Franklin Township Historical Society

Open Hours
2025-06-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-20 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | FTHS Meeting House, 6510 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN, United States
The Meeting House will be open to visitors from 2 to 4 p.m.

Open Hours
2025-08-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-04 14:00 - 16:00 and 9 more dates | FTHS Meeting House, 6510 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Our Meeting House and museum, the former Big Run Baptist Church, is located at 6510 S. Franklin Road. It is open to the public from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday and third Sunday of each month, March through October. Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted!

Spooky Stories & S'mores at the Meeting House
2025-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | FTHS Meeting House, 6510 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Join us for a festive storytelling event! Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Toast a marshmallow over a fire while listening to some spooky stories of ghosts and strange happenings from Franklin Township — including the true tale of our famous Black Dress! Plus (weather permitting) we’ll cross the street take an educational walk through the Big Run Cemetery. Learn the significance of the symbols on the tombstones and hear about the mourning and burial traditions of centuries past. This event is child-friendly, and costumes are welcome! S’more ingredients and roasting sticks will be provided.
If you are able to walk across the grass, please park at the south end of the Creek’s parking lot next door, as part of the Meeting House lot will be used for the fire circle. Please reserve the limited Meeting House parking for those with mobility concerns.

Harvest Dinner
2025-11-01 12:00 - 16:00 | Grace Church, 5605 S. Franklin Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46239, United States
Join us for our annual meeting and Harvest Dinner, which includes a catered meal, a history talk, a performance by the Franklin Central Chamber Choir, and our silent auction!
This year’s Harvest Dinner is generously sponsored by The Auto Center.

Christmas at the Meeting House 2025
2025-12-14 18:00 - 19:00 | FTHS Meeting House, 6510 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Join us for our annual holiday celebration at the Meeting House! Sing carols accompanied by the building’s original Victorian pump organ, learn a bit of Christmas tradition history, and enjoy punch and cookies while exploring our recently added exhibits.
For this event only, the Meeting House lot is reserved for handicapped-accessible parking. General parking is next door at the south end of The Creek’s lot. There will be a lighted path to cross on the grass between the facilities.

Furniture & Furnishings Sale
2026-06-06 08:00 - 15:00 | FTHS Meeting House, 6510 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Grab some phenomenal deals on furniture, tools, appliances, and select home decor items! Sale is held at the 1930 Annex next door to the Meeting House. Park at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Road) or in the south end of The Creek’s lot next door.

Antiques & Rummage Sale
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-13 | Franklin Township Civic League, 8822 Southeastern Ave, 8822 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46239, United States
Our annual fundraiser sale returns! Grab a bargain while supporting the FTHS.
Sale runs Friday, June 12 from 8AM to 6PM and Saturday, June 13 from 8AM until 2PM. Donations can be dropped off at the Civic League building (8822 Southeastern Avenue) on Wednesday, June 10 from 12PM to 6PM.

Old Settlers Day Street Fair
2026-06-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Wanamaker
Stop by our booth on Southeastern Avenue at the Old Settlers Day street fair in Wanamaker!

Members Outing - Indiana History Center Interurban Exhibit
2026-07-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
Join your fellow FTHS members to visit the Indiana Historical Society’s History Center and see the exhibit on interurbans, which were responsible for much of the development of Franklin Township’s early population centers of New Bethel (now Wanamaker) and Acton. After touring the exhibit, stay and have lunch at the Stardust Terrace Café on the canal.
Those wishing to carpool downtown may meet at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Rd.) at 9:20. Vehicles will depart at 9:30. You can also meet the group at the History Center entrance at 10 a.m.
Cost: Admission to the Indiana History Center; individual lunch purchase.
History Center admission is free for IHS members and military/veterans (with military ID), or $15 for Adult/$14 for Seniors for non-members. Discounts are available with advance purchase of tickets, available at the IHS site. Discounts are also available for Access Pass members, educators, first responders and healthcare workers. See IHS website for more information.

FTHS 50th Anniversary Celebration
2026-07-11 11:00 - 15:00 | FTHS Meeting House, 6510 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN, United States
It’s our 50th year! Join us for a festive event including a barbecue lunch, a classic car show, special presentations, vendor booths, and more–including a very big announcement!
PARKING: If you are able to walk across the grass, please park at the south end of The Creek’s lot, as the Meeting House lot will be reserved for guests with limited mobility.
VENDORS: If you are interested in vending at this event, please fill out the application here.

2026 Harvest Dinner
2026-11-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Grace Church, 5605 S. Franklin Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46239, United States
Join us for the Historical Society’s annual Harvest Dinner, which includes a catered meal, history presentation, musical entertainment, silent auction, door prizes, and more! The event will be Saturday, November 7 at 12 p.m. 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. Attendees can get a jump on their holiday shopping by bidding on gift baskets and local specialties in the Silent Auction.
Seating is limited, and advance ticket purchase is required. (Purchase link will be posted at least one month in advance.)
