Franklin Historical Museum

​​​​In 2025, Ben Franklin Book Week is now Ben Franklin MONTH, in Franklin MA, Jan 1-30

 

Ben Franklin Book Week was born in 2024 as "A Community Rediscovery of Ideas, Literature, and the Shared Gift of Language." In its second year, this annual event, now the whole month of January, celebrates the birth month of Benjamin Franklin, America's most inspiring 'founding father.' Ben's gift of books to the town of Franklin led to creation of the First Free Public Lending Library in North America and set the tone for Franklin's history ever since. Ben Franklin Month recognizes the town's ongoing book- and learning-friendly culture and the many other ways Franklin has inspired and continues to inspire creative endeavors with a growing slate of events and activities! Ben Franklin Month is led by the Franklin Historical Museum, with support from Franklin Public Library, and Dean College with grant funding provided by Mass. Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

PLANNED EVENTS INCLUDE:​

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Sat. 1/4 'Ben Gave us Books and We Gave the World Books' -- a display of Franklin-authored books, past and present. Continues all month during regular hours (Sat. 10-1 and Sun 1-4) at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street. (Are you a Franklin Author? -- contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com to join the display!)

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Thurs. 1/9 JUNTO A Non-Fiction Book Club at the Franklin Library Starts in January! (Inspired by Ben Franklin's famous Philadelphia reading group, the Junto)! The first meeting is Thursday January 9th at 6:30PM. The January Book is Think Again by Adam Grant! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

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Sat. 1/11 (RESCHEDULED from 1-4) Franklin-ventions: Revolutionary Ideas in Franklin Industries + a look at some of Ben Franklin's famous inventions. Continues all month during regular hours (Sat. 10-1 and Sun 1-4) at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.

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Sat. 1/11 1:00—3:00 PM Ben Franklin Week Kickoff Concert at the Franklin Public Library with popular local favorite, Franklin Underground!

Sun 1/12 Second Sunday Speaker Series (Speaker to be announced) at the Franklin Historical Museum. Museum open 1-4, program starts at 1:15.

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Sun. 1/12 

The American Revolution As You’ve Never Imagined It!

The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the Franklin Historical Museum continues on Sunday, Jan. 12 with a truly unique look at the American Revolution, which began 250 years ago this coming April. 19. We are joined by the Michael Wenzke, creator of the The Revolutionary Story Tour, a popular and award-winning Freedom Trail walking tour that mesmerizes participants.

According to Michael, ​the American Revolution did not just happen in Boston -- it could only have happened in Boston. From protest to resistance to rebellion the intensification of American opposition to England was first, foremost, and fiercest in this city. What took place here has become a central part of America’s identity. Michael uses both a patriot and loyalist perspectives to separate truth from legend and introduces us to the personalities of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin (of course) as well as the Sons of Liberty, the Friends of Government, and more.

Whether you already love history or think you never could, Michael’s passion and insightful presentation will amaze you and leave you wanting more. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Email alan.r.earls@gmail.com to request to add your name to the guest list (max request, 4). FREE. The Museum is located at 80 W. Central St., Franklin and is open from 1-4. The Program starts at 1:15.

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Fri. 1/17 Franklin Library Children’s Dept features Ben Franklin Birthday Bash. Check library website for details.

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Sat. 1/18 Short Franklin-related films at Historical Museum during regular 10-1 hours.

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Sun. 1/19 Third Sunday “music at the museum’ – Come learn about and experience the lively, underappreciated musical, Ben Franklin in Paris that ran for 215 performances on Broadway (1964-5)! Free.

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Wed. 1/22 (6pm) Dean College Student History Reception at Franklin  Historical Museum 80 West Central Street

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Thurs., 1-23, Ben Franklin Autobiography LIVE Readathon at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, 1:30 PM to approximately 8 pm Come and participate! Contact Alan Earls with any questions (alan.r.earls@gmail.com). FREE. Note, the 'kick off ' reader (prerecorded) will be Franklin's Congressman, Jake Auchincloss followed by State Senator Becca Rausch (also prerecorded).  Volunteer readers typically participate for 10-15 minutes in sharing this classic work of American literature. Completion times vary but the event will likely end around 8 pm and will also include a 'tea' (Ben's favorite kind!) and reading of a short play written by Ben Franklin. Watch for a signup link on the website or come by to listen or participate!

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Fri. 1/17 BIG Library Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library Friday, January 17th, 1:00-5:00

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Sat. 1/18 Big Library Book Sale Continues 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and from 1-4 its the Big Library BAG SALE

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Sun. 1/26 Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin's Glass Armonica at Marvin Chapel, Dean College at approximately 1:30 (check back closer to the date) Among Ben Franklin's most amazing inventions is the glass armonica (or harmonica) , a series of concentric, rotating crystal glass bowls that can be played (think of the sound of wine glass rims being rubbed). Mozart and others composed music for it. And Boston area musician and expert Vera Meyer will return to Franklin for a performance featuring many styles of music [LISTEN TO SAMPLE HERE] and some opportunities for audience interaction. Don't miss the haunting, ethereal, and beautiful sounds of the armonica at the Dean College Marvin Chapel (second floor of Dean Hall) The event is also planned to include performance of Ben Franklin's funny, tongue-in-cheek play. Ben Franklin and the Gout. FREE

 

Check back for updates and/or new events and activities at https://benfranklinbookweek.com

Press Questions or other Inquiries: contact Alan Earls alan.r.earls@gmail.com

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