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Get ready to celebrate one of America's founding fathers on January 17 for Benjamin Franklin Day! This day is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, a man known for his many achievements and contributions to American history. From being a prolific inventor to serving as one of the key figures in the American Revolution, Franklin was truly a remarkable individual. On this day, we can take time to reflect on his accomplishments and the impact he had on shaping our nation into what it is today. So let's raise a glass (or perhaps a kite) in honor of this great man!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1706</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Benjamin Franklin's Birth</div><div class='timeline-text'>Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17 in Boston, starting his life that would be marked with numerous notable achievements.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1731</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Library Company of Philadelphia</div><div class='timeline-text'>Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, the first lending library in America, setting the foundation for future public libraries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1752</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Famous Kite Experiment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment in 1752, proving that lightning is made of electricity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1776</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Declaration of Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1776, Benjamin Franklin signed the Declaration of Independence as a representative of Pennsylvania.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1785</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bifocals Invented</div><div class='timeline-text'>Franklin invented the bifocal glasses in 1785, improving the lives of many who have both near- and far-sighted vision.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1790</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Benjamin Franklin's Death</div><div class='timeline-text'>Franklin passed away at the age of 84 in Philadelphia on April 17, 1790, but his legacy lives on.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a kite flying competition</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Benjamin Franklin was known for his love of flying kites, so why not honor him by hosting a kite flying competition? Invite friends and family to join in on the fun and see who can fly their kite the highest.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a potluck inspired by Franklin's favorite foods</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was a food lover? Honor his legacy by hosting a potluck featuring his favorite foods, such as macaroni and cheese, apple pie, and turkey. Bonus points if you can find recipes from his own cookbook.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a tour of historical sites related to Franklin</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Plan a day trip to visit historical sites related to Benjamin Franklin, such as his birthplace in Boston, or the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. You'll learn more about his life and contributions to history while also getting to explore new places.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a "Poor Richard's Almanack" inspired art project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Benjamin Franklin was the creator of "Poor Richard's Almanack," a popular publication in colonial America. Get creative and make your own version of the almanack, filled with illustrations and humorous sayings.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a trivia night about Benjamin Franklin</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Test your knowledge and learn more about Benjamin Franklin by hosting a trivia night dedicated to him. You can find fun facts and questions online, or create your own based on his life, inventions, and achievements.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>He was a Founding Father of the United States</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Benjamin Franklin played a crucial role in the establishment and development of the United States. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence, signed the Constitution, and served as a respected diplomat and ambassador for the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>He was a man of many talents</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only was Benjamin Franklin a statesman and politician, but he was also an accomplished inventor, writer, scientist, and philosopher. His inventions include bifocals, lightning rods, and the Franklin stove, while his writings include the famous Poor Richard's Almanack.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>His legacy continues to inspire us today</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Benjamin Franklin's ideas and beliefs on democracy, freedom, and education continue to influence modern society. From his famous quotes to his pioneering scientific experiments, we are reminded of his impact on our world every day.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Benjamin Franklin invented the Lightning Rod</h3><p class='facts-text'>Eager to protect homes and other buildings from lightning's destructive force, Franklin invented the lightning rod which attracts electrical charges - like those from a lightning bolt - to its tip, and then channels them into the ground making buildings safer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Franklin created the first pair of Bifocals</h3><p class='facts-text'>Struggling with nearsightedness and farsightedness himself, Franklin invented bifocal glasses in 1734. The glasses have one area made for distance vision, and a second area for reading or other close-up work.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Franklin started America's first public library</h3><p class='facts-text'>Committed to the idea of intellectual access for all, Benjamin Franklin and friends founded America’s first lending library, “The Library Company of Philadelphia,” in 1731, changing future norms for public knowledge sharing.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Franklin was a prolific writer</h3><p class='facts-text'>Aside from his scientific pursuits, Benjamin Franklin was a notable writer, known for his wit and wisdom. His yearly publication, Poor Richard's Almanack, became a bestseller in colonial America.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Franklin played a crucial role in shaping U.S. Founding Documents</h3><p class='facts-text'>Benjamin Franklin was one of five men to draft the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and later was an active participant in the U.S. Constitutional Convention, contributing significantly to the shaping of the nascent United States governmental structure.</p></div></div>
Benjamin Franklin Day is celebrated on January 17 every year. In 2024 Benjamin Franklin Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Jan 17
Tuesday
2024
Jan 17
Wednesday
2025
Jan 17
Friday
2026
Jan 17
Saturday
2027
Jan 17
Sunday
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