Ben’s 319th Birthday Bash
Join us for an after-hours tour of Benjamin Franklin House to celebrate Ben’s 319th birthday, complete with a glass of prosecco and a slice of birthday cake!
- explore the London home that Franklin knew and loved for nearly 16 years
- hear fun facts about 18th century birthday celebrations,
- try your hand at playing ‘Happy Birthday’ on Franklin’s Glass Armorica, and
- toast the man of the hour!
The event will start at 5pm, and capacity is limited.
Note: party hats strongly encouraged!
Click here to purchase tickets here via Eventbrite!
Thanksgiving at Benjamin Franklin House
Join us on Thanksgiving Day!
9-11am: FREE drop-in social for postgraduate students
Whether you’re an American studying abroad, you have an interest in American studies, or you’re just hoping to celebrate Thanksgiving in the home of one of the United States’ most preeminent founding fathers, we hope you’ll join us a hot drink and a Thanksgiving treat! We’d love you meet you and hear about your research interests and experiences.
1-2:30pm and 3-4:30pm: Architectural Tour & Talk
Join us for a tour of Benjamin Franklin House, which will include autumnal refreshments and a talk on Benjamin Franklin and Native American relations in pre-Revolutionary Pennsylvania by Dr. Megan King (University of Kent).
Tickets for the Tour & Talk should be pre-booked here.
2024 US Election Debate with Justin Webb
Join moderator Justin Webb, the BBC’s first North America Editor, Host of the Today Programme, and BFH’s Journalist in Residence, for a debate between Kristin Wolfe of Democrats Abroad UK and Greg Swenson of Republican Overseas!
Attend in person or online on Thursday, 24 October, with a chance to ask your own questions on who is best placed to lead the United States over the next four years: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.
BOOK TICKETS
Ben’s Book Club Returns!
We’re proud to be hosting an array of accomplished historians who have kindly donated their time to walk us through some of Franklin’s practical lessons and words of wisdom, fascinating friendships and connections, and contributions to American literacy.
Book your free tickets here.
Buy a copy of our featured works below:
Summer Walking Tours
We’re pleased to announce the return of our Summer Walking Tours on July 25th and August 22nd!
Join tour guide extraordinaire Brian to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of Benjamin Franklin’s 18th-century London! From famous thoroughfares to hidden streets, you’ll uncover a layer of London history and learn about its transformation over the last 200 years.
Starting at our doorstep, our expert guide will lead you around our local area to follow the steps Franklin would have taken whilst living and working here just prior to the American Revolution. As a witness to George III’s coronation on September 22, 1761, we will also be retracing the steps that Ben might have taken on that historic day!
Thursday, July 25th at 3pm
Thursday, August 22nd at 3pm
If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact Front of House Manager Megan at supervisor@benjaminfranklinhouse.org.
The Coercive Acts – Response to the Boston Tea Party
THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOSTON TEA PARTY TOOK PLACE IN DECEMBER 2023
What happened afterwards in the lead-up to the American Declaration of Independence?
Join us at the National Archives for an afternoon debate!
SATURDAY 1st JUNE 2024
13.00 – 15.15 HRS
The National Archives, Bessant Drive, Richmond TW9 4DU
Tickets £10 available via this link
It’s 1774 and the tea party is over. Britain is shocked at the colonists’ blatant disregard for the law and sovereignty. It is time to respond.
You are cordially invited to join the Walter Hines Page Chapter, NSDAR (National Society Daughters of The American Revolution) and the Kew Society as we explore the Coercive Acts of 1774, a key element in the lead-up to the Declaration of Independence.
The afternoon begins at 1pm and will feature a display of original documents related to the Coercive Acts held by the National Archives and a debate between the colonists and the British.
Timings:
Document display at 1pm – 2pm
Debate begins at 2pm between the Colonists & Parliament
Q&A from audience at 2.30pm
Document Display continues at 2.45pm
Event ends at 3.15pm
Café stays open till 4pm
WHOSE SIDE WILL YOU BE ON?
Dr Tristram Hunt: ‘The Radical Potter: Josiah Wedgwood and the Transformation of Britain’
Join Benjamin Franklin House and Dr Tristram Hunt on 16th November @ 17.30, 36 Craven Street
An entrepreneur, abolitionist and beacon of the Industrial Revolution, Josiah Wedgwood was perhaps the greatest English potter. From his kilns in Stoke-on-Trent he changed the production of ceramics in Georgian England. Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and author of the acclaimed new biography of Wedgwood, The Radical Potter, calls him the ‘Steve Jobs of the 18th century’ for the way he changed consumer culture, and the impact and extraordinary contribution he has had globally. In this talk, Hunt will also explore Wedgwood’s life beyond the pottery and looks at his radical politics, including his friendship and admiration for Benjamin Franklin, who he regarded as an enlightened thinker, fellow patriot, and loyal customer.
Limited tickets available, £15 –> Book now
After Dark at Craven Street
Thursday 26 and Monday 30th October 2022, 2pm-7pm.
Are you ready to explore the darker side of Benjamin Franklin House?! Join us for an after-hours experience this Halloween to hear of haunted happenings at our Historic House.
- See Benjamin Franklin House transformed for the occasion and experience a eerie evening in an original Georgian home
- Hear the spine-chilling stories of the cadavers that were found in our basement
- Immerse yourself in our small and spooky candle-lit rooms
- Listen to the haunting tones of Franklin’s Glass Armonica
There might even be some tasty treats (or tricks) along the way…
Your history-lovers Halloween starts here!
Limited capacity with timed entry. Book Thursday 26th or Monday 30th to secure the tour time of your choice.
£10 per person (plus booking fee), refreshments included.
