Educator, Historian Jim Johnston to Present at Historical Museum Sunday

James C. “Jim” Johnston Jr. has spent a lifetime studying, preserving and telling the story of Franklin, Massachusetts, while pursuing interests that range from antiques and historic houses to stamps and New England’s maritime past. Tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 11, Johnston will be the featured "Second Sunday" speaker at the Franklin Historical Museum at 1:15 pm, delving into anecdotes and incidents from the town's long history as well as his experience with both the Federal Bicentennial celebration in 1976 and the town's bicentennial in 1978.

A longtime Franklin educator, historian, author and collector, Johnston is perhaps best known locally for Odyssey in the Wilderness, his history of Franklin written for the community’s bicentennial in 1978. The book became an important modern account of the town’s development and received national recognition. Nearly two decades later, Johnston produced Franklin, published in 1996 as part of Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series. Drawing heavily on his own extensive collection of historic photographs and other material, the book presents Franklin’s history through images of its people, buildings, businesses, transportation and community life.

Johnston’s historical interests extend well beyond his hometown. In 2007, The History Press published his The Yankee Fleet: Maritime New England in the Age of Sail, a colorful survey of New England’s maritime heritage, encompassing fishermen, explorers, privateers, pirates and the men and women whose lives were shaped by the sea.

An enthusiastic and knowledgeable collector, Johnston has long been involved with antiques, stamps, books, coins, artwork and other historical material. Over the years he has contributed articles to publications devoted to stamps, antiques and collecting, bringing to those subjects the same combination of historical research and storytelling found in his books. He has also shared his expertise closer to home through talks, exhibits and appraisal programs.

Johnston’s contribution to Franklin has not been confined to writing about its past. He has also participated directly in the town’s civic life, including service on Franklin’s Board of Selectmen under the community’s former form of government as well as service on many other boards and committees. His experience in local government gave him an unusual perspective: he has been both a chronicler of Franklin government and a participant in it.

For many years Johnston was also been closely associated with the Franklin Historical Society, including service as its president. His private collection of photographs, documents and artifacts has provided source material for his books and helped preserve images and information that might otherwise have disappeared.

Taken together, Johnston’s work as a teacher, writer, collector, civic official and local historian represents an unusually broad contribution to Franklin. His books have recorded the community’s history for future generations, while his collecting, public programs and civic service have helped keep that history connected to the life of the town today.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. It is open from 1-4 pm and there is no admission charge.