The Franklin Historic District features a museum and many historical buildings that visitors can tour. The village of Franklin is the oldest European-American settlement in Idaho, having been established in April, 1860 by Mormon pioneers moving northward from Utah. The main feature of the historic downtown is the Relic Hall. Built to resemble a log home of early settlers, the Relic Hall is a museum created in 1937. Exhibits inside the Hall have remained relatively unchanged since they were installed in 1937, except for the research and additions that current curators have added. The collection includes farm implements, photos of settlers, and a Yellowstone Park Touring Stagecoach.
Next to the Relic Hall is the stone building that was the Franklin Cooperative Mercantile Institute, part of the cooperative movement instituted under Brigham Young. This building is not open to the public.
You can also visit the Hatch house and the Doney cabin. The Hatch house is a Greek Revival style house built with local limestone in 1872 by Lorenzo H. Hatch, one of the earliest settlers of Franklin. A brick addition was built in 1905, and descendants of L.H. Hatch lived in the house until the 1940’s. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the house features an exhibit about some of Franklin’s history on the first floor.
The Doney cabin was moved from its original location and is the second oldest house in Idaho. Built in 1864 by John Doney, it is an example of a pioneer rock house. The inside of the cabin features some of Doney’s original handmade furniture and information about the family.
You can visit the museum and historic houses from Memorial Day to Labor Day; Tuesday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and by appointment. The buildings are unlocked during these times, and visitors are welcome to come in and explore.