About Us

Founded on a spirit of community preservation, the Franklin Historical Society is dedicated to celebrating and safeguarding the heritage of Franklin, Wisconsin, through restoration, education, and community outreach. Our mission is to preserve and foster appreciation of local history while maintaining historic buildings for educational and community enrichment.

Our historic village, located in Lions Legend Park, serves as the heart of our living museum. It features a unique collection of meticulously preserved structures that bring Franklin’s past to life, including:

• The Sheehan-Godsell Log Cabin (circa 1836), reflecting early settler life
• The St. Peters Chapel (1869), restored and used for seasonal programs and ceremonies
• The Whelan School (1878), a living classroom offering one-day historical education experiences
• The Town Hall (1886), serving as both society office and museum
• The Delikat Smokehouse (1891), a testament to historic food preservation techniques
• The Ludwig Outhouse (early 1900s), a charming artifact of rural life

Our vision extends beyond static edifices. We host a vibrant array of public programs and events, from annual Christmas services in the chapel to living-history school field trips and community open houses during summer concerts. The Society also publishes a quarterly newsletter and offers books—such as From Cabins to Condos, which chronicles Franklin’s transformation from its 1830s rural roots to a modern suburb—for purchase to support our mission.

In recognition of our stewardship, our collection of structures in Lions Legend Park was designated as a Wisconsin County Historic Landmark in 1995.

Under the leadership of a passionate board of directors—including President Doug Schmidt, Vice President Ken Gawrisch, Treasurer Roger Lange, Secretary Kathi Kube, and dedicated members Greg Jenks, Barbara and Dale Pforr, and Janis Stys—the Society continues to thrive as a hub for heritage preservation.