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Franklin is a town of about 37,000 people in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, roughly 30 miles southwest of Boston. Incorporated in 1778, it was the first of many American towns named after Benjamin Franklin. When residents asked him for a church bell, he sent a gift of books instead, and in 1790 the town voted to lend them freely, creating what is considered the first public library in the United States.
That heritage is the town's pride. The grand Ray Memorial Library building on the town common houses the Franklin Public Library and its original Franklin books, and the Franklin Historical Museum tells the story of the town and of education reformer Horace Mann, who was born here in 1796. The Red Brick School is said to be the oldest one-room schoolhouse in the country used continuously into the 21st century.
Today Franklin is a pleasant suburban town with Dean College's campus downtown, conservation land such as DelCarte and Franklin State Forest, and the SNETT rail trail. Gillette Stadium and the Wrentham outlets are both a short drive away.
Considered the first public library in the United States, founded from books donated by Benjamin Franklin in 1786 and lent freely from 1790. It is housed in the 1904 Ray Memorial Library, a Beaux-Arts building with murals, marble and the original Franklin books on display. Free to visit during library hours.
A small one-room brick schoolhouse built in 1833 that taught young students until 2016, making it one of the oldest schoolhouses in continuous use in the United States. It is now preserved by the town. View the exterior on Lincoln Street and check for occasional open houses.
A local history museum on West Central Street with exhibits on Franklin's founding, its early industries, its link to Benjamin Franklin and native son Horace Mann, the father of American public education. It is free and run by volunteers; opening hours are limited, usually weekends.
The town's green at the center of Franklin, framed by the Ray Memorial Library, the Franklin Federated Church and historic buildings. It hosts concerts, farmers markets and holiday events, and its paths and benches make a nice break when walking downtown. Parking is available on nearby streets.
A small private college founded in 1865 as Dean Academy, with a compact campus of brick and stone buildings on Main Street in the center of town. It is known for its dance and performing arts programs, and students stage shows open to the public. The grounds are pleasant for a short stroll.
A town conservation area of connected ponds, small dams, woodland trails and boardwalks off Pleasant Street, popular with walkers, anglers and families. A launch allows kayaks and canoes on the water. Visit in October when the foliage reflects in the ponds, and keep dogs leashed.
A state forest of about 1,000 acres spread across Franklin and neighboring towns, with a network of woodland trails used by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is quiet and wooded, with rocky sections. Wear sturdy shoes and blaze orange during hunting season.
A long rail trail on a former railroad bed that passes through Franklin on its way between Franklin and the Connecticut line. The Franklin section is flat and shaded, with a packed stone surface suitable for walking, running and mountain biking. Look for the small trailhead parking areas near road crossings.
A performing arts venue in downtown Franklin run by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, presenting concerts, musical theater, comedy and family shows in an intimate setting. It is a good evening option in town. Check the calendar and buy tickets online ahead of time.
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