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Franklin Historical Museum
In Memoriam
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Paul Pisani, a long-time member of the Franklin Historical Commission passed away unexpectedly in August. He was a well-liked and invaluable team member, shown above in the belfry of the Old South meeting house, assessing the feasibility of removing the bell in early 2025. He was technically gifted and made everything at the museum work better. He is greatly missed. Paul was a graduate of FHS class of 1966.
Museum Hours
Historical Happenings at the Museum
December and January, New and EVEN BIGGER dioramas of Franklin's Heart, built around the New York, New Haven and Harford Railroad, Circa 1932...
The models include hundreds of structures in 1:87 scale (HO scale), tiny motor vehicles and people and an as yet unknown number of tiny pigeons(!), all modeled from photographs and architectural plans, where available, by master modeler Scott Mason. For this special Free event (DONATIONS ENCOURAGED), the Museum will be open during its regular hours, 10-1 on Saturdays and 1-4 and Sundays, extended hours (until 5 pm) during A-Wreath-of-Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 13 AND EXTENDED HOURS DURING THE SCHOOL VACATION WEEK [The Museum is working to be open from 1-5 on Dec. 25 to 31 – verify hours here before coming]
Saturday, Dec. 13 – The Museum Offers Extended Hours During the A-Wreath-of-Franklin downtown event.
This year’s A Wreath of Franklin celebrates our community’s warmth and global connection. As our neighbors at Gillette Stadium prepare to host international soccer games next summer, Franklin is embracing the same spirit of unity and celebration that brings people together from across the globe. Special wreaths will represent Franklin’s open-hearted community and our shared excitement to be part of a moment that reaches far beyond our borders. Shopping around downtown and a collection of special vendors at the BLACK BOX as well as our own Friends of the Franklin Museum Gift Store will provide exciting reasons to visit the museum and its neighbors from 10 AM until 5 PM.
Sunday, Dec. 14 – The ‘Second Sunday Speaker Series’-- Hoboes and Vagabonds – Humanity Along the Rails presented by Historian and Master Modeler Scott Mason
In good times and especially in bad times, like the Great Depression of the 1930s, the rail lines became pathways for migration and a way of life for tens of thousands of individuals, mostly men but also including women and children. Many knew how to “hop a freight” to get a free but very dangerous ride to wherever they wanted to go. The romance and camaraderie was counterbalanced by crime and rough treatment from railroad police and local officials. Mason will paint a portrait of this bygone subculture and an era with no social safety net. The museum will be open from 1 to 4 to view the exhibit and Scott will be presenting next door through the courtesy of the Franklin United Methodist Church starting at approximately 1:15.
Saturdays 10am-1pm
Sundays 1pm-4pm
Admission is always FREE.
Handicap parking at rear, access via an elevator is available at the back entrance of the Museum. Ring bell.
EMAIL:
MAILING ADDRESS:
Franklin Historical Museum
c/o Town of Franklin
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
LOCATION:
80 West Central St
Franklin, MA
Contact Us!
About Blue Star Museums
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:
