150th City of Franklin Anniversary

Franklin’s 150 Birthday Celebration: Celebrating 150 Years of Franklin

On March 15, 1876, the Commonwealth of Virginia presented a charter to the village of Franklin, making it an incorporated town and the largest in Southampton County.

For its 100 birthday in 1976, the city held a five-day celebration with numerous activities, including the planting of a time capsule in Franklin Memorial Park on Clay Street, to be opened in 2076.  Approximately a thousand people gathered for this momentous occasion.  Many citizens of Franklin today remember that day well; some were members of the high school or junior high school bands who performed at the event.  Hundreds of letters were placed in the capsule, along with other items reflecting that era.

We are asking you to do the same as we prepare to fill another “time capsule.”  This time, it will be a beautifully hand-painted Memory Chest that will be locked and placed in City Hall until March 15, 2076, when both capsules will be opened.  Let your voice be part of this lasting tribute to Franklin’s enduring spirit and community.

Join us in celebrating Franklin’s 150 birthday!

Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Barrett’s Landing

Be a part of our birthday celebration.  Bring a chair and your family – especially young people – as they will be the ones to open the treasured chest, along with the centennial capsule, in fifty years. Enjoy beautiful music from our 150-voice choir, including members of all the church choirs in the Franklin community, as well as others who wish to join.

This will be a very special program marking a significant year in the history of our town.  We look forward to your enthusiastic participation.

Franklin’s 150th Anniversary Ornament 
For many years, through 2019, Franklin released a commemorative downtown ornament annually. In honor of this very special milestone year—and to celebrate the birth of our town—a keepsake Christmas ornament has been specially commissioned.

This limited-edition ornament is a wonderful way to celebrate this historic milestone and will be available for $20.00. Preorders are now being accepted. To reserve yours, please get in touch with Nancy Parrish at 757-562-2458 or Kathy Worrell at 757-653-8474.

Contact Information 
Direct questions to Organization Committee Members:
Email:  franklins150th@gmail.com
Gaynelle Riddick        757-630-8377
Kathy Worrell              757-653-8474
Liz Burgess                  757-641-8341
Nancy Parrish              757-562-2458