Benjamin Franklin- Founding Father with Creativity in Civic Life

Almost every weekend I jump on a bus and head down to Old City to go to the movies, not paying much attention to the fact, that well, it’s the old city of Philadelphia mostly from the 18th century with a lot of it in tact- Independence National Park.  I used to call it “history land,” when my daughter Suzanne moved here in the late 90’s to go to college.

Back then, I was really excited to be a tourist when I came to visit and would beg her to please please go there with me. I remember visiting Independence Hall, where they signed the Declaration of Independence. You used to be able to go inside Jefferson’s house to see where he wrote it.  I also loved the interactive Ben Franklin Museum. But after I moved to Philly in 2008,  all that excitement faded away as it does when cool things are in one’s own back yard.  ( How many NYers have been to the top of the Empire State Building or taken a ride on the Circle Line?)

After recently finishing my book, wide open space had me take a second look at “history land.” And an idea popped. Why not write historical fiction set in early Philadelphia? Why not do  research in my own city? There is so much to explore. I joined the Museum of the American Revolution and have been there six times already.

It was time to re-visit Ben.

The underground museum is set back from Chestnut Street in between 3rd and 4th Streets, right next to the spot where he had his last home in Philly.

I had no idea that the museum was completely redone in 2013 and it’s so wonderful. Still hands on, but much more up to date technically. And I had forgotten so much about Ben. Wowser! He was impressive!

A creative for sure. Saw a problem and worked to fix it.  With only two years of formal schooling, and a passion for books, he was curious about the world and felt a responsibility to society. He invented bi-focals, the lightning rod, the Franklin Stove and so many more.

No bookstore in Philadelphia? Create the first lending library— the Library Company, which still exists today.  Concerned with promoting “useful knowledge,”he created  the American Philosophical Society, also still in existence. Not enough schools to educate everyone? Ben creates the first non-sectarian college, which would eventually become UPenn. And he organized and funded schools for the poor. He believed that everyone was capable of learning. And sick people without care? Ben creates  Pennsylvania Hospital, the first public hospital.

What a guy. So inspiring to see where so many of these things started. And there is so much more! Right in my own back yard.  Thank you, Ben!!