Franklin Historical Society-- Franklin, New Hampshire

The Franklin Historical Society was incorporated in 1981 to study and preserve the history of Franklin.

Housed in the Historic Webster Tay/House, a part of Daniel Webster's "Elms Farm" from 1799-1855, later the New Hampshire Orphanage from 1871-1959, the Society meets on the first Thursday of the month from April through November.

View or Print Directions to the Webster/Tay House
21 Holy Cross Rd

Thanksgiving traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season, with New Year’s Day bookending this annual period of celebration. Having concluded the year’s monthly meeting schedule, the next gathering will be the Society’s Christmas Pot-luck Dinner at Thompson Hall (Congregational-Christian Church) as it has in the recent past, on the second Sunday of December (the 14th this year), starting at 4 pm for set-up and social hour, with dinner at 5 pm, and going until 7 pm. All are welcome—membership in the Society is not required (but always appreciated). The celebration is open to members, relatives, and friends. Attendees are asked to consider donating non-perishable food items to be added to the Church’s offerings as contribution to the stores of the local food bank. For those wondering what to bring for the feast, know that the following items have already been promised: turkey (two birds from the Frank Genus family, to be cooked by Annette Andreozzi and Sally Bussiere), garlic mashed potatoes and ginger ale punch (from the Society), and squash, corn bread, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce (from various members). Suggestions for other items include appetizers, rolls and butter, other vegetable dishes, and of course a variety of desserts. The event has never been short of sufficient amounts of satisfying delectables, so see you there and bring a healthy appetite!

Our Society Cookbook, $12, available online at Lulu.com, or from the Society. 

MEMBER PRICE: $10, from the Society.

The verbal history book “Echoes from the Mills” has been reprinted by the Society and is now available for only $15. Also available, NEW! is a 13 1/2 by 23 1/2 copy of the 1890 map of Webster Lake, with a legend identifying businesses (ice houses) and owners of homes around the lake. Suitable for framing! On card stock for only $10. Please click on “Contact” and fill out the required information if you are interested in obtaining copies.

For those wishing to communicate or send dues, donations, or packages via the US Postal service, please use the Society’s mailing address of
PO Box 43,
Franklin, NH 03235.
​The Society DOES NOT accept mail deliveries at the Holy Cross Road address, the use of which could cause the mail to be returned or delayed.