Barbara M. Smith, born on December 21, 1921, was a lifelong Franklin resident, graduate of Franklin High School, and best known as a local historian. Smith worked as a clerk at the Foxboro Company from 1943 to 1985. She was a member of both the Franklin Historical Commission and Franklin Historical Society for over two decades and was chair of the former for many years. She gave history talks at schools as well as bus tours around town and was the main source of information on the history of the Town of Franklin. Smith also served as historian and clerk for the Franklin Federated Church on top of acting as head of the Women’s Union and organizing Sunday school functions for the church. 

 

Beyond her role as historian, Smith was deeply involved in the community. She was a member of FISH of Franklin, Friends of Franklin Elders, Lady Rebekahs of Franklin, Franklin Library Association, and the Friends of the Franklin Library. Milford Daily News named her the Woman of the Year in 2005.

 

Barbara Smith died on May 31, 2006.