The Franklin Historical Museum in Massachusetts is set to open its doors this weekend for a two‑day celebration of soccer’s roots in America.
On Saturday, June 13, visitors can watch short archival films and browse newspaper clippings that trace the sport’s early days in Boston and the wider Bay State, with the museum staying open an extra hour until 5 p.m. to accommodate the crowd.
Panel of Experts Discusses Soccer’s Legacy
The following day a panel of scholars and practitioners will explore the evolution of the game from the 19th‑century Oneida Football Club — recognized as the first organized "foot ball" club on American soil — to the modern era, highlighting Massachusetts’ role as a long‑standing soccer hotbed.
Panelists include Rich Frongillo, a former standout at Franklin High School and longtime coach, historian Kristine Moore of the Patriot’s Hall of Fame, and Dr. Kevin Tallec Marston, a FIFA‑affiliated researcher with the International Centre for Sport Studies.
Free admission tickets are available for all attendees, making the event an accessible opportunity to delve into the rich history of soccer in the region.