Franklin’s Living History Lab
Franklin’s Living History Lab is an afterschool program where 9th-12th graders explore Franklin’s past and learn how history is preserved in the present. Through four core courses—local history, primary research, grant writing, and preservation laws—participants build research, leadership, and civic skills. The program culminates in a student-led capstone project, where members apply what they’ve learned to a real preservation or history initiative and present their work to the community.
How Often Do You Meet?
Franklin’s Living History Lab meets twice a month on Thursdays from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM. Because our program uses the city itself as a classroom, our meeting spots change to reflect the era or topic we are studying.
WHAT ARE THE COURSES?
- Historic Franklin, Tennessee
- Historic Primary Research
- Grant Writing and Fundraising
- Preservation Laws and Protections
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE COURSES?
This is a student led club where participants will then elect officials to guide them through selecting their capstone project and applying their new understanding of the four education courses to create a lasting preservation project in their local community.
THINKING AHEAD FOR THE FUTURE?
Students Will Be Able to Include the Following on College Resumes + Job Applications...
Skills: Primary Source Research, Grant Writing, Historic Preservation Law, Archival Analysis, Public History, Leadership & Governance, Project Planning, Community Engagement
- Elected to a student board position, participating in leadership, decision-making, and project management for program initiatives.
- Designed and executed a capstone project addressing a preservation or public history challenge in Historic Franklin.
- Wrote and evaluated grant proposals to support preservation projects, learning budgeting, justification, and impact assessment.
