Ben Franklin: Son of Boston
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.
| date | time |
|---|---|
| Jul. 4, 2010 | 4:00 pm |
| Jul. 5, 2010 | 4:00 pm |
| price | group |
|---|---|
| $15 | per person |
| $12 | special harborfest price |
| $5 | members |
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.”
Celebrate and learn the life of Benjamin Franklin by walking among the sites of his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston.
To the Author of the New-England Courant.
Sir,
I shall here present your Readers with a Letter from one, who informs me that I have begun at the wrong End of my Business, and that I ought to begin at Home, and censure the Vices and Follies of my own Sex, before I venture to meddle with your's: Nevertheless, I am resolved to dedicate this Speculation to the Fair Tribe, and endeavour to show, that Mr. Ephraim charges Women with being particularly guilty of Pride, Idleness, &c. wrongfully, inasmuch as the Men have not only as great a Share in those Vices as the Women, but are likewise in a great Measure the Cause of that which the Women are guilty of. I think it will be best to produce my Antagonist, before I encounter him.
Silence Dogood
May 28, 1722
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.
On November 13, 1718, lighthouse keeper George Worthylake, his wife, and daughter drowned on their way back to Boston Light. An enterprising 12-year old Ben Franklin wrote a poem called the Lighthouse Tragedy and hawked copies on the streets of Boston.
From his many inventions, creation of civic, philanthropic, and educational institutions, to his his roles in the founding of America, his legacy is immeasurable.
