Franklin Township Historical Society
Autumn 2024 Newsletter
Our popular Harvest Dinner is coming; reserve your spot!
The Historical Society’s annual Harvest Dinner, with its delicious turkey dinner, special entertainment, history presentation, silent auction, door prizes, and more, will be Saturday November 2nd at 12 noon. The event will be held at Grace Church, 5605 S. Franklin Rd.
This year’s catered meal includes a turkey entrée plus two vegetables, salad, dinner rolls, dessert, and beverages. We will again enjoy a concert by Franklin Central High School’s Chamber Choir, which last year received a standing ovation! Attendees can get a jump on their holiday shopping by bidding on gift baskets and local specialties in the Silent Auction.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on our Society website, FTHS.org (click the PayPal button to use a credit card), or by sending a check to FTHS, P.O. Box 39015, Indianapolis, IN 46239. ALL TICKET ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCT. 29TH. Please include the name of each person for whom you are purchasing a ticket. Have questions? Email us at [email protected].
Historical Society initiates Endowment Fund
Our Society engages the community and our membership with a variety of well-attended events throughout the year, with Open Hours and activities at our Meeting House/Museum, with the publication of a wide variety of books detailing life and times in Franklin Township, and more. But even as we honor the past, we must also prepare for the future. Our income from all of the above things does not cover the expenses of maintaining our 153-year-old historic structure or the property on which it sits, and our membership dues (which start at a mere $20 a year, because we like to keep the Society accessible) contribute only a tiny fraction toward our annual budget.
Tax-deductible donations help keep us operating. The Society is starting an Endowment Fund to help secure our future. Our Society, which is governed by a Board of Directors, is a 501(c)(3) organization, and any monetary contributions are tax deductible. If you are interested in adding to our Endowment Fund or would like more information about our Endowment (which is currently managed by the Everwise Credit Union), email our Treasurer Ann Hansen at [email protected] or contact us at P.O. Box 39015, Indianapolis, IN 46239.
New informational signs added to exterior displays
Signs with historical information and photos have been added next to each of our newer exterior displays at the Meeting House, which showcase the “ACTON” sign from the Acton Depot and the Volunteer Fire Department bell.
Our Society praised by Indiana Landmarks
The historic preservation organization Indiana Landmarks sent a letter to our Society in August, praising us for our upkeep and maintenance of our 1871 Meeting House. “It is apparent that you have been most diligent in the stewardship of your property,” the letter states. “Such constant monitoring and upkeep demand a great amount of energy, time, and money. We at Indiana Landmarks appreciate your effort to maintain an important part of our historic built environment.”
Do you use PayPal when shopping online?
We are now registered with the PayPal Giving Fund, so when you make PayPal or eBay purchases you have the option to donate to us! Simply set Franklin Township Historical Society as your preferred charity to easily donate when checking out on PayPal, eBay, GoFundMe, Humble Bundle and more!
Autumn Events
We’re thrilled that so many attended and enjoyed our Marjorie Main trolley outing in July! We have more events this fall. Stop into the Franklin Road Library during September to see our display of historic election memorabilia. On Oct. 17th from 6:00 to 7:30, bring a lawn chair and sit around a campfire at the Meeting House for seasonal ghostly stories – marshmallows, s’more ingredients, and roasting sticks will be provided. Don’t miss our annual Harvest Dinner Nov. 2nd at noon, with its live music, door prizes, and Silent Auction. On Saturday Dec. 2nd visit our booth at Christmas in Wanamaker from 10:00 to 3:00, then on Sunday Dec. 8th at 6:00 PM come to Christmas at the Meeting House. This annual holiday celebration includes carols from our Victorian pump organ, stories of Christmas tradition and history, cookies, punch, and a chance to see special displays and our recently added exhibits
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