Dive deeper into Benjamin Franklin’s life and science through the museum’s collection of Frankliniana—artistic depictions, original scientific instruments, and more.

Frequently Asked Benjamin Franklin Questions
Learn about the life and accomplishments of Philadelphia's favorite founding father, Benjamin Franklin.

The truth behind Franklin's kite-in-a-thunderstorm experiment
Everybody knows that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite, with a key attached, in the middle of a thunderstorm as an experiment. This was to prove that lightning is electricity, but how much of this story is true?

The Many Musical Talents of Benjamin Franklin
Scientist, inventor, statesman, writer … composer? Benjamin Franklin’s talents extended far beyond his writing desk and workshop and into the world of music. He had strong opinions about the popular music of his day, but what of his own musical endeavors?

Benjamin Franklin’s Inventions
Benjamin Franklin was many things in his lifetime: a printer, a postmaster, an ambassador, an author, a scientist, a Founding Father. Above all, he was an inventor. Learn more about some of Benjamin's most significant inventions.

Did Benjamin Franklin Invent Daylight Savings?
Find out the truth behind the "invention" of daylight savings time, and learn about how the whole tradition started.

Franklin's Lightning Rod
Learn the history of Franklin's Lightning Rod and the spark of Benjamin's curiosity.

7 Things Benjamin Franklin Never Said
Always quick with a bon mot, Benjamin Franklin has been quoted and paraphrased endlessly. The problem? He didn’t say everything that’s been attributed to him.

5 Places to See Benjamin Franklin Art in Philadelphia
Learn about where you can see Benjamin Franklin monuments, statues, memorials and other works of art scattered throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Franklin's Glass Armonica
"Of all my inventions, the glass armonica has given me the greatest personal satisfaction." - Benjamin Franklin
Learn more about Ben Franklin and his glass armonica.

Benjamin Franklin: The Original Hipster
Enjoy The Franklin Institute's original web comic looking at our eccentric namesake and his impact on American culture.

Nini Medallion
Discover the history of Benjamin Franklin and the Nini Medallion.

The Truth Behind The National Bird Dispute
Everyone says that Benjamin Franklin wanted the National Bird to be a Turkey over an Eagle. Discover the truth behind this situation once and for all.

Benjamin Franklin's Famous Quotes
Benjamin Franklin has said many things during his lifetime. Learn about his famous quotes.

Benjamin Franklin Snowflake Patterns

Unpacking "Ben Franklin's Song"
In December 2017, The Decemberists released “Ben Franklin’s Song,” with lyrics written by Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda. Find out three things they got right, and one that's not true at all.

Electricity
Spark your curiosity about the wonders of electricity in this classic exhibit inspired by our namesake, Benjamin Franklin.