More Perfect Union: 068 - Congress, The Role of The House Speaker, and The Current Problem Facing The Republican Party (audio)

In this episode, the group discusses the problem republican's are having appointing a house speaker, how congress works, why this is holding up session, the democratic party's reaction, and so much more.

Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/068-congress-the-role-of-the-house-speaker-and-the-current-problem-facing-the-republican-party

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Dr. Charles Steinberg to open Fall Dean Leadership Institute Speaker Series - Sep 29

Dean College is pleased to welcome Dr. Charles Steinberg, president of the Worcester Red Sox, as the first speaker of the Dean Leadership Institute (DLI) Fall Speaker Series. 

Dr. Charles Steinberg joined the Worcester Red Sox, known as the Pawtucket Red Sox at the time, as president on November 5, 2015 after many years as Executive Vice President of the Boston Red Sox. In a vast career in which he has also worked with the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig, "Dr. Charles" has helped revamp and re-energize the WooSox front office while leading the effort to aggressively reach out to the community to restore and enhance bonds of connection. He has also been instrumental in the community engagement of Central Massachusetts, including the development of Worcester’s Polar Park and the relocation of the franchise to the city in 2021.

The program is FREE and open to the public. RSVP to attend the Dean Leadership Institute event on September 29, 2022 (https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=4b46fee6-5f34-4a3c-afe8-1a4ac93373e2&envId=p-znTBbqSjmkypIjo1twnSVg) . 

Dr. Charles Steinberg to open Fall Dean Leadership Institute Speaker Series - Sep 29

Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2022 - at FHS on May 14

Join us for a signature cultural event in Franklin, MA!  Come get inspired with discussions focused on Arts Advocacy, Equity and Community!

View this email in your browser Community Connections through the Arts. You don't want to miss this special regional event. Join us in Franklin for an incredible morning of inspiration to take back to your communities. There will be live music. Inspiring speakers. Opportunities to connect. And lunch, to remember what it feels like to be together. Keynote speaker, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council, Michael Bobbitt will kick off the morning! After a quick break, you'll be invited to participate in several different clinics of your choice. Executive Director of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Kelly Grill will lead a session on "Building Community through the Arts". Mass Cultural Council will lead sessions on "Arts Advocacy" and "Arts Equity". Steve Sherlock, of Franklin Matters will host a session based on boosting the social media presence of your organization or brand. A boxed lunch will be served by our local "Birchwood Bakery" and give us a chance to reconnect with one another. Join us on Saturday, May 14 from 9-1:30 PM at Franklin High School. It's a one-of-a-kind event that will re-engage you with your artistic mission, your artistic goals, and leave you inspired and invigorated. Tickets can be purchased for $15 on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/270070025717 Copyright © 2022 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin Cultural Council 355 East Central Street Franklin, Ma 02038

Yes, I am participating to facilitate a discussion around use of social media to help with awareness. I have already purchased my ticket to attend! 

Dean Leadership Institute - Mary Katz - Mar 15, 2022

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The Dean Leadership Institute is excited and honored to welcome Mary Katz to speak in its Leadership In Action series on March 15. 

Details will follow.  #dcleadinst https://t.co/pmLBMEi58W

Dean Leadership Institute - Mary Katz - Mar 15, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 10 - Dec 16, 2021

A festive variety on the calendar for this weekend. The Zajac Brothers Band appears at THE BLACK BOX Friday night. St Mary's Women's Faith Formation meets Saturday morning. Do your Christmas shopping at the Grace Church (in Foxboro) to #shopFranklin for Wright's Old School Chocolate. Listen to Charles Harrington speak at the Historical Museum on Sunday.

 

Friday, December 10
8:00pm - Zajac Brother's Band

Saturday, December 11
9:30am - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
4:00pm - Wright Old School Chocolate @ Grace Church Christmas Fair

Sunday, December 12
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker: Charles Harrington 

Find the full 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 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

Community Calendar

Franklin Garden Club Seeks Speakers

The Franklin Garden Club is seeking to involve more community residents in its programs by offering residents with expertise in particular aspects of gardening the opportunity to present at one of the club’s monthly meetings.  Participants will receive a stipend for their presentations.

Club Co-Chairs Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “The Garden Club recognizes that there are many area residents who are very knowledgeable about garden-related topics including, but not limited to, growing successful vegetable or flower gardens; using herbs in a variety of ways; maintaining healthy gardens; cultivating specific perennials, annuals, or house plants; designing floral arrangements; and creating landscape gardens.  We invite them to contact us about information they could share with Garden Club members.”  Those interested should send an email to franklingardenclubma@gmail.com.

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining  the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring  an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distributing  pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.  

   

Franklin Garden Club Seeks Speakers

Franklin Historical Museum announces re-opening celebration - July 15

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. 

• Do you have a special memory of the school? 
• Did you spend your High School years there? 
• Attend double sessions in the 70’s when it served as a Jr. High School? 
• Attend Davis Thayer Elementary? 

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. 

Franklin Historical Museum announces re-opening celebration - July 15

CommonWealth Magazine: Deleo stepping down, House overrides Gov Baker's abortion veto

From CommonWealth Magazine:

"DeLeo stepping down; Mariano facing no opposition"

"IN A MESSAGE read by a tearful House clerk, Speaker Robert DeLeo announced he is resigning his position on Beacon Hill at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, setting the stage for the ascension of Majority Leader Ronald Mariano of Quincy to the top position in the chamber on Wednesday.

Shortly after the announcement just before 2 p.m., the speaker’s office said DeLeo would give a farewell address Tuesday afternoon and a caucus to elect a new speaker will be held on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/deleo-stepping-down-mariano-facing-no-opposition/

"House overrides Baker’s abortion veto"

"THE HOUSE ON MONDAY voted 107-46 to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of legislation allowing women as young as 16 to obtain abortions without parental or judicial consent and expanding when pregnancies can be terminated after six months.

The Senate on Tuesday is expected to join the House in overriding the governor’s veto, giving the Legislature a victory on the issue of broader abortion access at a time when President Trump has added several justices perceived as anti-abortion to the US Supreme Court. It’s not clear if a Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision protecting a woman’s right to have an abortion without excessive government intervention, would have any impact in Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/house-overrides-bakers-abortion-veto/ 

 

Franklin Odd Fellows: “Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

Presenter: Kevin Martin of “Nerds to Go” of Franklin

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2020. 6:30 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA

Talk Content:
At a time when our community might reap the benefits of the Internet and technology to keep in touch with grandchildren, classmates and long-time friends, they are often leery of the new electronic landscape. From computers to smart phones to smart speakers - people can get overwhelmed!

The Franklin Odd Fellows are hosting an informal presentation on “Taming Technology for Community Members”. Kevin Martin will explore how to stay safe on the Internet and enjoy some of the key components and resources.

Martin has more than two decades of experience working in technology – from advanced electronics in submarines in the U.S. Navy to IT executive positions in the private sector.

The Internet offers a boundless amount of useful and interesting information and access to the world. Unfortunately, technology is also a daunting new landscape to many people. This presentation is intended to outline both the security and scope of technology.

For more about Nerds to Go  -  www.nerdstogo.com
For more about the OddFellows  -  www.franklinmassoddfellows.org

“Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

SECOND SUNDAY SPEAKER: Phil Grove on woodturning - March 9

The SECOND SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES, Join us in March for a thoughtful journey through the art of learning a new creative process. 

Phil Grove will use his current investigation into woodturning to reveal the stages of learning a new skill, craft or art form in the internet era. His current works of taking logs and transforming them into beautiful and useful items such as hand-made, hardwood bowls will provide a real-life backdrop for the journey from incompetent to competent revealing the stages and their characteristics. He will also review the creativity boundary and how to achieve higher results through intention. 

woodturning

The interactive session is designed to help you with your own creative journey. Not only will you learn about the major steps of woodturning, but you will also get a view into the thought processes behind the scenes and how they change as one masters a creative skill. 

Phil Grove is a member of the Central New England Woodturners and has been a maker for most his life mastering a range of materials and skills including plastics, wood, oil paints, photography, electronics (microprocessors), and web design. 

Phil’s presentation is Sunday March 9th at 1:10 PM. 

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. We are ADA compliant, admission is always free and donations are gratefully accepted. 

SECOND SUNDAY SPEAKER: Phil Grove on woodturning - March 9

Reminder: “Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

Presenter: Kevin Martin of “Nerds to Go” of Franklin

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2020. 6:30 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA

Talk Content:
At a time when our community might reap the benefits of the Internet and technology to keep in touch with grandchildren, classmates and long-time friends, they are often leery of the new electronic landscape. From computers to smart phones to smart speakers - people can get overwhelmed!

The Franklin Odd Fellows are hosting an informal presentation on “Taming Technology for Community Members”. Kevin Martin will explore how to stay safe on the Internet and enjoy some of the key components and resources.

Martin has more than two decades of experience working in technology – from advanced electronics in submarines in the U.S. Navy to IT executive positions in the private sector.

The Internet offers a boundless amount of useful and interesting information and access to the world. Unfortunately, technology is also a daunting new landscape to many people. This presentation is intended to outline both the security and scope of technology.

For more about Nerds to Go  -  www.nerdstogo.com
For more about the OddFellows  -  www.franklinmassoddfellows.org

“Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

Diana Reinhardt Annis scheduled to talk about the history of Redwork quilts - Feb 11

Yankee Quilters, Inc. is pleased to announce that Diana Reinhardt Annis will present a program on the history of Redwork quilts, on Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Franklin. Redwork quilts feature hand embroidered stitching on white background in designs that range from intricate florals to charming motifs of family life in 20th century America. 

Redwork quilts - photo by Diana Reinhardt Annis

Annis will tell the history of this craft from the Renaissance to the present day, with beautiful examples of Redwork, and show the ebb and flow of the history of this contagious art form. She will show antique, vintage and contemporary Redwork quilts. 


Annis, who lives in Norton, is the owner of In Stitches. She started quilting in 1979, using cardboard templates, sewing one block at a time, the common quilt construction method before machine piecing and quilting became the norm. 

Annis started longarm quilting in the summer of 2002, guiding her large machine by hand. She teaches longarm quilting techniques to longarm quilters and piecing classes at local quilt shops. She also presents lectures and workshops at quilt guilds and works at MQX, one of the largest longarm quilt shows in the Northeast. 

Redwork quilts 2 - photo by Diana Reinhardt Annis

This program is supported in part a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. If you are a quilter or just enjoy learning about the history of quilts, please join us, on February 11th, at 7:00 PM, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St., Franklin, MA 02038. Admission is free for members or $5.00 for visitors.

Yankee Quilters, Inc. is a nonprofit organization for those interested in the art of quilting. The Guild is organized for charitable and educational purposes and includes members from throughout the MetroWest area and Central Massachusetts. Our purpose is two-fold: to promote education in and appreciation for all aspects of quilt making and to use our talents to produce quilts for individuals in times of need, as distributed through designated charitable organizations.

Follow the event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/history-of-redwork-quilts-pres/639943306759969/

“Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

Presenter: Kevin Martin of “Nerds to Go” of Franklin

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2020. 6:30 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA

Talk Content:
At a time when our community might reap the benefits of the Internet and technology to keep in touch with grandchildren, classmates and long-time friends, they are often leery of the new electronic landscape. From computers to smart phones to smart speakers - people can get overwhelmed!

The Franklin Odd Fellows are hosting an informal presentation on “Taming Technology for Community Members”. Kevin Martin will explore how to stay safe on the Internet and enjoy some of the key components and resources.

Martin has more than two decades of experience working in technology – from advanced electronics in submarines in the U.S. Navy to IT executive positions in the private sector.

The Internet offers a boundless amount of useful and interesting information and access to the world. Unfortunately, technology is also a daunting new landscape to many people. This presentation is intended to outline both the security and scope of technology.

For more about Nerds to Go  -  www.nerdstogo.com
For more about the OddFellows  -  www.franklinmassoddfellows.org

“Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

Franklin Historical Museum - Chris Woolf - "How Russian meddling impacted the American Revolution" - Feb 9, 2020

As our Second Sunday Speaker Series continues in February 2020, we welcome local resident and historian Chris Woolf as he discusses ‘How Russian meddling impacted the American Revolution’. Russia was one of the great powers of the 18th century and, while far off, its decisions had an impact on the outcome of the American Revolution. 

Although the title of the topic is a little provocative, as it plays on modern headlines, it mostly focuses on two interesting diplomatic events that helped shape the course of the war. It’s a good reminder that the revolution ended the way it did.

Chris Woolf is the ‘History Guy’. He is news Editor of public radio’s The World (the public radio production of the BBC, PRX and WGBH). Also Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at The Voice Depot. Chris is a storyteller and lover of history who enjoys analyzing and explaining international relations, historical issues, foreign policy, defense issues, military operations, strategic thinking, etc. etc. 

Join us on Sunday, February 9 at 1:10 PM for his historic and unique look at the American War for Independence. 

The Second Sunday Speaker Series is supported by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. The museum is located at 80 West Central Street. We are ADA compliant, admission is always free and donations are gratefully accepted.

Catherine the Great of Russia

Second Sunday Speaker Series - President Taft’s visit to Franklin - Jan 12

Massachusetts is the birthplace of four US presidents (George H.W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, John Quincy Adams, and John Adams) but a fourth, Ohio-native William Howard Taft, made the Bay State his second home. 
 

President Taft’s visit to Franklin

Serving from 1909 to 1913, he is the only president known to have visited the town of Franklin, and he was accompanied that day by a future US president!

Learn more about the complex legacy of our 27th president, his local roots in Mendon and Uxbridge, his contribution to the prestige and glamor of the Massachusetts “gold coast,” and when and why he came to our town. 

On Jan. 12 at 1:10 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum, presenter, Alan Earls, returns with a slide show and anecdotes about the man known, among other things, for his girth, his custom-built bathtub, and his later service on the Supreme Court.

Doors open at 1:00 PM. Museum located at 80 West Central Street. ADA Accessible

 

Second Sunday Speaker Series - President Taft’s visit to Franklin - Jan 12

Franklin Library: The Four Billion Year Story - Sep 19

Eamon McCarthy Earls will talk about "The Four Billion Year Story" at the Franklin Library, Thursday, Sep 19 at 6:30 PM.

Franklin Library: The Four Billion Year Story - Sep 19

Shared from the Library Upcoming events
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-upcoming-events

October 2019 at the Franklin Historical Museum

Be creative and have Fun! 

The Franklin Historical Museum will host our second annual Scarecrow contest in conjunction with this year’s Harvest Festival, October 5th. The contest is open to all and entrees should be fun, creative, positive and non-violent. Scarecrows should be delivered, and set up on the museum between 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM to be on display throughout the day until 5:00 PM. No fee to enter the contest.

The museum will have special Saturday hours on October 5th, open 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM as we participate in the Harvest Festival. Join us for warm apple cider, donuts and Halloween treats.

The Second Sunday Speaker Series on October 13th features celebrated author and former Franklin resident Mike Tougias. One of our most popular speakers from last year, returns to discuss his 2018 book, Above & Beyond – John F. Kennedy and America’s Most Dangerous Cold War Spy Mission. Learn about the deeply human story of President Kennedy and two U-2 pilots who risked their lives to save America during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Doors open 1:00 PM, presentation starts at 1:10 PM. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Join us for our annual Halloween Cemetery Tour, conducted by Professor Rob Lawson from the Dean College History department, Wednesday night, October 31st. Interested residents should meet at the steps of the museum at 4:45. We’ll walk down to the Union Street Cemetery where the tour will start at 5:00 PM. Following the cemetery tour, all are invited to embark on a second tour to see the ‘haunted’ spaces on the Dean College Campus.

Visit the museum gift shop during regular museum hours and pick up our popular Gazebo ornament for yourself or a friend who loves Franklin. Cat’s Meow designs available while they last.

For more information visit our website, franklinmuseum1778.com, our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. The museum is ADA compliant, admission is always free, donations are always welcome.

 

October 2019 at the Franklin Historical Museum

Franklin Historical Museum: French Neutrals during the French and Indian War - Sep 8

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series this month features Steve Joanis discussing local French Neutrals during the French and Indian War. Steve and his wife Bronya are historical re-enactors who will present in costume and discuss the time period between 1754 and 1763 when New France was at war with the British colonies, both supported by homeland military power and Native Americans. 

The presentation will focus on the Robichaud family, Nova Scotians relocated to the New England States during the war. Come learn about this little talked about, but fascinating time in our local history. Sunday, September 8 at 1:10 PM. Admission is always free, donations are always welcome. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is supported by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

On Sunday September 15 join us as State Rep Josh Cutler discusses his recently published book, Mobtown Massacre. Back in the day, freedom of the press often had to be defended with pens and pistols! Learn how one Massachusetts town came to be named for a fiery Federalist newspaper editor from Maryland whose anti-war writings provoked a bloodthirsty mob, a midnight jailbreak and a brutal massacre that stunned the nation in 1812. 

It all started with a headline. Representative Cutler’s talk will start at 1:10 PM

The museum’s gift shop is the perfect place to a gift for anyone who loves Franklin. Get your Gazebo ornament before the Christmas rush. A choose from one of three black cat collectables, featuring the new library edition, the train station or the Red Brick School. The gift shop is supported by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Franklin Historical Museum:  French Neutrals during the French and Indian War

State Rep Josh Cutler on the "Mobtown Massacre" - Sep 15

Long before the era of "fake news'' or Twitter bombs, the freedom of the press often had to be defended with pens and pistols.

In his book Mobtown Massacre: Alexander Hanson and the Baltimore Newspaper War of 1812, author and State Representative Josh Cutler shares the story of how one Massachusetts town came to be named for a fiery Federalist newspaper editor from Maryland whose anti-war writings provoked a bloodthirsty mob, a midnight jailbreak and a brutal massacre that stunned the nation in 1812. This fateful but little-known episode in American history helped shape the course of a war and the nation's promise of a free press. And it all started with a headline.

On Sunday, September 15, 2019 Rep. Cutler will join Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) at the Franklin Historical Museum to talk about the book and this fascinating period in American history.

"I am honored to bring Rep. Cutler to Franklin to shine light on a little-known episode in American history that helped shape the course of war and the free press," noted Rep. Roy. "His book is a gripping story of the press under attack, a fiery young editor who put his principles above popularity, and a challenge to populist thought that brings history to life. The book also foreshadows the toxic political arena in America today, but stands as a shining example of political courage."

Rep. Josh Cutler and Rep. Jeffrey Roy

Rep. Cutler is an attorney and serves in the Massachusetts House with Rep. Roy. Cutler represents the Sixth Plymouth District of Massachusetts, which includes the town of Hanson. Cutler is a graduate of Skidmore College, Suffolk Law and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He is also the author of "When the Press Really Was Under Attack: Alexander Hanson and the 1812 1Mobtown' Massacre," published by the New England Journal of History in the Spring 2018.

Book Talk
Mobtown Massacre: Alexander Hanson and the Baltimore Newspaper War of 1812 
Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 1:10 PM to 2:10 PM 
at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.

Franklin HIstorical Museum: Fashions of Downton Abbey - Aug 11

We're excited to bring you The Fashions of Downton Abby as our August Second Sunday Speaker Series presentation. Our guest is Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion. Karen returns to the museum with one of her most popular presentations. 

Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? Would you love to know more about the fashions of the period? If so, join us for an informative presentation about the lives and fashions of the residents of Downton Abbey. Travel with us through time while we explore the styles of 1912, represented in Season 1 of Downton Abbey, through the 1920s, when major changes occurred both in fashion and in society. 

Immerse yourself in Downton Abbey, where we will explore all of the changing fashions of this intriguing period. Karen received her Masters Degree in textiles, fashion merchandising and design. With a concentration in historic costumes from RISD. Karen pours her passion for fashion to this presentation which includes a slide show, clips from the show, costumes and accessories from the Edwardian Era through the 1920s. 

This special presentation is on Sunday, August 11th at 1:10 PM. Arrive on time, seating is limited. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Our summer exhibit, VICTORIAN SECRETS, a look at Victorian era undergarments from corsets to petticoats, is available for viewing through Saturday August 10. Come in and learn about the many layers that well dressed Victorian ladies wore to help shape and conform their figures to support the beautiful fashions of the day.

Stop by our gift shop for that perfect gift for anyone who loves Franklin or who is new to town. We have 3 editions of the Cat's Meow collectables, the Brick School, the town Library and the Train Station for $18.00 each. We have re-stocked our supply of Town Common Gazebo Christmas ornaments which sold out quickly last year. Get yours before the Christmas rush.

Do you love Franklin and our History? We're looking for locals interested in hosting at the museum once a month. Training would be provided and schedules are flexible. If you're interested or know someone who might be, email us at franklinmuseum1778@gmail.com.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. We are ADA compliant and admission is always free. Hours of operation are Saturdays 10 AM-1 PM, Sundays 1 PM-4 PM and Thursday evenings 5 PM-8 PM. Come in and discover your history.

VICTORIAN SECRETS, a look at Victorian era undergarments from corsets to petticoats, is available for viewing through Saturday August 10