Did you know that Southeastern Avenue was once only a trail cut through the woods on land bought from Native Americans? Or that the Acton Camp Ground was a widely known attraction where cottagers lived during the summer, and as many as 40,000 people gathered there on a Sunday afternoon? Did you know that Wanamaker State Bank president George Bowen saved the bank from disaster during the Depression by persuading depositors that their money was safe, on loan to their neighbors? That Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated actress Marjorie Main was born in Acton? That the building now housing Mike’s Midway Market was originally a one-room schoolhouse, or that there are 16 pioneer cemeteries in Franklin Township?
These are just a few of the fascinating facts and stories about this history-packed corner of Indianapolis, Indiana that we’d like to share with you!
The FTHS is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and is funded entirely through membership fees, donations and the sale of our publications. Donations to the society are tax-deductible.
Our Mission
The Franklin Township Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization, devoted to the preservation and promotion of Franklin Township History, and the care of our Meeting House, the former Big Run Baptist Church, and the Big Run Cemetery.
Fundraising for the FTHS Expansion Project is now underway!
Thanks to generous community donations and a matching fund, the FTHS was able to acquire the property immediately adjacent to the Meeting House! Now we are in the planning phase for restoring the 1930 house. Our hope is to renovate the building (including making it fully accessible and updating the restrooms) so it can host special exhibits, educational events, and public functions.
We are excited about this next step, but we still need your help! We’re looking to raise close to $80,000 more to cover the renovations and inspections associated with converting this building into a safe and accessible public space.
Please consider partnering with us in this venture. All gifts are tax deductible, and we are grateful for donations of any size! More information on the project and our special donor rewards and memorials are available here.