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.
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.
Buy a copy of our featured works below:
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Our Education Manager, Henry Wilkinson, will be delivering a FREE virtual talk chronicling Benjamin Franklin’s life in London. Using the wealth of information that we can pluck from Franklin’s papers, the talk will explore his life in 18th century Britain.
REGISTER FOR THE ZOOM WEBINAR HERE
From his morning routine, to what he would have ate for breakfast, the talk will look into the day to day living of a person living in London over 250 years ago. What food did Franklin eat? What entertainment did the city offer? Who did he dine with? What past times would he have engaged in? What did he get up to in the historic rooms of 36 Craven Street? All these questions and more will be answered from the man himself allowing us to create a day in the life of Benjamin Franklin.
The talk will last roughly 1 hour and is FREE. There will also be a Q&A session after the talk for all those wishing to uncover more about Franklin.
REGISTER FOR THE ZOOM WEBINAR HERE
PLEASE NOTE: The Zoom webinar will begin at 5pm UK time.
We’re taking part in Open House 2023!
We’ll be free to enter and open on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th; Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September.
Visitors will be able to walk around at their own leisure
This is a drop-in open day, so there is no need to pre-book. To prepare and save time upon arrival, please download our guide on Bloomberg Connects. The app offers a ‘Self-guided Tour’ which we recommend visitors follow, as well as behind the scenes content and exclusive talks.
10am – 4pm – entry times on the hour.
Plan your day here!
Join us on the 15th October for Ian Ruskin‘s one-man play exploring the life and achievements of the great Enlightenment figure and Founding Father, Thomas Paine.
“Our world would be a less enlightened place, were it not for this man.” – Ruskin
Run time: 1h 15 followed by Q&A session
Tickets £15 –> Book now
6 July 2023, 7pm
Join BFH Playwright in Residence, Michael London, and Royal Shakespeare Actor Keith Bartlett for an evening of bringing Benjamin Franklin alive in readings from the plays New World and Treason. Keith, who has played Franklin on stage and screen, will join together with Mike who has written several works on Franklin and his son William.
They will share their talents and a discussion of what it means to bring Benjamin Franklin alive to new audiences, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Tickets cost £5. Secure your seat here.
