This month we celebrate Franklin’s Favorite son, Horace Mann. Our Second Sunday Speaker Series presentation will be The Life of Horace Mann. Born in Franklin and commonly known as the Father of American Education, Mann’s life from a young farm boy from Franklin, braiding straw for pennies to Brown University, to the State House and beyond is a story our town can be proud of. An educator, lawyer, abolitionist, orator and statesman, Mann gave much to many in his short life. Learn about his family life in Franklin, his education, friends, loves and his strong desire to establish free education to all. 

Join us for the presentation Sunday, May 14th. Doors open at 1:00, presentation starts at 1:15. Then join us for coffee and cake as we celebrate the 227th birthday of Horace Mann. Covid prevented us from celebrating Horace’s 225th, and he hasn’t quite forgiven us!

We invite all those visiting town for the 157th Commencement of Dean College to stop in for our look back on the History of Dean College.  Museum Hours are Saturday 10AM-1PM and Sunday 1PM-4PM. Congratulations to all Dean Grads.

In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, the Franklin Historical Museum will be open for its regular Saturday hours, May 27th, 10 am to 1 pm, and is welcoming Veterans to drop by at the museum (always free). Any veterans interested in sharing their stories of military service will be informally interviewed and (with their permission) recorded -- providing a chance to share their valuable recollections!  For more information on this specific program, please email Alan Earls ([email protected]) or just drop by!

Visitors to the museum are asked to bring an item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Personal items such as shampoo/soap/razors/toothpaste, etc. or individually wrapped paper towels, among other items would be welcome. We also encourage visitors to browse our gift shop and make a purchase in support of the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum and the programs they support.