Benjamin Franklin House
While participating in a walking tour of Trafalgar Square, my guide led us through a winding alley to Benjamin Franklin House. It was so exciting to see such an historic place, near Trafalgar Square. I made sure to reserve a booking for the next day!
Benjamin Franklin House is in the heart of London, on Craven Street, near Charring Cross and Embankment stations. For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Dr Benjamin Franklin – scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor, and Founding Father of the United States – lived behind its doors. It’s as though Benjamin Franklin, a master of creative thinking, designed the museum and educational facility himself, given its focus on breaking new ground.
True to Franklin, who said he’d been born too soon, it celebrates innovation and enlightenment. Visitors have two different ways to experience the building. Architectural tours on Mondays; and the Historical Experience show, which runs from Wednesday through to Sunday. On Tuesdays school groups participate in science activities in the Student Science Centre free of charge.
The Historical Experience uses the historic spaces where so much took place as a stage – blending live performance, sound, lighting, and visual projection to tell the important story of Franklin’s London years in his own words. The dramatic show illuminates a unique moment in Anglo American history: the last days when Britain and America were still united. Franklin played a key role in efforts to keep the two nations together, though during his years at Craven Street, his influence and investigations extended beyond diplomacy to science, invention, philosophy, music, and more. The Historical Experience features the voices of Emmy-award winning actor Peter Coyote as Franklin, and Academy Award-nominated actress Imelda Staunton as Margaret Stevenson, Franklin’s landlady.
The Student Science Centre focuses on Franklin’s scientific enquiries – from electricity and lightning rods to the invention of his armonica – and gives young people hands-on opportunities to enhance their historical knowledge and satisfy their scientific curiosity. Like Franklin, Benjamin Franklin House believes that scientific discovery should be accessible to all, and thus their educational services are free of charge. To date, they have served over 11,000 schoolchildren.
This Georgian townhouse is the world’s only remaining Franklin home and opened to the public for the first time on Franklin’s 300th birthday in 2006. Built circa 1730, today it is a dynamic museum and educational facility. It was a fascinating morning spent learning about Benjamin Franklin’s time here in London, and the interesting house he lodged in. As I glanced at the guestbook, I saw comments such as“It was the most exciting museum I have ever seen”and “Very well done. Put a human touch to a very interesting part of history”. It is apparent visitors from all over the world have enjoyed their visit to Benjamin Franklin House as much as me!
Box Office Open Daily: 10.30am – 5pm. Last admission 4.15pm. (Closed 24 – 26 December). Historical Experience Admission (Wednesday – Sunday): £7.00 Adults; £5.00 Concessions (Senior, Student, Disabled); Children (under 16) Free.
Architectural Tours Admission (Monday only): £3.50; Free for Concessions (Senior, Student, Disabled); Children (under 16) Free.
For further information visit: www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org
By Angela Flottemesch
