So Much at the Museum This Weekend!

There’s something for (almost) everyone at the Franklin Historical Museum this weekend.

UNICEF Trick-or-Treat “alternative”

For starters, for those who just can’t take another Trunk or Treat and want something a little different, the museum is distributing Free UNICEF collection boxes while they last. UNICEF invites you to participate in the annual Trick-or-Treat fundraiser this October. Help kids worldwide by collecting donations door-to-door with the return of the famous little orange box. You can even ask those you visit to simply scan the QR code on the box and donate directly. UNICEF makes it easy and fun! Please, no more than four boxes per family!

Franklin Rod & Gun Club at 90

Get to know the fun and amazing history of this local community group. The wonderful display of photos and memorabilia assembled for the anniversary this summer is on display at the museum all month. Plus recently rediscovered ‘home movies’ of the Club and local Franklin families from the 1930s to the 1950s will be shown on Saturday and on Sunday, after the Second Sunday Speaker (see below).

A Fantastic Free (and Funny!) Flick

Saturday night at 6 pm, don’t miss Buster Keaton in The General! This silent era classic needs no dialog, the action, and Keaton’s famous “stone face” carry the story. No matter the calamity, Keaton always manages a complete dead pan, that is in itself, hilarious. And the story, loosely based on a real locomotive chase that occurred in the Civil War, keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, ever on the edge of giggles and guffaws. If you have never indulged in the secret pleasures of the silent film, this is a great introduction, part of the Cinema 80 Silent Saturday series, offered in concert with the Franklin Senior Center and curated by videographer Chris Leverone.

The Story of the Rod & Gun Club, from 1934 to the presentation

Second Sunday Speaker Series – Betsey Whitney Shares the Lore of the Franklin Rod & Gun Club

A member of the Rod & Gun Club along with her husband, Betsey is also a retired educator and local historian. She has previously researched and published a massive illustrated history of the Pondville area of Norfolk. Over the last year, she turned her talents to organizing and telling the story of the Rod & Gun Club. Sunday, at 1:15, she will chat informally about the club, its members and the stories that have accumulated over nearly a century. The museum is open Sunday from 1 to 4.

All the events are free, though donations are appreciated. The Franklin Historical Museum is at 80 West Central Street.