Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, October 13, 2025
St Mary's Women & Men Faith Formation session updates for October 2025
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds announces new page "We Remember Our Women"
Visit the page here: https://t.co/Ac6ldwR94h or
#WomensHistory #WomenInLeadership #MAHistory
Thursday, September 25, 2025
SHEROES Luncheon For Women Veterans Friday, October 17, 2025
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| SHEROES Luncheon For Women Veterans Fri 17 Oct 2025 |
Monday, September 22, 2025
Norfolk Registry of Deeds Celebrates the impact of women in our society
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds hosted a tribute to honor the impact and importance of women in our society, unveiling its latest volume of Notable Land Records, “We Remember Our Women.” The publication features 44 women from across Norfolk County whose lives and legacies have made lasting contributions to their communities, Massachusetts, and the country.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the audience on the importance of honoring those who came before. “We really stand on the shoulders of so many women who came before us who took on tasks, who took on leadership roles at a time that it probably was much more difficult,” said Lt. Gov. Driscoll. “I want to celebrate not only the women who are here today, the stories that are being told in this volume, but the work that we do collectively to make Massachusetts the best place to live.”
Lt. Gov. Driscoll emphasized the power of storytelling in preserving history and inspiring future generations. “Being here today is about capturing history of the women who played a meaningful role in this county and capturing those stories and building upon them for the next generation.”
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell spoke about the origins of the project and the Registry’s evolving role in preserving history through the land records housed at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. “Our main job here at the Registry is to manage land records,” said Register O’Donnell. “But through our History Comes Alive initiative, we’ve uncovered stories that deserve to be told. This book celebrates the women past and present who have shaped our communities, our county, and our country.”
The Registry’s History Comes Alive Transcription Project, transcribed over 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. These records now allow users to see the legal cursive script and clearly readable print text, which can more easily reveal the land histories of early Norfolk County residents. This repository of land records is available to the public both at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and online from the comfort of home via our website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet some of the women featured in the booklet, including author Lisa Graves of Millis and Olga Abdallah of Norwood, the town’s first female selectwoman. Guests explored storyboards and displays that brought these stories to life, featuring trailblazers such as astronaut Sunita Williams of Needham, CNN host Audie Cornish of Randolph, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, and historical figures like Abigail Adams, who famously urged her husband to “remember the ladies.” Each display offered a glimpse into the lives of women whose impact continue to shape Norfolk County and beyond.
Follow this link to watch coverage of the event by Norwood Community Media’s Ron Marshalsea: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/
Adams National Historical Park Superintendent Marianne Peak led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests were then treated to a performance by the Norwood High School Madrigals, led by choir director Jennifer Hartnett.
“This latest volume of Notable Land Records is more than a booklet it is an opportunity to put together the history that is in these land record books and share it with people from the communities in Norfolk County,” said Register O’Donnell. “It’s about connecting the past with the present, and honoring the women whose stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated.”
Residents interested in receiving a free copy of the “We Remember Our Women” booklet can contact the Registry of Deeds via telephone at (781) 234-3305, or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. 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.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Author Lee Wilson Will Brings 19th Century, Women’s Ed Pioneer, Catharine Beecher to Life!
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| R. Lee Wilson’s recent book, Women’s Crusader |
The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM (except as noted above) and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM.When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - Sep 20
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| St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - Sep 20 |
Monday, August 25, 2025
Good Deeds: We remember our Women - Sep 10
GOOD DEEDS: "We Remember Our Women"
Norfolk County Register of Deeds
| Good Deeds: We remember our Women - Sep 10 |
Many Americans may never fully appreciate the strength, vision, and lasting impact of the women who have shaped our country, our communities, and our lives. Some of these individuals exhibited perseverance, others bold leadership, and still others through a lifetime of dedication, intellect, courage, and love. We all have women in our lives who were impactful and make each of us who we are today. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will honor the impact and importance of women in our society with an open house and the release of "We Remember Our Women," the fourth volume in the Registry's Notable Land Records series.
The event will take place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Registry's Great Hall at 649 High Street in Dedham Center and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and guests will receive copies of the notable land record publication "We Remember Our Women." Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kimberley L. Driscoll will deliver keynote remarks, adding a powerful voice to an afternoon dedicated to honoring the women of Norfolk County.
The creation of the "We Remember Our Women" booklet was made possible by the Registry's History Comes Alive Transcription Project, which has transcribed over 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. These records now allow users to see the legal cursive script and clearly readable print text, which can more easily reveal the land histories of early Norfolk County residents. This repository of land records is available to the public both at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and online from the comfort of home via our website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.
This edition of Notable Land Records pays tribute to 44 women from the 28 communities of Norfolk County whose lives and work have left a lasting mark on society. Their stories span medicine, environmental advocacy, journalism, literature, and military service. Among those featured are the second female doctor in the United States, a conservationist from Canton, two female Army Generals, a gold medalist gymnast, and an astronaut who recently returned from space. All living women featured in the booklet have been invited to attend the event, offering guests a rare opportunity to meet and celebrate these trailblazers in person.
The article also includes a few interesting facts that help bring these stories to life. One woman from Norwood helped shape national civil rights policy through decades of advocacy and leadership. Another, from Randolph, broke barriers in broadcast journalism, becoming a trusted voice in homes across the country. A trailblazer from Canton helped launch a conservation movement that changed how Americans protect wildlife. In Quincy, one woman's legacy continues to influence the world of film and stage. These are just a few of the many inspiring stories found in the pages of "We Remember Our Women."
Abigail Adams, the second First Lady of the United States, was born in Norfolk County in 1744 in Weymouth. In 1764 she married John Adams. She was President Adams's closest confidant and took an active role in politics and what was happening in the country. Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John during the Continental Congress debate in Philadelphia, "I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors." This event carries forward her message, recognizing those whose contributions continue to shape life in our communities and beyond.
There are a number of points throughout the year that recognize the impact and importance of women in our society. Women's History Month is celebrated during the month of March. Women's Equality Day takes place on August 26 commemorating the 1920 adoption of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution which prohibits the states and federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.
It is important to recognize and be mindful of the women in our contemporary society and all they have accomplished. Let us take a moment to thank all women who have made a difference in our communities and in our own lives. Our lives, our communities and our country would not be what they are today without all of you. So come down to the Registry of Deeds in Dedham Center on Wednesday, September 10th to celebrate and give thanks.
Monday, August 18, 2025
We Remember Our Women: A Celebration of Norfolk County's Notable Women
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Franklin Area Moms (FAM) Night Out - Aug 27
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| Franklin Area Moms (FAM) Night Out - Aug 27 |
Mixer, getting everyone settled
• Gregg will start with a general welcome message and explain our roles• Ally will present the woman focused seminar: A Key to Financial Wellbeing• Greg will deliver his talking points (529’s, sharing the Financial Fitness website, Q&A, etc.)• Wrap up
Monday, March 24, 2025
St. Mary's Catholic Women's Club will be hosting their annual brunch - March 30
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Rose Turco receives recognition as part of Women's History Month
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| Rose Turco receives recognition |
via Senator Becca Rausch:
Today we celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing Rose Turco of Franklin!
Rose was a beloved Franklin school teacher of 40 years and served as Vice Principal and Chair of the Math Department of Franklin High School. Rose has devoted herself to projects that honor Franklin’s veterans, including the Memorial Street Sign Project and the Veterans Memorial Walkway.
Her efforts have helped create lasting tributes to those who have selflessly served our country. She is an active member of the Franklin Veterans’ Council and served on the Frances Eddy King scholarship committee.
Thank you, Rose!
Friday, March 21, 2025
Dean College to Host Women in Business Conference March 28, 2025
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| Women in Business Conference March 28 |
Dean College's student-run Women in Business Club will be hosting its second annual Women in Business Conference on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The theme for this year's conference is Finding Your Voice: Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence.
This motivating conference is open to the public, as well as the Dean community, and will be held in The Guidrey Center located within the College's Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center at 99 Main St. in Franklin, MA. Registration is free and can be found at the following link: Women In Business Conference - Registration Form.
"We are so excited to have the opportunity to welcome inspiring guest speakers, entertaining student performances, and a forum for networking through our upcoming conference," said Women in Business Club co-president and Dean College junior, Nora Rodas.
Guest speakers will include Jennifer Moylan, the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of AAM 15 Management, LLC, an independent private equity investment and management company that strives to provide investors with a stable stream of distributable cash returns while maximizing capital appreciation; and Ilona Znakharchuk the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Solodko, a Boston-based catering business specializing in Ukrainian dessert and cakes.
Complimentary breakfast items and beverages will be available throughout the morning. There will also be a variety of student performances and ample time for networking.
"Our club strives to build a community on campus where women can come together to inspire each other, and this year's conference has been designed to do just that," said Katelyn Davis, a Dean College junior and co-president of the Women in Business Club.
Monday, March 17, 2025
Good Deeds: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Celebrates Women's History Month
Monday, November 4, 2024
Voices of Franklin: 4 Franklin women among crowd rallying to support women's rights
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| 4 Franklin women among crowd rallying to support women's rights (courtesy photo) |
Additional photos submitted can be found in this album ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Women Veterans Self-Care Workshop - Sep 13
Women Veterans Self-Care Workshop: Healing Modalities
Calling all Women Veterans!
Women Veterans Self-Care Workshop
Join us for a free Self-Care Workshop in Franklin on Fri 13 Sept (12 noon) at the Franklin Senior Center.
The workshop will be facilitated by the new EOVS Program Director for the Women Veterans Network (WVN), Jessica Frost D.M.
Lunch will be provided. RSVP to snisbett@franklinma.gov
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/women-veterans-self-care-workshop-healing-modalities
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Commemorates Women’s Equality Day
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| Women’s Equality Day |
















