In this issue: The new Franklin Township Cultural Trail, three upcoming events, and a new collectible ornament for 2026!
Historical Society Launches Cultural Trail
We are proud to announce that the Franklin Township Historical Society, in connection with the City of Indianapolis, this fall is launching our township's portion of the city's expanded Cultural Trail! Franklin Township has been designated "an emerging cultural district."
Our Society won the $15,000 grant, every penny of which is being spent to install signage with images and a paragraph of history, plus a QR code link with further information, at sites of historic significance around our township. These sites will include the H.A. Waterman Company Carriage Works building, the Acton Campground, and 8 others.
Spooky Stories & S'mores - October 13 @ 6:00 p.m. Toast a marshmallow over a fire while hearing spooky stories and strange happenings from Franklin Township - including the tale associated with our famous Black Dress. Weather and traffic permitting, we'll also take an educational walk through Big Run Cemetery to learn the significance of tombstone symbols and hear about the mourning traditions of centuries past. This is a free event. More information here! |
Annual Harvest Dinner - November 7 @ 12:00 p.m.
Join us for our annual Harvest Dinner, featuring a turkey dinner, Silent Auction, Chamber Choir performance, history presentation, door prizes, and more! The event will be Saturday, November 7 at 12:00 p.m. at Grace Church, 5605 S. Franklin Rd., Indianapolis. The catered dinner includes a turkey entrée with two vegetables, salad, dinner rolls, dessert, and beverages. We will again enjoy a concert by the much-lauded Franklin Central Chamber Choir, and attendees can get a jump-start on their holiday shopping by bidding on gift baskets and local specialties in the Silent Auction. |
Seating for this event is limited and advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets can be purchased via credit card, PayPal, or Venmo at our website, or can be purchased by mail by sending a check for $25 per attendee to FTHS, P.O. Box 39015, Indianapolis, IN 46239. Please include the name of each person for whom you are purchasing a ticket. ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 31.
Have questions? Email us at [email protected].
Come see us at Christmas in Wanamaker!
We have a new ornament for 2026!
Preliminary art; final product may vary | The latest in our series of custom ornaments highlighting historical aspects of Franklin Township is a new ornament featuring the Wheatley's bull! The giant fiberglass bull was stationed behind Wheatley's grocery and meat market for decades and appeared (and still appears!) at games and important events in the township. The ornaments will have their official launch at our booth at Christmas in Wanamaker, December 5 from 10 AM to 3 PM. |
Christmas at the Meeting House - December 13 Join us December 13 at 6:00 PM at 6510 S. Franklin Road 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 parking lot.
Improvements continue at The Annex
This has been a very busy summer in regard to work on the 1930s house that we purchased last year, immediately south of the Meeting House. Now known as The Annex, this building will not only provide running water and a restroom for the first time in our Society's history, but will also give us space to expand our museum exhibits. It will also offer room for special events and activities.
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