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

Dick Flavin, Red Sox Poet Laureate Visits - July 19

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Fenway, the Boston Red Sox are sending Fenway to us! Dick Flavin is the poet laureate and senior ambassador of the Boston Red Sox and voice of Fenway Park, serving as public address announcer for Red Sox day games. 

His television commentaries won 7 New England Emmy Awards. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Red Sox Rhymes: Verses and Curses, a collection of sixty-four humorous and nostalgic poems celebrating the Boston Red Sox. 

Dick will join us on Friday, July 19 at 10:30 AM, for a Q&A session. Space is limited so call to sign up today!

Dick Flavin, Red Sox Poet Laureate Visits - July 19

Franklin Historical Museum: EXPLORING STONE WALLS - Jun 9

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series continues with EXPLORING STONE WALLS. Robert M. Thorson, Professor of Geology at the University of Connecticut, will present a program of images, stories, and readings based on his three books on New England's fieldstone walls, the region's signature landform. After reviewing their deep history, cultural geography, and dryland ecology, he will focus on the clues you can use to interpret your own favorite walls. He will conclude with a message from Henry D. Thoreau for reverencing stone.

Robert M. Thorson

Copies of Thorson's books on stone walls and Thoreau will be available for purchase and signing as a fund-raiser for the museum. Thorson, a Midwestern native turned western geologist turned eastern academic, is coordinator of the Stone Wall Initiative. Recently he has become a book reviewer for the journal Environmental History, the Wall Street Journal and Orion. This promises to be a very interesting and educational talk. Join us at 1:10 PM, Sunday, June 9. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

On Friday, June 14 the museum is happy to participate in the annual Strawberry Stroll. We will open our special Summer exhibit, Victorian Secrets. Bloomers, chemise, corset covers, camisoles, petticoats, hoop skirts and more. It took an awful lot of layers to properly dress a fashionable Victorian lady. View garments from the museum's collection carefully prepared and beautifully displayed. The special Friday night opening coincides with the Downtown Partnership's annual Strawberry Stroll. Enjoy refreshments on the front porch and live music by local entertainer, Kai Olsson.

Now available for sale in the museum gift shop, Franklin collectibles by the Cat's Meow. Three styles are presently available for $18 each: The Red Brick School, The Franklin Library and the Downtown Train Station. They are great gift ideas for anyone who loves Franklin's landmarks. Come in and get them while they last. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

The museum has resumed our summer hours, Thursday evenings 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. 

We are wheelchair accessible, admission is always free, and donations are always welcome. Come in and find your history!

April At The Franklin Historical Museum

A sure sign of Spring … 
The Franklin Historical Museum will resume its Thursday evening hours beginning Thursday April 4. 

Now that the snow has cleared and we have a little more daylight in the evenings we welcome visitors on Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, in addition to our Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon schedule. 

Come in and experience our collection of the Stanley Chilson films, which will be available to view Thursday evenings. The Chilson films provide a look back at Franklin from the early 1930s to the late 1950s. Parades, town events, new road construction, church events and everyday life was capture on film by Stanley Chilson and left to the town of Franklin as a way to look back and remember the way things were in our beloved town.

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series on Sunday April 14 features Cambridge architect Thomas J. Stohlman who will discuss historical architecture as well as share stories of his experience as a long time volunteer at the Boston Public Library. Doors open at 1:00 with the presentation scheduled for 1:15.

The Franklin Cultural Commission is pleased to welcome newly hired archivist, Rebecca Finnigan as she takes on the task of archiving the museum’s vast collection of Franklin photographs, artifacts, documents, books, and newspapers. The commission looks forward to working with Rebecca and moving the museum forward into the digital age. One of our mutual goals is to be able to share our collection online. More information to follow.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we’re open Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM; Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM and Thursday evenings 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Admission is always free, donations are always welcome. Visit us soon and discover your history.

April At The Franklin Historical Museum (FHM photo)

Franklin Historical Museum: Sunday Speaker, Franklin's birthday party

The Land where the Sun comes up First … The March edition of our Second Sunday Speaker Series features Benjamin Roine on the topic of Native American History. 

Roine’s presentation will discuss Native Peoples and Cultures of Massachusetts and Southern New England. Roine’s history will cover from ice age hunters to the myriad of groups that resided in the area when Europeans first made contact with them. 

Explore the initial period of colonization and the ‘Middle Ground’ that existed between the Native peoples and European Colonists. We cannot truly consider our history unless we learn about the people that lived on the lands where we now live. Join us Sunday, March 10 at 1:10 PM and discover more about the people that walked these lands before us.

Join us for our annual Birthday Party for the Town of Franklin. Incorporated March 2 1778 during the American Revolution, Franklin celebrates its 241st birthday this year. Each year, every resident of the town, born on March 2nd is invited to the museum to share their birthdays. 

The event is open to the public and all are welcome for cake. Invited guests are entered into a drawing for a special prize. Join us Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 AM to help celebrate the town.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheel chair accessible and always FREE. The Second Sunday Speaker Series and the Town’s Birthday celebration are sponsored by The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Franklin Historical Museum: Sunday Speaker, Franklin's birthday party

Franklin Historical Museum: "The Cultural Construction of American Medicine" - Feb 10

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series continues on Sunday February 10 with Rob Lawson, Professor of History, Dean College, presenting "The Cultural Construction of American Medicine."

With support from the National Endowment of Humanities and Dean College Department of Humanities, R.A. Lawson, Ph.D. will discuss the history of medicine with a view to understanding differences.

The production of medical knowledge and the practice of medicine, historically, were seen as positive pursuits in which authoritative figures made objective discoveries and applied them dispassionately to their patients. This mirrored widespread beliefs about the sciences in general. Increasingly, however, historians have come to understand medicine as a socially-constructed human behavior that is not purely objective in process or experience. In this lecture, Lawson will explore how the production of, attitudes about, and outcomes from medicine have changed over time.

Professor Lawson, along with Professor David Dennis and Professor Jessica Pisano, are co-project directors on a grant the college earned from the NEH – the Making Humanities Matter initiative. The grant will help develop the History of Science and History of Medicine curriculum at the college. This lecture is derived from their research.

There is still time to purchase your 2019 FHM calendar, full of photos and facts from Franklin’s history. Calendars are available in the museum gift shop for $5.00 each, while they last.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the museum is invited to attend a meeting Sunday, February 3rd at 12 Noon at the museum. Over the course of the year we have need for hosts, researchers, data entry specialists or people to assist in special projects. Join us and share your skill sets.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. We are wheelchair accessible, admission is always free, and donations are always welcome. Visit us and find your history.

Franklin Historical Museum: "The Cultural Construction of American Medicine" - Feb 10

Second Sunday Speaker Series: "When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 2019"

Local historian Alan Earls returns to the museum Sunday, January 13 at 1:15 PM to discuss a dark day in Franklin’s history. The early decades of the 1900’s were tumultuous and violent times throughout the world. Anarchy ruled and many cities, towns and communities found themselves caught up in the violent movement, including right here in Franklin.

When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary an historic and terrifying tragedy in Franklin’s history – an attempted bombing of the Ray Textile Mill on Union Street. Four local Italian-immigrant anarchists were killed when the dynamite bomb they were carrying to the Ray Mill went off prematurely, an event that brought world attention to Franklin. Earls will deliver a slide show and presentation on this event; the historical background and world events that led up to it; the men and their motives, and the aftermath – including the stories of the children and families of the would-be bombers. Join us for an interesting look back at this tragic event.

2019 Calendars are available for sale in the museum gift shop for $5.00. Filled with photos and facts on the town we all love. Get yours now.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and always free. Come in and find your history.

Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

Our first year of the Second Sunday Speaker Series was a huge success and we are pleased to continue the series this year with the first two events scheduled for January and February.

Local historian Alan Earls returns to the museum Sunday January 13 at 1:15 PM to discuss a dark day in Franklin’s history. The early decades of the 1900’s were tumultuous and violent times throughout the world. Anarchy ruled and many cities, towns and communities found themselves caught up in the violent movement, including right here in Franklin.

When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary an historic and terrifying tragedy in Franklin’s history – an attempted bombing of the Ray Textile Mill on Union Street. Four local Italian-immigrant anarchists were killed when the dynamite bomb they were carrying to the Ray Mill went off prematurely, an event that brought world attention to Franklin. Earls will deliver a slide show and presentation on this event; the historical background and world events that led up to it; the men and their motives, and the aftermath – including the stories of the children and families of the would-be bombers. Join us for an interesting look back at this tragic event.

In February, Dean College History Professor Rob Lawson joins us to discuss historical memory, There are many contemporary controversies over historical memory, for example Confederate memory (i.e., the statues), and closer to home, the legacy of European relations to Native Americans, and the legacy of anti-immigrant discrimination. Lawson will discuss New England industrialists (Dean, for example), who profited by manufacturing with slave-grown cotton and the presence of slave-trade magnates in New England port cities. 

Presented in a lecture style atmosphere, this topic lends itself to input and conversation. Join us Sunday, February 10 at 1:15 PM for this intriguing presentation.

2019 Calendars are available for sale in the museum gift shop for $5.00. Filled with photos and facts on the town we all love. Get yours now.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and always free. Come in and find your history.

Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

Franklin Library: Don Wilding's "Rum Running and Prohibition on Cape Cod "- Jan 8

Don Wilding's presentation on "Rum Running and Prohibition on Cape Cod"  is scheduled for the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, January 8, 6:30 PM.

Don Wilding's "Rum Running and Prohibition on Cape Cod "- Jan 8

For more about Cape Cod historian Don Wilding https://www.dwcapecod.com/

Cape Cod historian Don Wilding

Franklin Historical Museum: Many happenings in December!

The Holidays are upon us which of course means Mrs. Claus will return again this year for her annual visit to the museum from the North Pole. She’ll be reading to wide eyed children from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturday December 8. We’ll also have Kid’s Crafts in the museum library, all part of this year’s Holiday Happenings sponsored by the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series continues on Sunday December 9 as Jim Johnston returns for part two of his talk on the Oliver Pond Home and his antique collection. Town Historian, former History teacher at Franklin High School and lifelong Franklin resident, Jim brings his vast knowledge and unique humor to his interesting and intriguing presentation which includes photos of the Oliver Pond Home interior and his beautiful collections. Doors open at 1:00 PM and the presentation starts at 1:15 PM. 

Holiday Christmas ornaments

Our speaker series was such a success this year, we are planning to continue these interesting and informative talks for the upcoming year. Our schedule for the 2019 Second Sunday Speaker Series will be finalized and published soon.

Holiday Christmas ornaments and 2019 Calendars are available at the Museum gift shop while they last. Choose from a Gazebo globe ornament for $15.00 or a Brick School ornament for $10.00. Each comes in its own handsome gift box. 2019 wall calendars, full of vintage photos from the Museum’s photo collection are available at the gift shop for $5.00 each. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street. Our winter hours are Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. We are wheelchair accessible and always free. Come in and find your history.


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: Winter Hours Begin - Holiday Ornaments For Sale

Starting the first week in November, the Franklin Historical Museum will move to their winter hours, opening weekends only. As the days become shorter and cooler, history has shown that attendance has dropped on Thursday evenings. Winter hours are Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

Work continues at the museum as old siding is removed and replaced. Looking for a gift or stocking stuffer? Painted holiday ornaments depicting the Gazebo at the Franklin Town Common will be sold in the museum gift shop while supplies last. The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum are selling the ornaments, in a sturdy handsome gift box for $15.00 each.

2019 Calendars filled with historic Franklin photos will be available for sale before the end of November. A perfect gift for everyone who loves Franklin. 

The schedule Second Sunday Speaker event for November 11 has been cancelled. please plan to attend the Veterans Walkway dedication that day at the Town Common.

The museum looks forward to participating once again in the Downtown Partnership Holiday stroll in early December and the return of Mrs. Claus. 

Please visit us at 80 West Central Street and discover your history. Admission is always free.

Franklin Historical Museum: Winter Hours Begin - Holiday Ornaments For Sale

Tougias to present King Philip's Indian War at the Franklin Historical Museum - Oct 14

NY Times bestselling author Michael Tougias will give a slide presentation on the war between the Colonists and Native Americans in 1675-76 at The Franklin Historical Museum at 1:15 Sunday, October 14th, as part of the Museum’s Second Sunday Speaker Series.

Tougias is the author of the acclaimed Until I Have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War), and co-author with Eric Schultz of King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict.

author Michael Tougias

The first part of the presentation will discuss the Indian way of life, Colonial settlements, and the events leading up to the war. The second part covers the battles and the strategy during this cataclysmic war, which on a per capita basis was the bloodiest conflict in our nation's history.

Slides include battle sites, period sketches, historic markers, maps, and suggestions for visiting road-side history. Tougias also discusses Native strategy during the war and the challenges of writing a historic novel. Former Commissioner of Indian Affairs for Massachusetts and member of the Wampanoag Tribe, Edith Andrews, is quoted on the novel's back cover, commenting that Until I Have No Country "captures the essence of the Native American." The novel includes adventure, romance, and intrigue while staying true to historical facts. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Tougias is the author and co-author of 21 non-fiction books including the national bestsellers Rescue of the Bounty, A Storm Too Soon, Overboard! The Finest Hours: The True Story of the Coast Guard’s Most Daring Rescue (to be a Disney movie), Derek’s Gift, The Cringe Chronicle and his award-winning book, There’s A Porcupine In My Outhouse! (Misadventures of a Mountain Man Wannabe). 

His book, Ten Hours Until Dawn: The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do is the recipient of the American Library Association “Editors Choice” award. More about the author can be found at www.michaeltougias.com

Franklin Historical Museum: Maureen Taylor – The Photo Detective - Aug 12

Author, speaker, blogger, noted researcher and expert on solving photo mysteries, Maureen Taylor returns to the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday, August 12 at 1:15. The Wall Street Journal called her ‘the nation’s foremost historical photo detective’. 

Wedding Gown display

Join us for Maureen’s presentation ‘Telling the story of wedding photos’ as our speaker series once again relates to our summer Wedding Gown display. The 14 beautiful gowns will be on display until August 26th.

Immediately following the presentation, the public is invited to bring in their vintage family wedding photos (up to 3) to be scanned and become part of the museum’s permanent photo collection. 

All photos brought in for scanning must have a tie to Franklin through the Bride, the Groom or the location of the ceremony. Dig out those photos and let your family take their place in Franklin history.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is ADA accessible and admission is always FREE.

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Maureen Taylor – The Photo Detective - Aug 12

Author, speaker, blogger, noted researcher and expert on solving photo mysteries, Maureen Taylor returns to the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday, August 12 at 1:15. The Wall Street Journal called her ‘the nation’s foremost historical photo detective’. 

Wedding Gown display

Join us for Maureen’s presentation ‘Telling the story of wedding photos’ as our speaker series once again relates to our summer Wedding Gown display. The 14 beautiful gowns will be on display until August 26th.

Immediately following the presentation, the public is invited to bring in their vintage family wedding photos (up to 3) to be scanned and become part of the museum’s permanent photo collection. 

All photos brought in for scanning must have a tie to Franklin through the Bride, the Groom or the location of the ceremony. Dig out those photos and let your family take their place in Franklin history.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is ADA accessible and admission is always FREE.

Franklin Historical Museum: "Something Borrowed, Something Blue" and Photo Scanning Party- Jul 8

The bridal gown exhibit at the Franklin Historical Museum continues through the months of July and August. 14 beautiful gowns are on display that cover one hundred years of fashion. Our earliest gowns date back to the 1890s with their high fashion leg of mutton sleeves and whale bone enhanced bodices. Our 1990’s gown, worn by Cheryl Vendetti, brings back that one hundred year old fashion of the large puffy sleeves made popular again by Princess Diana. 

Three generations from one family are represented in the gowns worn by Gemma Crosta, Debbie Pellegri and Rona Pellegri. The unique and popular parachute gown, worn by Emma Velluti Rabioli is on display again this year. It was very sad to learn of Emma’s recent passing, but we are honored to have her silk parachute gown, and story, at the museum. Emma’s dress, with its simple design yet impressive 15 foot train, is so large, it has its own room to be able to see its full size. Also on display are the gowns worn by Franklin icon, Stella Jeon and beloved teacher, Palma Johnson.

The Second Sunday Speaker Series will focus on our wedding theme during the exhibit. Something Borrowed Something Blue is a presentation on wedding traditions, superstitions, fashions and cultural influences over time. Why does the bride throw her bouquet? A piece of cake under your pillow? Does rain on your wedding day bring good luck? When did brides start wearing white? Find out Sunday July 8th at 1:15PM for this fun and interesting presentation on the history of wedding traditions and fashions.

Also on July 8th, the Franklin Historical Museum invites you to join us for our first Photo Scanning Party. We’d love to see your family wedding photos, so bring them in to have them scanned and added to the museum’s photo collection. Borrowing on the idea from other area historical museums, and their success in collecting photos and preserving local history, we encourage Franklin residents to share their photographic history with us. For this first scanning party, Franklin residents can bring in their family wedding photos, have them scanned, and preserved within our photo collection. Tell us the story that goes with the photo, names, dates, location and your family will become part of our shared history.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. Admission is always free and we are handicap accessible.

several of the bridal gowns on display

Speaker DeLeo to help Roy Kick off 2018 Re-Election Campaign

Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) will kick off his 2018 re-election campaign at the Elks in Franklin with Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo. Roy is seeking re-election for a fourth term in the 10th Norfolk District which includes all of Franklin and precincts 2, 3 and 4 in Medway.

The kick-off is on Thursday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin.

Roy currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and is a member of the Committees on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, Municipalities and Regional Government, and Export Development. He also serves as House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus which promotes and encourages "Making It" in Massachusetts.

"I have enjoyed serving the residents of Franklin and Medway for the past six years and would be honored to serve another term," noted Roy. "We have made great progress in the areas of education, economic development, health care and veterans affairs, and I want to build on that success. In addition, we have addressed the challenges of substance use disorder, the environment, social equity, and criminal justice, and I look forward to continuing the work in these areas."

Representative Jeff Roy campaign photo from Facebook

"I am humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from my friends and colleagues and have enjoyed the opportunity to be the voice of Franklin and Medway on Beacon Hill. If re-elected, I will continue to be a fierce advocate for our communities."

Roy grew up in Milford and he and his wife Maureen moved to Franklin in 1986. They have three children, all of whom were educated in the Franklin Public Schools.

Roy is a 1986 cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He received his undergraduate degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1983, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Bates Student newspaper.

For more information on Roy and the campaign, please visit www.jeffreyroy.com.

Franklin Odd Fellows: Speaker's Forum - Register O'Donnell - Mar 12

Presenters: 
William P. O’Donnell, Register of Deeds And Assistant Recorder of the Land Court

Date/Time: Monday, March 12, 2018. 7:00 PM
Location: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038

Agenda: 
1. Explain the historical nature of the Registry and the Register’s efforts to modernize and computerize the vast number of real estate records.

2. On site workstations will be made available to: 

1. check the status of a mortgage discharge 
2. print a copy of your deed, or 
3. provide a demonstration on how the Registry’s On-Line Land Records Database works.

3. Provide a convenient way for residents to learn more about how the Registry serves Norfolk County.

Franklin Odd Fellows: Speaker's Forum - Register O'Donnell - Mar 12

Odd Fellows to host Register O'Donnell - Mar 12

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell has been invited to speak to the general public as a guest of the Franklin Independent Order of Odd Fellows on Monday, March 12 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Franklin Public Library located at 118 Main Street, Franklin.

The short speaking program will touch on the historical nature of the Registry and the Register’s efforts to modernize and computerize the vast number of Norfolk County real estate records. Following his remarks, the Register will be available to answer individual questions. Members of the Register’s staff will also be available to assist in providing information about the Massachusetts Homestead Act. On-site work stations will be available to provide the status of a mortgage discharge, print a copy of your deed or provide a demonstration on how the Registry’s On-Line Land Records Database works.

This is a community outreach initiative sponsored by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. It is Register O’Donnell’s goal to provide a convenient way for residents to learn more about how the Registry serves Norfolk County. Although Registry staff cannot provide legal advice, they will be able to answer basic questions, provide general information, take a document for recording and assist in filling out a Declaration of Homestead form.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/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, 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.

Odd Fellows to host Register O'Donnell - Mar 12