Benjamin Franklin was one
of the most extraordinary men of the generation that
founded the United States.
Around
the world, he remains one of the best-known Americans
who ever lived. Benjamin Franklin’s achievements include
his literary work, his creation of philanthropic and
educational institutions, his significant scientific
explorations, and his service to the Nation as statesman
and diplomat. He is considered the founding father of
printing in America. Benjamin Franklin was the only
American to sign all 5 enabling documents of the United
States.
America has never forgotten Benjamin Franklin because he
wrote things worth reading, and did things worth
writing. He became famous for being a scientist, an
inventor, a statesman, a printer, a philosopher, a
musician, and an economist. Today, we honor Ben Franklin
as one of our Founding Fathers and as one of America's
greatest citizens. America. Although he was born in
Boston, the city of Philadelphia is remembered as the
home of Ben Franklin. In Philadelphia, you can find both
Ben's gravesite and the Benjamin Franklin National
Memorial at the world famous Franklin Institute, as well
as his educational legacy, the University of
Pennsylvania.
On February 5, 1824, Samuel Vaughan Merrick and William
H. Keating founded The Franklin Institute of the State
of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts.
The Franklin Institute's purpose was to honor Ben
Franklin and advance the usefulness of his inventions.
Today, more than one hundred and seventy five years
after the Institute's founding, The Franklin Institute
Science Museum continues to offer new and exciting
access to science and technology in ways that would both
amaze and delight Mister Benjamin Franklin.
Click Here for a
calendar of Ben's Birthday events in Philadelphia and at
the Franklin Institute as well in many parts of the
country and the world.
Ben Franklin 300
Philadelphia refers to the year-long commemoration of
Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday in Philadelphia and
its Countryside. The celebration will run from fall 2005
through 2006, and will focus on the world premiere of
the international traveling exhibition, Benjamin
Franklin: In Search of a Better World at the National
Constitution Center. It is being coordinated by the
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, and will include an
array of complementary exhibitions, lectures, symposia,
concerts and special events, and offers at many of the
region's historical and cultural organizations,
restaurants, and hotels.
Click Here
to go to the official Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
website at
BenFranklin300.org.
