Preserving History. Celebrating Culture. Inspiring Community.
Dr. James A. Franklin Sr. epitomized the motto “To serve, to save, to uplift”.
Dr. James A. Franklin, Sr. began his medical journey with little more than courage, compassion, and a willingness to walk miles to provide care for those who had nowhere else to turn. Living in the segregated Deep South, he often earned too little to cover rent, yet he refused to turn away a single patient.
The Historic Franklin House stands today as a tribute to this calling of service, preserving the quiet heroism that shaped countless lives.
Dr. James A. Franklin, Sr. began his medical journey with little more than courage, compassion, and a willingness to walk miles to provide care for those who had nowhere else to turn. Living in the segregated Deep South, he often earned too little to cover rent, yet he refused to turn away a single patient.
The Historic Franklin House stands today as a tribute to this calling of service, preserving the quiet heroism that shaped countless lives.
Painting by Apollo Yashon
Dr. Franklin’s success was measured not only in his medical achievements but in the countless lives and spirits he protected. By 1954, he was known as “The South’s Richest Negro Doctor”, yet his home remained open to those whom society pushed out.
From Paul Robeson and Dorothy Dandridge to Jackie Robinson, the Franklin House offered safety, dignity, and rest—serving as a sanctuary during a time when African Americans had few safe places to stay.
Dr. Franklin’s success was measured not only in his medical achievements but in the countless lives and spirits he protected. By 1954, he was known as “The South’s Richest Negro Doctor”, yet his home remained open to those whom society pushed out.
From Paul Robeson and Dorothy Dandridge to Jackie Robinson, the Franklin House offered safety, dignity, and rest—serving as a sanctuary during a time when African Americans had few safe places to stay.
Painting by Apollo Yashon
For decades, the Historic Franklin House was a vibrant center for Black culture in Mobile. It welcomed the royal court of the Colored Carnival Association (now Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association – MAMGA), hosted community gatherings, and served as a nexus for celebration, art, and achievement.
Today, this 13-room historical landmark stands as an uplifting reminder of what becomes possible when resilience meets opportunity—and how one man’s vision can inspire generations.
“The Dora” by Charles Smith &
Frank Ledbetter
For decades, the Historic Franklin House was a vibrant center for Black culture in Mobile. It welcomed the royal court of the Colored Carnival Association (now Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association – MAMGA), hosted community gatherings, and served as a nexus for celebration, art, and achievement.
Today, this 13-room historical landmark stands as an uplifting reminder of what becomes possible when resilience meets opportunity—and how one man’s vision can inspire generations.
“The Dora” by Charles Smith &
Frank Ledbetter
Built in 1924, the Historic Franklin House stands as one of Mobile’s most meaningful cultural treasures. Through decades of segregation and hardship, the Franklin House became far more than a home — it was a beacon of safety, a space for celebration, and a gathering place for Mobile’s African American community.
Today, the restored home operates as both a gallery and a living history site, honoring Dr. Franklin’s enduring impact on medicine, culture, and civil rights. Visitors walk through preserved rooms, view historic artifacts, and hear stories that reveal how one humble physician turned obstacles into opportunities for countless others.
The home served as a cornerstone of Mobile’s civic and cultural life during the Jim Crow era.
It emerged as a hub for educators, artists, and leaders, spanning from the local community to national figures. This space fostered dialogue, mentorship, and a sense of community pride and is now recognized as a site of cultural legacy.
Step into the Historic Franklin House & Gallery and walk in the footsteps of Dr. James A. Franklin, a visionary physician, community leader, and advocate whose impact still echoes through Mobile.
For a $5 donation, each person is invited to experience an intimate guided tour that brings his story—and the stories of those he served—to life through preserved rooms, cherished artifacts, and moving accounts of resilience and progress. Children 10 and under are FREE!
Choose the day and time that works best for you, then visit us at 355 N. Ann St., Mobile, AL 36603. We welcome guests Tuesday–Friday from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., with Saturday tours available by appointment.
Come connect with the legacy of Dr. Franklin and be inspired by the history that continues to shape our community.
The Franklin House serves as an intimate and culturally meaningful setting for community gatherings, civic events, meetings, workshops, private receptions, and heritage programs.
The Historic Franklin House & Gallery thrives because of people who believe in honoring the past while inspiring the future. By donating, you help preserve the home of one of Mobile’s most influential African American physicians — a man who walked miles each day to heal others, welcomed travelers who had nowhere safe to stay, and opened doors for a community seeking dignity and opportunity.
Your generosity directly supports:
Preservation of the historic home
Educational exhibits and artifacts
Community programs and cultural events
Guided tours and youth outreach
Continued operation of the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail
Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps ensure that Dr. Franklin’s story continues to uplift generations.
The Franklin House now serves as the operational home of the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail, a landmark that connects visitors with the powerful stories of Mobile’s African American community.
A visit to the Historic Franklin House & Gallery is more than a tour — it’s a chance to step into the world of Dr. James A. Franklin Sr., a man whose compassion reshaped the lives of thousands. For a $5 donation, guests enjoy a guided storytelling experience that explores the home’s historic rooms, preserved artifacts, and the cultural impact of a family who uplifted a community during the most challenging of times.
Choose the day and time that work for you, then join us at 355 N. Ann Street, Mobile, Alabama.
We welcome visitors Tuesday–Friday from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Saturday tours are available by appointment.
