Step Into the 19th Century

Nestled in the heart of historic Franklin (originally West Farms), the Ashbel Woodward Museum invites you to experience early New England life through the eyes of a remarkable local figure. This beautifully restored 1835 homestead was once the active residence of Dr. Ashbel Woodward—the town physician, a front-line Civil War surgeon, and a pioneering local historian.

Today, our museum is a vibrant community gathering place where history comes alive. Maintained by the Town of Franklin and proudly operated by a 100% volunteer team, we safeguard centuries of local history, ancestral records, and regional artifacts for future generations.

Explore the Museum

Choose a path below to plan your experience, view our collections, or support our historic mission:

 Plan Your Visit

Find everything you need to know for your next trip to the homestead. Check our seasonal public hours, get driving directions, or request to book a group.

Exhibits & Collections

 Upcoming Events

History is an active celebration! Join us for living history reenactments, seasonal workshops, guest speakers, and our highly anticipated