Tours

Benjamin Franklin, Scotland & the EnlightenmentJoin us from August 29-September 6, 2010.

Another journey begins as the Friends revisit Scotland and explore the time Benjamin Franklin visited and met with the intellectuals of the eighteenth century. We will hear from experts on David Hume, Adam Smith, James Watt, Henry Home (Lord Kames), and Joseph Black and learn about their relationship with Franklin and their contributions to the Scottish Enlightenment period. During our visit we will spend time in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St. Andrews. Here’s a “wee bit” of our schedule:

In Edinburgh: The Library of The Royal Society of Physicians for a presentation by Iain Milne, Sibbald Librarian and Morrice McCrae, College Historian, entitled “Enlightenment Evidence.” The presentation will include some of the colorful personalities and practices of the period at the place where Franklin, Hume and others discussed science, knowledge, and the revolution as well as documents to view. We will enjoy a city tour of both New Town and Old Town, the later being the hometown of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, John Paul Jones, John Knox and many other renowned Scots. We will visit the Royal Society of Surgeons, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the City Chambers, and the University of Edinburgh, enjoy our private Welcome Dinner at the home of Robert Louis Stevenson, and our Farewell Dinner at Prestonfield House the historic home of Alexander Dick where Franklin visited and wrote memorable letters for five days during his 1759 visit.

In Glasgow: Franklin visited Glasgow in both 1759 and 1771. He met scholars, printers, and Americans learning new trades. We are privileged to have Dr. Crawford [Dr. Ronald Crawford’s article appears in this Gazette.] and Strathclyde University host our visit to Glasgow. Dr. Crawford has arranged for lunch at the university as well as a small exhibition of John Anderson memorabilia just for the Friends. We will also visit the University of Glasgow for a tour of the historic campus. Professor Andrew Skinner, one of the world’s greatest authorities on Adam Smith, will discuss the lifelong connections Franklin developed with Smith and the scholars of Glasgow.

In St. Andrews: Franklin visited St. Andrews and the university that had presented him in absentia the degree that made him “Dr. Franklin.” During that visit there was an academic reception given Franklin and William when they came to town. We will tour the campus, view Franklin related artifacts with the curator and learn about Franklin’s St. Andrews time. Lots of time to explore St. Andrews, shop, and see the most famous St. Andrews Golf Course. In the evening we will travel to a small little town of Pitlochry, where the landscapes will amaze you. We will enjoy dinner and a play at the quaint Pitlochry Theatre before heading home.

This is but a “highlight” view of what is to be a most splendid, entertaining, educational, not to be missed tour. Full tour information will be sent to all members in the mail. Check the Friends website for updates. Questions about the tour should be directed to Kathy DeLuca. kathydeluca@friendsoffranklin.org or 856-833-1771.


As in our last visit, Professor Peter Jones, FOF Member, will be our local host and will open doors for us at various universities and sites that are related to Franklin and his contemporaries. During our tour, we will be visiting many fascinating places where Franklin and his contemporaries once stood and benefit from the great knowledge of our expert speakers and guides.

Our Continental Airlines flight departs from Newark, NJ [Gateway cities will be arranged through Continental] on August 29th. We return from Edinburgh to Newark on September 6. Hotel accommodations are reserved at The Hotel George [www.principal-hayley.com] on the fashionable Princes Street, just a fifteen minute walk from Edinburgh Castle.

We will limit the tour to approximately 35 participants. In order to price the tour appropriately, we need to ascertain who will be traveling with us to develop our per person cost. If you are serious about attending the tour, please complete the form below and mail with a $100, fully refundable, deposit per person by December 31st. After that, we will accept participants depending upon spots available.

We hope you will join us on this exciting excursion! For a full brochure please contact Kathy DeLuca at 856-833-1771 or by email at kathydeluca@friendsoffranklin.org.