Special Group Tours are now available

How We Operate

The Ashbel Woodward Museum is proudly a 100% volunteer-run organization. It takes a dedicated community to preserve our local history, and our daily operations are made possible through a vital partnership between passionate residents and municipal support.

The Friends of Franklin's Heritage Sites

The day-to-day life of the museum is managed by the Friends of Franklin's Heritage Sites, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For over a decade, this group of dedicated individuals has worked tirelessly to support the museum through several key areas:

Museum Staffing: Welcoming visitors and managing public hours.
Collection Management: Overseeing the care, cataloging, and preservation of our historical artifacts.
Events & Activities: Organizing, promoting, and running our community programs, historical reenactments, and educational events throughout the year.
Program Funding: Our public events and exhibits are funded entirely by community donations and fundraising dollars raised directly through the Friends group.

Town Support & Landmark Preservation

While our educational programming is community-funded, protecting the physical landmark is a shared civic effort.

Property Upkeep: Funding for the long-term maintenance, structural restoration, and grounds care of the historic home is provided by the Town of Franklin.
Oversight: These municipal preservation funds and property needs are carefully overseen by the Ashbel Woodward House Museum Board.

About the Museum & Dr. Woodward

The Ashbel Woodward Museum is housed in the beautifully restored historic home of one of Franklin’s most multi-faceted 19th-century figures.

The Legacy of Dr. Woodward

Born in Willington, Connecticut, Dr. Woodward studied at Bowdoin College in Maine before settling in Franklin. He lived and worked in this home from 1830 to 1885, serving the community not only as the trusted town physician, but also as a:

Civil War Surgeon: Serving on the front lines of the conflict.
Author & Historian: A deeply respected local antiquarian dedicated to preserving early New England history.

Preserving Franklin's History

Recognizing its immense historical value, the Town of Franklin acquired and restored the homestead. Today, the museum serves a vital dual purpose:

A Living Repository: Safeguarding historical collections, artifacts, and records that tell the story of our town and surrounding communities.
A Gathering Place: Serving as an active vibrant site for educational programs, special exhibits, and community historical events.

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