important dates in history
-
July 4, 2006
City of Franklin celebrates its 50th Anniversary -
July 1969
Franklin Historical Society becomes incorporated as nonprofit organization. -
August 14, 1956
Franklin residents vote to incorporate as a city. -
August 31, 1962
Franklin High School opens.
upcoming events
-
Sunday, August 3, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Open House in Lions Legend Park -
Sunday, August 17, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Open House in Lions Legend Park -
Sunday, August 24, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Open House in Lions Legend Park -
Sunday, September 21, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Open House in Lions Legend Park -
Sunday, October 19, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Open House in Lions Legend Park
oktoberfest in franklin
-
First Annual Beer Tasting Event
Thursday, October 16 - 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
At Root River Lanes - $25 Per Person
christmas services
-
St. Peters Chapel
Saturday, December 13
Services at 4:30 & 6:30 p.m.
No Charge
welcome
Welcome to the Franklin Historical Society website. It is our goal to preserve and promote Franklin's long, proud history. We
invite you to visit the four historic buildings in Lions Legend Park and participate in our community activities. New members to our nonprofit
organization are always welcomed.
Mission Statement
Since its beginning, the Franklin Historical Society has sought to collect, document and preserve local history, inspire reading programs at local schools and maintain living museums in Legend Park for community awareness and fulfillment.
the franklin historical society
The Franklin Historical Society evolved from an adult education class taught by Al Block, Director of Instruction, at Franklin High School in January 1969. Dennis Horvath served as acting chairman when the FHS was organized on February 5, 1969, and the first board of directors was elected that April with John Kamper as president. The Society was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in July 1969 and became an affiliate of the Wisconsin State Historical Society the following year.
what's new?
Thanks to generous donations by the City of Franklin, the Franklin Lions Club
and private donors, the Town Hall and St. Peters Chapel will both fashion new
cedar shingle roofs in September. The Historical Society is also continuing to
work with the City in developing new pathways to make the buildings in Legend
Park handicapped accessible.
The Peters family held its first reunion in Lions Legend Park on Saturday, June 21. As part of the day's activities, three generations of
the family congregated in the St. Peters Chapel for a group photo taken by Tom Schalish.
living museums
Whelan School Living History Experience
Teachers are invited to sign up their elementary class for a day of learning in a rural one room school setting. Contact Barbara Pforr at Bap4@earthlink.net for more details.
chapel weddings
Couples interested in a quaint chapel wedding ceremony are welcomed to rent the St. Peters Chapel for such a service. The chapel holds up to 50 guests and an organist is available if requested. For reservations, contact Barbara Pforr at Bap4@earthlink.net.