It’s all about the Benjamin

As Benjamin Franklin approaches the big 300, it’s time to take a closer look at the man who helped shape our nation. 

When you think of Benjamin Franklin, what comes to mind?  A long-haired man flying a kite in a storm?  Someone in bifocals reading at the library?  A Founding Father signing the constitution?  If you said yes to any of those you are right.  Benjamin Franklin did all of those things and so much more. 

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing – Ben Franklin

Ben did both.  A true renaissance man, he is famous for being a scientist, inventor, statesman, printer…..the list goes on, and on, and on…

Ben the Scientist

Scientists are curious about how things work.  They want to understand why things are the way they are and make them better if they can.  Ben Franklin was curious about lighting.  He thought it was an electrical current in nature.  To test this, he needed to see if lightning traveled through metal.    So he tied a metal key to a kite and flew it during a storm.  When inventing the light bulb, Thomas Edison used Ben’s discoveries about electricity to make light people could use in their homes. 

        Don’t want to wait for a storm?  Make Your Own Lightning

Although Ben was fascinated by lighting, he also knew it was dangerous.  He wanted to make sure buildings and people were safe, which brings us to….

Ben the Inventor

Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod to attract lighting and stop it from hurting anyone.

He also invented bifocals so he could keep the same pair of glasses on and see both near and far. 

People used to heat their houses with a fire place.  Not only was this dangerous, but it also used a lot of wood.  Like all inventors, Ben Franklin saw a problem and looked for a solution.  He created an iron stove (Franklin stove), which was not only safer but could keep houses warm using much less wood.

Interested in being an inventor?

Click here to learn more . You can play games, take quizzes and learn how you too can be an inventor just like Ben. 

Benjamin Franklin also created the first fire department and fire insurance company.  So, if your house ever catches on fire, you not only have the firefighters to thank for putting it out, but also Ben.  He’s the reason they’re there. 

Perhaps what Ben is most known for is being one of our Founding Fathers…

Ben the Statesman

Not only did Ben Franklin sign both the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution, he helped write them. 

Speaking of writing….

Ben the Printer

At 22, Ben opened up a printing press in Philadelphia that published a newspaper called the Philadelphia Gazette and Poor Richard’s Almanac.  He is also famous for many colorful sayings such as “a penny saved is a penny earned.”  If you want to read more of his sayings and try to figure out what they mean, click here.

Books for All!!

When Ben was alive, books were very expensive and not everyone could afford them.  He was a strong believer that all people, not just the wealthy, should be able to read.  So, in 1731, Ben established the first library that checked out materials.  From then on, anyone who wanted to read had access to books.  I think we should all thank for that! (Especially me, without him I wouldn’t have a job)

A Timeline of Ben’s Life

Didn’t get enough Ben?  Need more?  Click here to learn everything you could ever want to know about the man who helped make America what it is.    

Go. GO. Go do it now.  Go learn more about him and stop talking about it.  Because as the wise man said “Well done is better than well said.”

Or come on into Flenniken and check out some of our great Benjamin Franklin books.  Here are just a few to get you started...