Preserving local history

Preserving Local History

The shared goal of the Franklin Historical Society and the Ashbel Woodward Museum is to protect, preserve, and celebrate our rich community heritage. We actively work to keep Franklin’s unique past alive through four core pillars:

Education & Public Programs

We bring history out of the archives and into the community. Through engaging public programs hosted at the museum and locations throughout town, we highlight Franklin’s vital role in early American history. Our educational efforts include:

• Dynamic historical presentations and guest speakers

• Living history experiences and period reenactments

• Immersive, rotating exhibits for visitors of all ages

Documentation & Research

Preservation starts in our own backyard. Our teams work continuously to research, document, and map local landmarks, ancestral homesteads, and historical sites across Franklin, creating a permanent record for future generations.

Oral Histories

True history isn't just found in structures or physical objects—it lives within the memories of our people. Personal stories and shared experiences are what truly breathe life into old buildings and artifacts. For years, we have actively gathered and recorded oral histories that add vibrant color to the historical landscape of Franklin.

Share Your Story: If you or someone you know has memories, family stories, or historical accounts of Franklin to share, please reach out to us. We would love to preserve your voice in our archives.

 Our Shared Collections

Together, we safeguard an extensive physical archive of regional heritage, organized into three specialized collections:

• The Franklin Historical Society Collection: A vast, eclectic compilation of local artifacts spanning multiple centuries of community life.

• The Ashbel Woodward Museum Collection: A curated capsule of 19th-century artifacts, medical tools, and historic pieces that fit directly within Dr. Woodward’s lifetime (1830–1885).

• The Franklin Schoolhouse Collection: A comprehensive historical archive dedicated entirely to Franklin's local school districts from their earliest beginnings through the classic one-room schoolhouse era.