The official website of Franklin on Foot, offering guided ghost and historic tours of downtown Franklin, Tennessee

Classroom Programs

"As an educator, I am always searching for hands-on, stimulating activities for students. Margie Thessin and Rene Evans have visited my classes several times and have always brought history to life! Their ability to share their wealth of knowledge in age-appropriate and interesting lessons always result in students learning and wanting them to visit again. These two ladies and their talents are true Franklin treasures!" Lorrie Graves, Moore Elementary, Franklin.

Franklin on Foot currently provides the Classroom Teacher service offered by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. Due to the generosity of the Heritage Foundation and its donors, most of these programs are available free of charge to Williamson County public, private and home school students and their teachers. Charges apply for parents who choose to chaperone. The following programs are available for the 2011-12 school year:

In-Classroom Programs

All in-classroom programs are free.

Thingamajiggies: Students will learn about the "good old days" by examining common pre-1900 objects and trying to figure out what they are. 30 minutes. All grades.

Shapes and Numbers: Pupils relate basic shapes and numbers to historic architecture found in Williamson County. 30 minutes. Kindergarten and first grade.

Andrew Jackson Comes to Franklin: Pupils dress in costume and play the roles of the actual people who took part in the signing of the Chickasaw Indian Treaty of 1830, which led eight years later to the Trail of Tears. 30 minutes. First grade and up.

Where We Live: A power point presentation about the colorful history of Williamson County. Witty, interesting stories make the past come alive. New in 2011, "then and now" photos compare the Franklin of yesteryear with today. One hour. Second grade and up.

The Battle of Franklin : A riveting presentation about the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War. Students will understand major differences between the North and the South as well as battlefield tactics and the events leading up to and surrounding the Battle of Franklin. One hour. Third grade and up.

Field Trips

The Walking tour is partially covered by the Heritage Foundation Grant. Each student pays $2. I Spy is not covered; cost is $5 per student.

Walking Tour: A 90 minute walking tour of historic downtown Franklin. The tour covers some of the most historic buildings in town and some of the people and events that shaped Franklin's history. This tour is often taken by students in third or fourth grade, but any classroom studying American history and particularly the Civil War will find it fascinating. We can tailor it to meet the special interests of your group. 90 minutes. Second grade and up

I Spy Downtown Franklin: This hands-on field trip takes students around the public square and down Main Street in Franklin, as they count and identify architectural details on a number of buildings and make a brass or marble rubbing. A scavenger hunt for the eyes. One hour. All grades.

For more information on any of the classroom programs or to book a presentation or tour, call 615-400-3808