Framingham History Center Blog

This past Sunday was our “Bank On It” program.  Arthur Fitts came in to talk about  Framingham Banks and the history of local currency. It was a great talk about how the National Bank issued its own currency and Arthur pulled a lot of Framingham bills out of his pocket for display. It was fascinating to learn how this evolved into the currency we use today. We displayed some items from our own collection as well as items form Arthur’s collection.

We also did some re-arranging and are happy to report that even with a full-house, everyone had a seat for the program.

Thanks to Arthur for taking the time to come in and share his knowledge and to everyone for joining us!

Michelle McElroy
Operations Manager

African American History Roundtable
Thursday, February 18th 6:00pm
Edgell Memorial Library
3 Oak Street, Framingham
Our African American History Roundtable discussion begins at 6:00 pm tomorrow evening at the Edgell Memorial Library.  This will be an informal gathering of interested parties to discuss the full range of our local African American History.  While we will review what we have in the FHC collection to illustrate known stories and people, there is more that needs to be collected, researched and shared.  Bring your interest in or knowledge of Framingham’s African American community – past, present and future and join the discussion.
 
Bank On It!
Sunday, February 21st 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Edgell Memorial Library
3 Oak Street, Framingham

Come and learn about the history of banking in Framingham from coin and currency collector Arthur M. Fitts III. Fitts’ long-standing interest in Framingham history, especially memorabilia, will enrich this program featuring Framingham paper money through roughly the past 200 years. He will also cover early banks in Framingham and by association the evolution of banking nationally.
You will undoubtedly gain a greater perspective on current banking practices at a time when they seem to be dominating the headlines.

Free to FHC members and $5 for non-members.  To purchase tickets click here.

On Sunday night, at the Danforth Museum, the START Partnership unveiled their economic impact statement with much fanfare.  The MC for the evening was none other than our own Executive Director, Annie Murphy who spoke about how the six organizations in the partnership currently impact the local economy and their projected impact over the next 10 years.  For example, last year 22,530 people from outside Middlesex County came to Framingham to support the various arts and cultural activities.  That number is projected to grow to 264,396 over the next ten years. 

The organizations who contributed data to this study were the Framingham History Center, the Danforth Museum, Amazing Things Art Center, Framingham Public Library, the New England Wildflower Society/Garden in the Woods, and Performing Arts Center of Metrowest.  Staff and directors were at the event as well and many spoke or hosted presentations by their organizations.  Speakers included a full slate of our local representative delegation with State Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Pam Richardson and Representative Tom Sannicandro and Greg Liakos from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 
There were mini-performances by the Performing Arts Center, story tellers and musicians as well as a video presentation on how the START Partnership members contribute to the arts and culture of Framingham.  It was a great way to see what Framingham has to offer and how it’s only getting better!  If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Economic Impact Study, please email me at michelle@framinghamhistory.org