This summer at Benjamin Franklin House we are running a series of historical skills workshops for all the family to enjoy!
Try your hand at writing with a quill in our Calligraphy workshop, strike a pose in our Portraiture workshop or handle some real historical artefacts in our Archaeology workshop!
All workshops are FREE, but tickets must be booked to secure a place. BOOK HERE.
______________________________________________________________
Calligraphy – 10th August 2023
Explore the home of one of the most famous figure from American history, Benjamin Franklin, who lived in London for almost 16 years! Inside you will get a feel for 18th century London as well as the rooms where Franklin wrote some of his most famous letters.
Learn all about Benjamin Franklin’s life as a successful printer, author and the first US Postmaster General! You will even get a chance to see one of Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten letters up close!
Create your very own letter from the 18th century as we roll up our sleeves for some good old fashioned dip pen writing! Write a letter using parchment paper and our collection of brightly coloured quill pens! Use Georgian handwriting guides to help create some beautiful writing!
______________________________________________________________
Portraiture – 17th August 2023
Explore the home of one of the most famous figure from American history, Benjamin Franklin, who lived in London for almost 16 years! Inside you will get a feel for 18th century London and find the perfect backdrop for your very own portrait!
Examine the interesting details and meanings hidden within some of the most famous paintings in the world as well as those featuring Benjamin Franklin himself!
Create a fantastic self-portrait of yourself and fill it with your very own hidden meanings and messages!
______________________________________________________________
Archaeology – 24th August 2023
Unearth the secrets of 36 Craven Street. Why are there human bones in the basement? How did they get there? Who were they? We will explore the history of the undercover secret school that operated in the house whilst Franklin was in residence!
Examine real artefacts from the past to work out what they are and how old they might be!
Create your very own model of a human skeleton as we learn all about the anatomy and explore medicine in the 18th century.
______________________________________________________________
Each workshop has three sessions to choose from throughout the day. If you would like to book tickets, please do so via our Eventbrite page here.
As a front-of-house volunteer on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays you will be a vital aspect of our visitor experience. You will provide a warm welcome to visitors, introduce our main offering the Historical Experience and conduct Q&A sessions, process ticket bookings/sales, and more.
