27° and Clear
Image
Above, the cover of the first English language version of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.
The reading of the entire Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin will begin Wednesday Morning at 9:30 (doors open at 9:15) at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street. The cornerstone activity of Ben Franklin Book Week, the program is made possible through a grant from the Franklin Cultural District and funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Wikipedia notes that Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.
Franklin became a successful newspaper editor and printer in Philadelphia, the leading city in the colonies, publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette at age 23.[3] He became wealthy publishing this and Poor Richard's Almanack, which he wrote under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders".[4] After 1767, he was associated with the Pennsylvania Chronicle, a newspaper known for its revolutionary sentiments and criticisms of the policies of the British Parliament and the Crown.[5]
He pioneered and was the first president of the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which opened in 1751 and later became the University of Pennsylvania. He organized and was the first secretary of the American Philosophical Society and was elected its president in 1769. He was appointed deputy postmaster-general for the British colonies in 1753,[6] which enabled him to set up the first national communications network.
He was active in community affairs and colonial and state politics, as well as national and international affairs. Franklin became a hero in America when, as an agent in London for several colonies, he spearheaded the repeal of the unpopular Stamp Act by the British Parliament. An accomplished diplomat, he was widely admired as the first U.S. ambassador to France and was a major figure in the development of positive Franco–American relations. His efforts proved vital for the American Revolution in securing French aid.
The Autobiography was written at different times during his life and was far from finished when Franklin died. Nonetheless, it is widely regarded as one of the most important documents in American history and has remained in print almost continuously.
You can still sign up for a reading slot here or just come by to listen. The event is Free.
Later on Wednesday, where will be a SPECIAL Trivia Night at Teddy Gallagher’s on Main Street. The BEST TRIVIA NIGHT South of Boston normally happens on Tuesday Nights at Teddy Gallagher’s Irish pub in Franklin. HOWEVER, In honor of Book Week, there will be an ADDITIONAL Trivia night on Wednesday, focusing on ‘bookish” topics — Come for the fun, bring your friends and a smartphone. 6:30 PM at 30 Main Street. See you there!
Thurs. 1/18 World PREMIERE, “The Boatbuilders” Pre-release Screening & Discussion Thursday January 18th. 6.30 p,m. Franklin Public Library. Join Director Gregg Seibert and Producer & Dean College Historian R. A. Lawson for a Pre-release screening of the first episode and Discussion of their new Documentary Series, “The Boatbuilders”! The docuseries uncovers the historical legacy and present-day impact of the boat building community, showcasing boatbuilders, sailors, and owners who speak to the realities of boat building today. FREE
Fri. 1/19 Get to know ‘Ben’s Books’ — Meet Reference Librarian Vicki Earls on the second floor of the Franklin Public Library, at the display case, at 2pm for the story of the books Franklin donated to our town — what are they and how did they end up in Franklin! Attendees will receive a newly published, illustrated mini-book all about THE books! FREE
Fri. 1/19 BIG Library Book Sale. Friday, January 19th, 1:00-5:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 20th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. All books are just one dollar!
Sat. 1/20 Children’s Ben Franklin Story Time. 10:30 AM at Escape Into Fiction Bookstore, 12 Main Street FREE
Sat. 1/20 Ben Franklin, America’s First Scientist — a talk and demonstration by engineer-entrepreneur John Berg, on Saturday, Jan 20, 2023 from 10 to 1 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. FREE
Sat. 1/20 Bag Sale Finale of Library Book Sale. $5 per bag!
1/20 Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin’s Glass Armonica. Among Ben Franklin’s most amazing inventions is the glass armonica (or harmonica) , a series of concentric, rotating crystal glass bowls that can be played (think of the sound of wine glass rims being rubbed). Mozart and others composed music for it. And Boston area musician and expert Vera Meyer will return to Franklin for a performance featuring many styles of music [LISTEN TO SAMPLE HERE]. Don’t miss the haunting, ethereal, and beautiful sounds of the armonica at the Franklin Public Library 6:30-8 pm. FREE (School St entrance) (NOTE: The library closes at 5 and reopens for this special event just before 6:30 pm)
1/21 Ben Franklin Considered and Reconsidered — an authorized showing of PBS interviews with modern leaders discussing the many facets of Ben Franklin. Sunday Jan 21, 2023 from 1-4 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. Audience members will be encouraged to continue the discussion! FREE
