Celebrate and learn the life of Benjamin Franklin by walking among the sites of his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston.

portrait of Benjamin Franklin

Richard Saunders writes his first almanac in 1732. Poor Richard's humorous sayings, advice and predictions were popular from Philadelphia to the King of France.

Portrait of Benjamin Franklin by Jean-Baptiste Greuze in 1777. Image courtesy Wikipedia.

In his day, Benjamin Franklin was America's greatest scientist, inventor, diplomat, humorist, statesman, and entrepreneur. Ben was born in Boston, came of age in Philadelphia, and was the darling of Paris.

photo of Benjamin Franklin's birthplace

While it isn't common knowledge that Franklin's roots are here in Boston, the address where he was born had been the subject of confusion. Mark Twain came to our rescue in 1870 to sort it all out in his essay, The Late Benjamin Franklin.

“He was twins, being born simultaneously in two different houses in the city of Boston. These houses remain unto this day, and have signs upon them worded in accordance with the facts. The signs are considered well enough to have, though not necessary, because the inhabitants point out the two birth-places to the stranger anyhow, and sometimes as often as several times in the same day.”

Benjamin Franklin was born on Milk Street in 1706. January 17 or January 6 depending on which calendar you use. Photo by Tom Coppeto. 2007.

From his many inventions, creation of civic, philanthropic, and educational institutions, to his his roles in the founding of America, his legacy is immeasurable.

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