Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for April 2026

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for April 2026

Regular Hours: Saturdays 10-1, Sundays 1-4

Saturday, April 11 – Exhibit Opening --  Sons & Daughters of Italy 100th Anniversary

The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, often called simply The Sons of Italy, got is start in New York City in 1905 as a means to help Italian-Americans in their new country. And, by 1926, Franklin’s Italian community got into the act with a vast affair held at the Morse Theater on Sunday, May 2. The Quattro Eroi (four heroes) Lodge was named to honor the four Italian-American men from Franklin who died in the Great War, Alessandro Patete, Patrick Ristaino, Albert L. Mucciarone, and Emilio Daddario. The officers filed into the theater, filled with members of other Lodges and officials of the Grand Lodge. `Venerable’ Giulio Gentili of the Mansfield Lodge bid them welcome and Arduino De Santes of Mansfield performed an initiation – and the Lodge was “in business.”  

The exhibit includes many photographs and memorabilia of the Lodge and the local Italian community and will kick off other related events, culminating in a banquet at the VFW on May 16. Organizers are also hoping to conduct oral history interviews and to gather old photographs for scanning and sharing! The museum is open from 10-1. Admission is free but a suggested donation of $5 or more is always encouraged and appreciated.

Sunday, April 12  - Author Steve Puleo Will Talk About his Book: The Boston Italians

In this lively and engaging history, Stephen Puleo tells the story of the Boston Italians from their earliest years, when an often illiterate and impoverished people in a strange land recreated the bonds of village and region in the cramped quarters of the North End and beyond. Focusing on this first and crucial Italian enclave in Boston, Puleo describes the experience of Italian immigrants as they battled poverty, illiteracy, and prejudice; explains their transformation into Italian Americans during the Depression and World War II; and chronicles their rich history in Boston up to the present day. 

The museum opens at 1 and the program will start at 1:15 The museum closes at 4. Admission is free but a suggested donation of $5 or more is always encouraged appreciated.

Spring Painting Classes... Have you considered these Lifelong Learning options?

Start soon - register now!

Treat yourself to some creative time with an adult art class! For information and to register, visit: Arts & Crafts Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Massachusetts Residents Can Still Apply for Home Heating Assistance by April 30th to Help Cover Winter Costs

 

 

  

As the home heating season comes to a close, Massachusetts residents have until April 30 to apply for support from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP provides financial support to eligible households to pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Residents can learn more and submit an application at mass.gov/heat.

 

"Many Massachusetts families are still feeling the strain of this winter's heating costs," said Juana Matias, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. "With the April 30 deadline approaching, now is the time to see if you qualify for home heating benefits. HEAP can provide meaningful relief, and we encourage residents to apply now or help spread the word to someone who may need support." 

 

Following a colder-than-average winter that increased heating usage across the state, many households continue to face elevated energy costs, compounded by rising energy prices. Residents may apply through April 30 for assistance to receive assistance for heating expenses during the winter months.

 

HEAP is a free, statewide program that provides grants paid directly to heating providers to help eligible households cover winter heating costs. The assistance does not need to be repaid. The program is available to both renters and homeowners and covers all heating sources, including oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal.

 

Eligibility is based on several factors including household size and income, and households do not need to be on public assistance or have overdue bills to qualify. Residents whose heat is included in their rent may also be eligible. 

 

Residents can apply online or connect with their local HEAP agency at mass.gov/heat. 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, April 5, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 4, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 4

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am    Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Brunch with Non Scene Friends (Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast)

10:00am Steps & Strides (Southern New England Trunkline Trail Franklin Trailhead, 234 Grove St)

10:30am    Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Eid Celebration! (Franklin Public Library)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

9:00pm Jennifer Tefft & The Strange (Live music) (LIZ'S TAVERN, Bellingham)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Finance Committee: FY 2027 Budget Hearings scheduled for Mon (General Gov't) & Tues (Education)

The time to ask questions about the budget of any particular department or operation or service the Town provides is BEST done during the Finance Committee Budget hearings. 

The department leadership is present to answer questions, provide the details on the how and why they do what they do.

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (General government departments)

Monday, April 6 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219 

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (education: Franklin, Tri-County, and Norfolk Agriculture)

Tuesday, April 7 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2220 

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Audio recording of the Horace Mann Legacy Committee meeting April 30, 2026

FM #1704 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1704 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Meeting chaired by School Committee Vice-Chair Dave Callaghan. Members Ruthann O’Sullivan (in person) and Reis Hansen (remotely) participated. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Operations Colin Boisvert participated.

Quick recap

• History of the chocolate chip cookie shared Cookies provided for those present

• Resource doc for committee to collect information about Horace to build the

base of understanding for the group to help prepare the story to be used by the committee for the community awareness 

• May 2 film to be shown at museum Kids play area to understand Horace as he grew up. Presentation on the Research around the middle period of Horace's story in Franklin scheduled for Sunday. Multiple ideas to add to the weekend to augment the activity and improve the draw appeal

• Children's Museum checking with the Library to coordinate some younger age activities and info

• Motion to adjourn 

The meeting runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1704-fps-horace-mann-legacy-subcmte-mtg-03-30-26/

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The agenda for this meeting can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2211   

My full set of notes in a PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16dsOWdxcZ5Mn79mQAsfLMZVIDfbnTwXJ/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share, and show you what, and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

Tickets for the 2026 Empty Bowls Dinner on now on sale

This year's Empty Bowls Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 14 at Franklin High School from 6 - 8 PM. We are really looking forward to this feel-good, fun community event.

Here is some information about the event to share!

• Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased using this link, http://weblink.donorperfect.com/emptybowlstickets26

        Adults: $22 ($25 at the door)

        Children (18 & under): $12 ($15 at the door)

• T-shirts are $20 each and are available for purchase until April 13^th using this link, http://weblink.donorperfect.com/emptybowlsshirt2026

• We are looking for sponsors and have various levels available each with their own benefits. I have attached the sponsorship levels and here is the link to submit a sponsorship, http://weblink.donorperfect.com/emptybowlssponsors26

Tri-County Wrestling Mattress fund raiser scheduled for April 26

Tri-County Wrestling Mattress
fundraiser scheduled for April 26

MATTRESS FUNDRAISER ALERT! 

Our wrestling team is hosting a Mattress Sale Fundraiser and we’d love your support!

• April 26th
• 10 AM – 4 PM
• School Gym

Come check out a huge selection of brand‑name mattresses at great prices — all while helping our athletes gear up for an amazing season. Bring family, friends, neighbors… everyone sleeps, so everyone wins!

Let’s pack the gym and make this fundraiser our best one yet 

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWoL2skCfqv/

Senior Center Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story

4 key slides on the Franklin Senior Center

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EDmJH8Nj4/

Beaver St. Recycling Center Hours for Franklin, MA change this month of April

Regular hours this weekend. 

Starting next week (April 7), we will be open on Tuesdays 12 PM - 3 PM through November.

Beaver St. Recycling Center Hours for Franklin, MA change this month of April

Have you seen the new Glen Pharmer sign ?? - another wonder from "Signs By Cam"

via Signs By Cam

Have you seen the new Glen Pharmer sign ??
- another wonder from "Signs By Cam"

"I have to say that I am speechless about this sign we fabricated and installed this week.

This by far was the toughest build engineering wise that I’ve done in 33 years. Full color, high resolution, wireless LED board with halo lit push-thru acrylic letters and real whiskey barrels. 

Love what you do… 

Do what you love"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWraj4Hjr_G/

Franklin Police Dept: OUI Arrests made on April 2, 2026

Via Franklin Police Dept

"On April 2, at approximately 10:00 PM, a Franklin Police officer conducting traffic enforcement on King Street observed a motor vehicle traveling faster than the posted speed limit. The vehicle was stopped, and following an on-scene investigation, the operator—a 24-year-old Franklin resident—was arrested.

The operator has been charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Speeding, and Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol.

Franklin Police Dept: OUI Arrests made on April 2, 2026

A passenger in the vehicle also exhibited signs of alcohol impairment. The individual was not charged at that time and was provided transportation home. The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene.

At approximately 11:15 PM, the same individual later arrived at the Franklin Police Department and requested to speak with the front desk officer. Reviewing station surveillance systems and conducting a subsequent investigation, officers determined that the individual had driven a motor vehicle to the station while exhibiting signs of alcohol impairment.

As a result, the individual—a 27-year-old New Hampshire resident—was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol.

These incidents highlight the serious risks associated with impaired driving. Both arrests could have been avoided. The Franklin Police Department urges all individuals to use a sober driver or rideshare services.

Stay safe and have a great weekend!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1UyqFdkCoJ/

Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division begins its spring hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 13, 2026. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. 

Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week
of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA

Flushing will take place Monday–Thursday, 3 PM – 7 PM and Saturdays, 7 AM – Noon. Additional flushing may occur during the day, as required. Hydrant flushing is expected to take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on weather and staff availability.

Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption. Visit https://www.franklinma.gov/635/Water-Quality to find out what you should do if you have discolored water.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the DPW office at 508-553-5500.

Shared from - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1105/Hydrant-Flushing