Franklin Exhibit at Upcountry History Museum Celebrates Black History

The Upcountry History Museum celebrates the beloved Peanuts character whose introduction in 1968 helped break racial barriers and showed generations of children the power of representation.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Sometimes, the biggest changes begin with the simplest moments. For Charlie Brown, it was losing a beach ball. For Franklin, it was returning that ball and becoming part of American history.

On July 31, 1968, readers of the beloved Peanuts comic strip met Franklin, the first Black character to join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and the rest of the gang. His introduction came during one of the most turbulent periods in American history, just months after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Nearly six decades later, Franklin’s story continues to resonate, and visitors to Greenville’s Upcountry History Museum can discover the history behind the groundbreaking character in a special exhibition on display through November 1.

A Simple Friendship That Made History

Franklin’s introduction wasn’t accidental. It was the result of a determined Los Angeles schoolteacher named Harriet Glickman, who believed that representation in popular culture could help change racial attitudes.

Following King’s assassination in April 1968, Glickman began writing to Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, encouraging him to introduce a Black character into the nationally syndicated comic strip.

According to Kristen Pace, Director of Community Outreach at the Upcountry History Museum, Schulz wanted to approach the introduction thoughtfully. Glickman, however, wasn’t willing to let the idea fade away.

She continued writing and encouraged Black friends to share their perspectives with the cartoonist. Eventually, Schulz introduced Franklin in a storyline that began with Charlie Brown meeting him at the beach.

There was no dramatic announcement or elaborate explanation about race. Just two children meeting, talking and becoming friends.

That simplicity made the moment all the more powerful.

At a time when the country was wrestling with segregation, civil rights and racial division, Franklin offered readers something meaningful: a Black child who belonged.

Schulz later reflected on the response to Franklin’s introduction, noting in 1970, “I have wanted to introduce a Black character for some time…the reaction was tremendous. We got quite a stack of mail saying, ‘thank you.’”

An Exhibition That Connects Generations

The exhibition, simply titled Franklin, made its Southeastern debut at the Upcountry History Museum in June. Organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in California, it brings together original comic strips, historical correspondence, memorabilia, books, toys and interactive activities.

Among the most compelling pieces are letters exchanged between Glickman and Schulz, offering visitors a firsthand look at the conversations that helped bring Franklin to life.

For Pace, those letters are a highlight of the exhibition.

“My favorite part are the letters from Harriet Glickman, writing to Charles Schulz, trying to encourage him to introduce a Black peanut’s character to the Peanut’s gang.”

The exhibition also explores the origins of Franklin Armstrong’s last name through the story of cartoonist Robb Armstrong.

While adults may appreciate the historical significance, younger visitors are discovering Franklin through the same medium that introduced him to the world: comic strips.

Pace says families often spend time reading the strips together, with children studying the illustrations and following the stories frame by frame.

The experience creates an opportunity for grandparents, parents and children to connect across generations, sharing memories of a comic strip that has been part of American culture for decades.

Black History Is American History

For the Upcountry History Museum, bringing Franklin’s story to Greenville was about more than celebrating a beloved cartoon character. It was also an opportunity to explore how Black history is woven into everyday American life.

Pace says the museum makes a deliberate effort to feature exhibitions highlighting Black history.

“Black history is American history. American history is Black history.”

That commitment is particularly meaningful in an exhibition that examines a pivotal moment in the civil rights era through something as familiar and approachable as a comic strip.

Franklin’s arrival in Peanuts helped introduce the idea of interracial friendship to millions of readers at a time when those relationships were still challenged by racial prejudice.

And while the exhibition is colorful, playful and filled with nostalgia, its message reaches far beyond the funny pages.

Franklin’s story is a reminder that representation matters, that ordinary people can influence change, and that even a simple act of friendship can make history.

For Black families in the Upstate, the exhibition also offers an opportunity to introduce younger generations to a character who quietly helped open doors in American popular culture.

After all, Franklin wasn’t a superhero. He didn’t need extraordinary powers to make an impact.

He simply showed up, made a friend and reminded the world that Black children deserved a place in the story, too.