This is a common refrain we have heard over the years, not only about Framingham’s history, but about our collection. The 19,000+ artifacts under our care include precious objects rarely seen in other museum collections, but very few know what is here. “Framingham’s Top 10” is our way of bringing a selection of these items to light.
At first, there seems to be little connection between these 10 disparate artifacts. This exhibit spans three centuries and contains an incredible variety in type, story, medium, and size, but every object on display has one thing in common. Each is a rare or important item that reflects Framingham’s role in moments of greater regional, national, or international importance. Likewise, each one reaches out from the past to speak to our current moment, proving that the most important historical artifacts are, in fact, timeless.
We have invited our community to participate in this process by putting a short list of items up to a vote and guaranteeing space in the exhibition to the 3 items that were chosen as “Framingham’s Picks.” We have solicited public comment from FHC members, local luminaries, and experts to include alongside each object. Finally, we have integrated technology to reflect the latest research into the exhibition.
We are very excited to bring you these extraordinary artifacts all in one place. It is our hope that soon the answer to “Framingham, who knew?” will be “Everyone.”