Museum Hours
Saturdays 10am-1pm
Sundays 1pm-4pm
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Admission is always FREE.
Handicap parking at rear, access via an elevator is available at the back entrance of the Museum. RIng bell.
Contact Us!
EMAIL:
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Franklin Historical Museum
c/o Town of Franklin
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
LOCATION:
80 West Central St
Franklin, MA
Volunteers wanted
If you would like to volunteer your time to act as host at the museum, please contact us at the email address below. You will be trained by a commission member and co-host with another volunteer.
We hope you can join us.
EMAIL:
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Historical Happenings at the Museum
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Sun. Nov. 24 (Postponed from Nov. 17) “Third Sunday” Music at the Museum program features Greenwich Bay Brass
The Greenwich Bay Brass has been together since 2006. It is an all- volunteer, British style brass ensemble with unique instrumentation. Based in Rhode Island, the GBB has made numerous appearances around the state including concerts at First Lutheran Church in East Greenwich, the Barrington Congregational Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Providence, and outdoor appearances at Hearthside House in Lincoln, and Wilcox Park in Westerly. Additionally, the ensemble has traveled to Massachusetts and Maine, with a concert at the historic Union Church in South Carver, MA and a joint concert together with the Salvation Army Brass Band in Old Orchard Beach, ME. The museum opens at 1 and the program will start at about 1:15. The event is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.
Sun. Dec. 1– Introducing "Stocking Stuffer Sunday" with a gift shop sale, music, and MRS. CLAUS!
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Everyone knows about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday...but in Franklin we also now have STOCKING-STUFFER SUNDAY. The Gift Shop at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, is holding a special sale (half price on ALL books) -- and special hours -- on Sunday, Dec. 1, with something for anyone who lives (or has ever lived) in Franklin-- Stocking Stuffers and beyond!
We have little things for little kids, and things to please any adult...The Special Stocking Stuffer Sunday hours are from noon to 5 pm. Plus, with every $10 purchase you are eligible for a free drawing on Dec 8 to win a teddy bear! Bring the kids for a free photo-op with Mrs Claus from 1-3.
There will be seasonal music, wishing tree, and, of course, the historic displays at the museum.. Can't make it? The Gift Shop at the Museum is also open during regular museum hours, 10-1 on Saturdays and 1 to 4 on other Sundays AND extended hours on Dec. 7...Check out a preview at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com (just click on the Gift Shop tab)* The shop is operated by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum, a 501 (c) 3.
Sat Dec. 7 A-Wreath-a-Franklin: Sip Shop Stroll & Roll
Instead of our regular museum hours, we will be open from 10-5 during the A-Wreath-a-Franklin: Sip Shop Stroll & Roll fun. This festive community celebration is sponsored by the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy! Sip, Shop Stroll and Roll will offer festive beverages, raffles and live music around the downtown. Be sure to drop in and enjoy our film "So Proudly We Hail" starting at 5 pm! From 10-5 we will Feature Old TIme Franklin 'home movies" showing the people at sights of Franklin in mid 20th century. From 1-3 the JAZZ INFUSED GUITAR of Frank Saccocio...AND
Sat. Dec. 7 Film themed in honor of Pearl Harbor Day-- The critically acclaimed classic, "So Proudly We Hail" It's the story of the lives of three U.S. Army nurses who leave San Francisco for their tour of duty in Hawaii in December 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor changes their destination, and their lives. Led by Lt. Janet Davidson, the nurses are sent to Bataan, in the Philippines. Faced with untested nurses, the group quickly become battle-weary veterans. When Bataan falls, the American forces flee to the offshore island of Corregidor, where they find the Japanese assault just as intense. The movie was released in 1943 and is 126 minutes in length. The showing begins at 5 pm. Our Cinema 80 Film series is produced in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center.
Sun. Dec. 8--Second Sunday Speaker Series: WCVB Chronicle's Ted Reinstein.
Journalist and author Ted Reinstein has reported all around New England for 25 years, telling the colorful stories of this historic yet ever-changing corner of America. Now, he condenses his countless travels into a single, unique labor of love: a new book Travels through the Heart and Soul of New England -- Stories of Struggle, Resilience, and Triumph, perfect for anyone on your shopping list. With his always flawless presentation skills, Ted will share some of the stories in the book and a bit about the process of gathering those stories and creating the book. The museum opens at 1, Ted will present starting at 1:15 and will be available to autograph books after his presentation. The museum is open until 4. Admission is free, donations always appreciated.
Sun. Dec. 15 “Third Sunday” Music at the Museum program features a Chamber Music Ensemble
A local chamber music group will be enlivening the museum with seasonal favorites. Come to listen and watch or come to check out the museum, with 'music on the side.' The museum opens at 1 and the program will start at about 1:15. The event is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.
Sunday Dec. 22 and Saturday Dec. 28th Pick Up Your Luminaries!
Franklin Boy Scouts Troop 126 are again selling luminaries. The scouts hope everyone will share them on New Year's Eve. They must be preordered and can be picked up at the Franklin Historical Museum at 80 West Central Street on Sunday, December 22nd, from 1-3 p.m. and Saturday, December 28th, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. (A portion of the proceeds is shared with both the Franklin Historical Museum and the Franklin Food Pantry.) Boy Scouts will also deliver the kits to Franklin residents for an extra $3. Then, on New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m., everyone joins together in lighting their luminaries! More information is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KOnNLt6Og7vXOCryhSSmYpHv5b0LXnc7/view?usp=sharing
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In Memorium
15% Off All Items
Mary C. Olsson, long-time Chair of the Franklin Historical Commission, passed away in November 2024. Click here to learn more about Mary.