FRANKLIN – While the major celebrations for America 250 happened on July 4, the Franklin Relic Hall continues to display an exhibit highlighting the America 250 story.
The exhibit created by the Idaho State Historical Society continues to be on display until Sept. 7.
“This special exhibit at the Franklin Historical Properties celebrates the enduring ideals of the Declaration of Independence and Idaho’s role in America’s 250-year story,” said Susan Hawks, Site Coordinator. “Moments That Made Us is an exhibit that centers around five foundational themes: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; consent of the governed; created equal; free and independent states; and we mutually pledge to each other.”
This display explores the stories, events, and individuals from southeast Idaho that showcase how the national ideals laid out in the Declaration of Independence had an impact in the first permanent settlement in Idaho.
The exhibit, also examines personal experiences that connect visitors to a broader American story.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Moments That Made Us invites visitors to reflect on the values, people, and events that continue to shape our communities and our country,” she said. “Moments That Made Us exhibit is free to attend and open to the public.”
Franklin Historical Properties is located at 113 East Main St. in Franklin, Idaho. The Franklin Relic Hall Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.
Hawkes said there is a lot to explore at the historic site with artifacts of the first settlement in Idaho and the stories behind them.
Vistors that come to Franklin’s Relic Hall will not only see artifacts that give a history of the community founded by Mormon Pioneers there is also Native American artifacts that date back to the earliest residents of the area.
There is also the Lorenzo Hill Hatch House, Idaho’s first ZCMI building and the John and Ann Doney Cabin.
Lorenzo Hill Hatch home was built in 1872. He was Franklin’s temporal and spiritual leader from 1863 to 1875. Hatch also served as the town’s second Mormon Bishop, first mayor and the first Mormon legislator in Idaho.
The elegant stone house has been restored and is located on Main Street across from the city square.
After arriving in Franklin from England by handcart, John Doney built an adobe house where his wife Ann and their ten children lived. It has been restored and guests can visit it. It was been moved from its original location and is now adjacent to the Hatch House.