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View Poll Results: Should the Franklin community build a world-class Civil War museum by 2014?
Now that the Franklin Battlefield Trust (FBT) is the governing entity over Carnton and Carter House, the Franklin community should be able to gather some steam in terms of building a new world-class museum (i.e., interpretive center) that would tell the little known story of the Battle of Franklin.
I have been trying to promote the discussion for two years on my blog. I recently closed a poll on the blog but 91% of the respondents said they felt Franklin deserves a world-class Civil War museum.
I'd like to know what other people think about this topic, especially if you're from Middle Tennessee.
Here are some questions to weigh in on:
Does Franklin need a world-class Civil War museum?
Is the FBT the right entity to lead it?
Should it be spear-headed by private individuals?
Can the Franklin community raise the estimated $4 million+ it will take?
What sites in and around Franklin should be part of the museum story?
Can a museum be built by 2014, the 150th for the BoF anniversary?
Where should it be located? Initial thought is in the old Franklin High gymnasium beside the Carter House?
What constitutes "world-class"?
Examples of small world-class museums or interpretive centers you've seen?
Creative ideas to raise funds for this museum?
If we carry on a healthy and vibrant discussion here, maybe we can take these ideas to FBT at the proper time to "voice" our opinions.
1. Since you said that the Battle of Franklin was a little known battle, it would make perfect sense to have a museum, so it can be brought out to a wider audience.
2. I think so - they have put their heart and souls into the battlefield restoration project, so I don't see why they can do it again.
3. My opinion? Only if they have a deep-seated passion for the CW; I wouldn't want some big wig who doesn't give a **** to be in charge.
4. I'm sure they can raise some of the money, and I think that a grant would be the next best thing for them to receive, as to provide the rest of the money for the project.
5. The obvious one is the battlefield itself, but it would be nice to see any other locations that are connected to the battle in some way.
6. If they can raise the funds and get it started soon, I think they can do it.
7. I feel that it should be located on or near the battlefield itself (that's just my preference).
8. World class for me is that it has the most up to date technology and it also has something for everyone (i.e. battle dioramas, first-hand account of the Battle of Franklin, etc, etc).
9. I've seen the Australian War Memorial and it's the finest representation of a Commonwealth country's involvement in several major wars (WW1, WW2, Vietnam and the War on Terror).
10. Holding a Living History/Reenactment where the entrance fees paid by the spectators go into the "2014 Franklin Civil War Museum Fund".
__________________ "Well, it made you famous," ~ John Mosby's reply to General Pickett
Now that the Franklin Battlefield Trust (FBT) is the governing entity over Carnton and Carter House,
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I'm under the impression that the Battlefield Trust exists for the purpose of promoting this notion and for raising money. Not exactly what I would call a "governing" entity. The state of Tennessee owns the Carter House while Carnton is private. Please clarify?
__________________ Ancestors in US Army: 13th TN Cav; 10th TN Cav; 3rd NC Inf
Ancestors in CSA Army: 48th VA; 63rd VA, 5th NC Cav; 37th NC
Wife and Grandson's CSA: 15th AL, 51st GA, 41st TN; 36th TN; GA Mil 1197 Dist
I, myself, think they would be better off using the funds to buy more of the surrounding real estate. For example, about ten feet from the Carter house is another residential house which really takes away from the feel of the grounds..At minimum, what would a first class museum take to be built maybe 500k or even up to a million..That could certainly buy up some of that neighborhood..
World class should meet AAM (American Association of Museums) standards with respects to the director, curators, conservators, registrar, publication (if any) superintendent and the director of security. That costs money as staff must have extensive museum experience or training (college).
Isn't the vacant warehouse behind the Carter House being turned into such a museum?
I believe it was a gym for what that's worth, but a reasonably large building regardless. I believe that is the intent. The site has room for ample parking and good visibility. Turning it into a museum will be an expensive proposition, hence the reason for the formation of the group mentioned earlier in this thread. Perhaps some of the other struggling (financially) collections could be borrowed for this site. Whatever the outcome, this will take a while. Franklin is a relatively small but wealthy community. If the spirit moves them, they are capable. There's also talk of a museum at the SCV headquarters in Columbia. We'll see.
__________________ Ancestors in US Army: 13th TN Cav; 10th TN Cav; 3rd NC Inf
Ancestors in CSA Army: 48th VA; 63rd VA, 5th NC Cav; 37th NC
Wife and Grandson's CSA: 15th AL, 51st GA, 41st TN; 36th TN; GA Mil 1197 Dist
I'm under the impression that the Battlefield Trust exists for the purpose of promoting this notion and for raising money. Not exactly what I would call a "governing" entity. The state of Tennessee owns the Carter House while Carnton is private. Please clarify?
The Trust is now the managing corporation for BOTH sites. There will be one President (decision coming in the next days or weeks), one Director of Operations (that's yours truly), one Historian, and one staff. All monies are shared - both expenses and revenue. Payroll checks for everyone come from the same place!!!
The Carter House is owned by the State, but the site has never been managed by the State. Rather it has always been run by a non-profit association, just like Carnton. The new BOF Trust is also a non-profit association. The State will maintain ownership of the physical Carter House as it will maintain ownership of the 38 acres of land west of Carnton. But it has no management responsibilties.
Hope this helps. Stop by sometime, Larry. I'm spending 50% of my time at each site going forward so you can catch me at one or the other.
I, myself, think they would be better off using the funds to buy more of the surrounding real estate. For example, about ten feet from the Carter house is another residential house which really takes away from the feel of the grounds..At minimum, what would a first class museum take to be built maybe 500k or even up to a million..That could certainly buy up some of that neighborhood..
Sorry, one million will buy you about ONE acre of ground adjacent to the Carter House. We'll keep buying tracts when we can, but a new visitor center is absolutely critical to keep Franklin's story truly alive for future generations.
I believe it was a gym for what that's worth, but a reasonably large building regardless. I believe that is the intent. The site has room for ample parking and good visibility. Turning it into a museum will be an expensive proposition, hence the reason for the formation of the group mentioned earlier in this thread. Perhaps some of the other struggling (financially) collections could be borrowed for this site. Whatever the outcome, this will take a while. Franklin is a relatively small but wealthy community. If the spirit moves them, they are capable. There's also talk of a museum at the SCV headquarters in Columbia. We'll see.
Renovating the gym into a Battle of Franklin Interpretive Center will cost around $4 million. Our goal is to have it completed by Nov. 30, 2014, the 150th anniversary of the battle.
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