Franklin Historical Society

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

  • ANNUAL MEETING - Saturday, April 25, 2009
    Franklin Public Library
    Potluck Lunch 12:30 p.m.
    Business Agenda 1:30 p.m.

christmas services

  • St. Peters Chapel
    Saturday, December 13
    Services at 4:00, 5:30 & 7:00 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?

Jeff Gross worked diligently this fall to restore windows and rotting window sills in the St. Peters Chapel. While Jeff tackled that project, landscaping of the Lions Legend Park grounds began in front of the Whelan School, Town Hall and Chapel to make the buildings handicap accessible in 2009. Jeff Gross repairing St. Peter's Chapel

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.