Happy Birthday Benjamin Franklin!

 

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was a leading figure in early American history who made lasting contributions to the nation. 

He served as a U.S. diplomat, helped write the Declaration of Independence, and was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention. Franklin was the first Postmaster General of the United States, a respected inventor, and the author of Poor Richard’s Almanac. He also promoted education and public access to knowledge by founding the first free public libraries in America. 

As leading Founding Father, he is known as "the First American" because he helped make the Thirteen Colonies into one nation.

Learn more:

LOC.gov: Benjamin Franklin, the Pragmatic Innovator

PBS: Benjamin Franklin | A Film by Kens Burns video playlist

PDS Learning Media: Who was Benjamin Frankin?

USCIS: Benjamin Franklin

USCIS: A More Perfect Union: Memorial to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

POP Quiz: 

100:68.  What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?

128:85.   Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.