The name Williamson County Museum and Archives may not spur a lot of emotion out of you, but once you find the main entrance hidden around back your enthusiasm will grow. The Archives alone are a wealth of geographic and genealogical information to keep the historian or family scrap-booker busy. Franklin was a crossroads for the Western expansion movement and good records were kept here.
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If history and contribution are more of your style visit the artist rendition of what Franklin Downtown might have looked like in 1800. The hallways have been turned into shops of old and you can see how our ancestors lived in the era. Fossil displays, arrow heads, old weapons and tools adorn the interior with descriptions of when and how they were part of our past. You can even see how laundry was done before electricity, and view one of the largest collections of irons around.
The war memorial area right past the reception desk is a treasure trove of antique uniforms, documents, personal items, photos and memories of Williamson County residents and their contributions to the many war efforts our country has seen since independence. The uniforms displayed are immaculate and constitute one of the best small collections I have ever seen. Come take a look at the Japanese Officer sword, the M-1 carbine or the photo of Carman Aulean Rainey, a U.S. Navy Pearl Harbor Survivor.
There is something for everyone in this air-conditioned walk down memory lane. Bring the little ones and let them marvel at the past, or bring your friends and talk about where you were when some portion of history was taking place. The County has a wonderful display of history hidden in the middle of downtown.
Go take a look today at 611 Main Street in the old library building.
