Horace Mann to be Celebrated All Weekend at Franklin Historical Museum

In honor of Horace Mann's 230th birthday, which falls on May 4, and in cooperation with the Horace Mann Legacy subcommittee, the Franklin Historical Museum is presenting a series of events on Saturday and Sunday. All are free but donations are encouraged.

Horace Mann, born here in 1796, remains the most honored person to ever have called Franklin home. He was a consequential reformer, political leader, and college president. He is best known for implementing broad educational reforms in Massachusetts that became a national model, earning him the honorific, "Father of American Public Education." Members of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee will be on hand to discuss the renewed attention being given to Horace Mann as a model and inspiration for educators in town.

Saturday, May 2 -- It's 'Happy Birthday Horace' -- For Kids and Families, the museum will show a short classic biographical film from the 1940s about Horace, for older kids and adults....And for elementary school age kids, we will have participatory diorama about the world of young Horace and discussion with our volunteer educator and buildings and figures representing the Franklin of Horace Mann's Childhood. There will also be a coloring book, and word search puzzle. Later in the program members of the Franklin High School Mock Trial team will revive and explore some of the debates that surrounded the reforms championed by Horace Mann in the 19th century, helping to make them resonate for a 21st century audience. There will also be a Horace Mann birthday cake and refreshments! The programs run from 10 am to 1 pm.
Sunday, May 3 --- Horace Mann in Franklin  To celebrate Horace Mann, and because the museum's regular Second Sunday speaker slot falls on Mothers Day, we will have our special monthly speaker on the 'first Sunday' May 3. Educator and Franklin resident, Phillip Balkus, who recently completed an academic thesis on Horace, will be exploring the less famous role of Horace Mann as a citizen of Franklin, where he returned to rescue the fortunes of his brother and manage other investments -- in the process also helping the town of his birth. Doors open at 1 and the program begins at approximately 1:15. The museum closes at 4.
The Horace Mann Legacy subcommittee is composed of community leaders, students, Franklin Public School District administrators, and representatives from the Town Council, Historical Commission, Cultural Council, and School Committe. For more information, tune into upcoming School Committee meetings.