FRANKLIN—Boy Scout Troop 17 is celebrating 100 years of continuous existence in June this year.

A weekend celebration is planned for June 7-9, when a new Scout Shack will be dedicated, among other planned activities, including church services, camping and demonstrations.

Alumni troop members and scoutmasters are invited back for this gala event and current Troop 17 Scout Master Brian Fenters and Assistant Scout Master Tom Jones IV are asking for assistance.

Jones said this week that several years of troop records are missing from the archives. He wants to hear from adult leaders and former scouts, wanting names, addresses, the highest rank achieved and the number of years in Troop 17. He is particularly searching for the years 1970-1980, as well as 1983, 1986, 1994 and 1995.

He asks that anyone, from any of those years and other years as well, to contact them via email at troop17.100th@gmail.com.

In addition, the troop wants any photos or memorabilia former members and leaders may have tucked away, to use for display during the June event or for current troop members to photograph and catalog.

Also, an oral history is being compiled and Jones is urging any out-of-town alumni to record themselves and send in a video clip to the troop’s email address. “It can just be a short clip of the person telling who they are, who their scout master was, what years they were members and their favorite scouting memory,” explained Jones.

He stressed that these clips could be from leaders and scouts alike, adding that if those who live in the area can just send in their contact information, the troop will arrange to set up a local video session with assistance from current Troop 17 scouts.

Troop 17 has a long and rich history, with continuous sponsorship from High Street United Methodist Church for the entire 100 years. The new Scout Shack is located on the church’s property on Clay Street, where the new church building is now situated.

While not the only Troop in the U.S. with continuous sponsorship, Fenters indicated that they are one of few.

Discussing the anniversary, Jones and Fenters indicated there had been several three-generation family members who are alumni and importantly, Troop 17 has had120-plus Eagle Scouts over the years.

If you know of former Troop 17 alumni, please ask them to email their information to troop17.100th@gmail.com and help these historians gather what they need to make the 100th anniversary even more memorable.

More details about the events planned for June 7-9 will be forthcoming, but former leaders and members are urged to save the date and plan to attend.