After the global pandemic forced us to cancel our in-person events in 2020, we’re eagerly looking forward to providing lots of fun outings and educational programming throughout 2021! Here are a few of the special events that FTHS members can look forward to in the coming months:
- June 14: Tour of historic Waterman building. This landmark building, located at the site of Five Points (the intersection of Five Points Road and Southeastern Avenue), was first constructed in the 1880s to house a blacksmith’s shop. Over the decades, the business expanded to include a carriage-building business, Model T car assembly, trolley bus construction, glass works, and finally the family hardware store, which remained in operation until 2021. Much of the original equipment is still on site, making this building a must-see for history enthusiasts. This guided tour will be presented by a member of the Waterman family, who will share more about the location’s fascinating history! Free tour begins at 11AM. RSVP is required. Some parts of building are accessible only via stairs. To learn more, or to RSVP for this tour, please email [email protected].
- July 10: FTHS Rummage Sale. Everyone’s favorite annual fundraiser returns! Sale is located at the Franklin Township Civic League building, 8822 Southeastern Avenue, and runs from 8AM to 2PM. (No early entry/sales.) Donations for the sale can be dropped off at the Civic League building on Friday, July 9 from 12PM to 6PM. We accept all kinds of household goods, entertainment media, collectibles, furniture, antiques, toys, tools, and books. No clothing, please.
- July 23: Ma & Pa Kettle Screening. Through a special arrangement with the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana, the FTHS is pleased to offer a special screening package for the Artcraft’s 2PM showing of Ma & Pa Kettle Back on the Farm, starring Acton’s own Marjorie Main. Reservations are required. Event ticket is $12 and includes transportation to/from Franklin (with time for lunch before the film), movie ticket, small popcorn and soft drink at the theatre, and (optional) interpretive visit to the theatre’s original 1922 projection booth. Package tickets are strictly limited to 32 attendees, so don’t wait! Purchase tickets here.
- August 7: Meeting House Sesquicentennial Celebration. Our Meeting House, the former Big Run Baptist Church, is 150 years old this year! This free indoor/outdoor festival will include a live pump organ concert by organist Jim Kemp, remarks by area pioneer descendent William Maze, special exhibits in the Meeting House, a Big Run Cemetery walking tour, history presentations, refreshments, and more.
…and that’s just the summer lineup! We’ll have even more for you to do in fall and winter, so stay tuned, and make sure your membership is up to date!
For more information about any of these events, please email [email protected].