Vintage Film
This 15-minute video leaves little for me to complain of, a sweet review of classic Franklin reverence. I know nothing of its creation. MSN Posting
Queen Street, Derby
I was delighted and proud to receive word that earlier today, November 14, 2024, the building at 27-28 Queen Street in Derby was added to the National Heritage List for England by Historic England, designating it as a building of special architectural or historic interest, and giving it legal protection. This building has been the …
Welcoming Ben & Me
Eric Weiner’s new book (Ben & Me) comes out this month, and Politics and Prose is hosting some opening ceremonies on June 12th. I enjoy Eric’s work, and find this book to be a wonderful introduction to Franklin and a thoughtful exploration of his life, locations and lessons by a very companionable writer. Reflections on …
Franklin’s Printing Network
At long last, I have read Benjamin Franklin’s Printing Network: Disseminating Virtue in Early America by Ralph Frasca (University of Missouri Press, 2006). The author covers his topic well: the various people Franklin worked with in the course of repeated attempts to start subordinate businesses around North America. The importance of bookkeeping, especially keeping track …
The Coronado Couple
More a personal capturing of a tumultuous quarter-year than a Franklin tribute, my latest window is nonetheless founded on Franklin’s nostalgia for France and his friends there.
Locating Franklin’s Print Shops
One nice result of the celebrations of October 6, 2023 in Philadelphia was that Roy Goodman put me in touch with Richard Armandi, a long-time Franklinian who is particularly interested in the original locations of Franklin’s printing businesses. The suggestion from Franklin Court is that all of Franklin’s business was housed on that property, which …
Franklin’s Arrival – 300th Anniversary
Franklin first arrived in Philadelphia on October 6, 1723, and the 300th anniversary is easy to celebrate!
Franklin in Boston
There’s plenty to talk about, so it’s time to start a list.
Armonica Articles
Some of the better articles on Franklin’s armonica:
Art in the Capitol
The Washington Post today published an exclusive report surveying the works of art in the U. S. Capitol showing slaveholders and supporters of the Confederacy as well as enslaved people. It begs the wearying search for the location of the new line, to be drawn somewhere between the Robert E. Lee statue erected in a …