RSS 

Franklin Chargers to host golf tournament June 14

from The Milford Daily News News RSS 

Franklin Historical Museum now open

from The Milford Daily News News RSS 


School briefs



Franklin, MA

Monday, May 17, 2010

Historical Museum (video)

Warren Reynolds, a Franklin area realtor who blogs at 02038.com put together this video of the Historical Museum opening on Friday night:



My writing on the new museum can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/franklin-ma-history-on-display.html


Franklin, MA

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Franklin, MA: History on display

After some expense by the Town, much effort from volunteers and significant donations from the community, the Historical Museum is now open in downtown Franklin. The building was built in 1842 as the Town Hall, repaired and restored in 1916, and given new life in 2010. It also served time as the Senior center. Today, it is a building worthy of displaying the rich and varied history of Franklin.


As you come in the front entrance, art work on the floor comes close to replicating the Town Seal. Ben Franklin's phrase "Industry need not wish" is one I have written about before.


Along both sides of the main hall, wooden base units support the glass display cases. The wooden bases were all crafted by Tri-County Regional Vocation Technical High School students. Students also built the shelving in the "library room" of the museum (not pictured here). As part of the volunteer move from the Washington Street location to downtown, many were quite pleased how ell the tops and cases fit together. They were finely crafted. In this photo Ben looks over the display cases mentioned.


When the TJ Maxx store closed in Franklin, the museum gained with the donation of several jewelry display cases. These cases are quite good for the display of many of the historical artifacts. One set of four cases forms a nice center piece display upon which a bust of Ben watches over all.


The museum is scheduled to be open on

  • Saturday's from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Sundays' from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Thursday's from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The museum is staffed by volunteers who are all interested in preserving and sharing the unique pieces of Franklin's history. The museum is also available for special functions. It can seat about 30-40. Inquiries should be made to the Historical Commission or to one of the volunteers during the time the museum is open.


Come on down to re-discover the history of Franklin!

My thanks to Del Arnold for confirming the background information provided here.

Franklin, MA

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Franklin, MA: Plenty to do today

Museum opens from 10:00 to 1:00 PM today

Bottle/Can drive options

  • Franklin High School 9:00 - 2:00 PM at high school parking lot
  • JF Kennedy School 9:00 - 12:00 

Library Book Sale 9:00 - 4:00 PM at DPW Yard off Hayward St


DPW Open House 10:00 - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Museum opens May 15th and 16th

The renovated museum opens on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM




Franklin, MA



Sunday, March 28, 2010

Franklin, MA: Moving the Museum

Many volunteers came out to help move items from the Historical Museum on Washington St to the new location downtown.


The large display cases were a challenge to move. Trying not to tip and disturb the contents. Then getting it into the vehicle. Alan Earls and Kai Olsson position this one in Steve Whalen's vehicle.


Jim Dacey and partner tried to fit this carriage in but it just wouldn't make it. It did get moved with another vehicle.


The former Town Hall, former Senior Center, newly refurbished will be a good location for the precious historic items. This is a view of the main space. Brown paper covered the floor to protect it during the move.


As the items arrived at the new museum, they were sorted to go upstairs to the main floor or down into the basement. From there, the items will get into a display location for the opening in May. Or remain in storage for display in the future.


The sled was the subject of some conversation as it was carried. Fortunately, the weather although cold cooperated to help make the move a success. There is still work to do but the good are mostly in the new building and ready for suitable display.



Thanks to all who helped move. I can hardly wait to see the final product.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Volunteers Needed – Saturday, March 27th

The Historical Commission is happy to announce that the new museum will be opening May 15th to the public.  The commission is very excited!

Your assistance is requested in moving some of the materials from the “Old” museum to the “New” museum on March 27th (Saturday) beginning at 10:00am.  Packing has already been completed and now we need help to remove boxes and items.


If you have a van or truck “WE NEED YOU”.  We also need volunteers to transfer items into trucks and vans from the “Old” to the “New”.  You will be directed by Commission members during the move.

Please email dpellegri@franklin.ma.us  Let me know if you will be driving a truck or van/or if you plan to volunteer yourself with the moving of the items. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support of the Franklin Historic Museum.



Saturday, March 6, 2010

In the News - Historical Museum

Member Deborah Pellegri said the commission will move into the renovated Franklin Historical Museum March 27 and is preparing for a May 15 grand opening.

"We're excited and pleased it's come to this point, and we think people are going to be very happy with the way the museum has turned out," Pellegri said.

Franklin Historical Museum set to open in new spot

from The Milford Daily News News RSS


I have volunteered to help with the move on March 27th, why don't you consider joining us?
"Many hands make light work."

Send an email to Town Clerk, Debbie Pellegri at dpellegri@franklin.ma.us


Monday, March 1, 2010

Volunteers Needed – Saturday, March 27th

The Historical Commission is happy to announce that the new museum will be opening May 15th to the public.  The commission is very excited!

Your assistance is requested in moving some of the materials from the “Old” museum to the “New” museum on March 27th (Saturday) beginning at 10:00am.  Packing has already been completed and now we need help to remove boxes and items. 

If you have a van or truck “WE NEED YOU”.  We also need volunteers to transfer items into trucks and vans from the “Old” to the “New”.  You will be directed by Commission members during the move.

Please email dpellegri@franklin.ma.us  Let me know if you will be driving a truck or van/or if you plan to volunteer yourself with the moving of the items. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support of the Franklin Historic Museum.


Saturday, December 19, 2009

Historical Commission is looking for help

The Historical Commission is in need of your help.

The Historical Commission is in the process of planning the move of the Franklin Historic Museum from Washington Street to West Central Street and they are looking for assistance.

On December 29th, they are planning a work session at the Washington St. Museum. Your assistance is requested to help pack, label and box items for transfer to the new museum.

If you are able to offer some time, please contact Alan Earls at 508-528-6930 or alan.earls@comcast.net or Del Arnold at 508-528-0867 or delarn@aol.com for more details. Thank you.


Sunday, October 11, 2009

Pictures from around town

Walgreens is making progress. The walls are up and being covered with brick.



The older buildings downtown have been spruced up.



The museum is getting its work done. According to Jeff Nutting's update at the recent Town Council meeting, the windows have a long lead time but otherwise the work is on schedule and on budget.



Spring Pond located along Washington St was showing the full range of autumn colors. The picture does not do justice to the scene.



What do you find around Franklin that shows autumn for you?