December and January, the SPECTACULAR, FRANKLIN IN MINIATURE is ON DISPLAY

It took thousands of hours of research and precision modeling to create three large, models of the center of Franklin, circa 1932. The models are an exact representation of the structures that once existed from just west of the present-day Del Carte Conservation land to beyond the present-day Mill Store, and they include hundreds of structures in 1:87 scale (HO scale), tiny motor vehicles, people and even tiny pigeons, all modeled by Scott Mason from photographs and architectural plans. 

Saturday, Dec. 13 – The Museum Offers Extended Hours During the A-Wreath-of-Franklin downtown event.

Friends of the Franklin Museum Gift Store will provide exciting reasons to visit the museum and its neighbors from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. this day, during A-Wreath-of-Franklin! Enjoy shopping downtown, community wreaths, and a pop-up market as well!

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, 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.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS: DEC 26- DEC 31

To provide more opportunities for individuals and families to view the SPECTACULAR, FRANKLIN IN MINIATURE exhibit, the museum is planning to be open from 1 to 5 each day between Christmas and New Year’s, based on the availability of volunteers. Check the Museum Website (https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org) or Facebook page for exact hours. Admission is FREE but DONATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (except as noted above), Sunday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. and, experimentally, Thursday from 12-5 p.m. Questions? Contact Alan Earls at (508) 560-3786. Visit https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org