Massachusetts

Police: Removal of Art Installation in Franklin, Mass. Was a Misunderstanding

Police in Franklin, Massachusetts, say vandals did not destroy an art installation that had ties to a historic moment for the town, and that the removal of the art was a misunderstanding.

Students of Wheaton College Assistant Professor Kelly Goff’s public art class created an installation called "Leaving History," which was installed at the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Students created books using Tyvek and attached them to tree branches nearly 15 feet high.

"In honor of the original gift of Benjamin Franklin to the town of Franklin in 1790 of 116 books," Goff said. "Those 116 books led to the founding of the first public library in America."

Officials originally thought the installation was vandalized after pieces started disappearing Dec. 1.

Since then a town resident called police and apologized, saying the art was removed as a result of a miscommunication. No charges will be filed.

"The Franklin Police believe this to be a teaching moment." said Franklin Police Lieutenant Mark Manocchio in a statement. "Art is looked at and interpreted in different ways, by different people." Manocchio said.

Police say if you see something in the park that doesn’t look like it belongs, you should call police for clarification.

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