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OPEN HOUSE @ Benjamin Franklin House 2023

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!

 

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Summer Break @ Ben’s House

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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

 

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Children’s Summer Fair 2023

Join us at Fulham Palace on Monday 28th August 11am-3pm for a family fun day out at our Children’s Summer Fair 2023!

We will be joined by a number of other historic houses, gardens, museums and galleries each providing an exciting workshop for all to enjoy!

Located throughout the Palace, our Fair will be taking place on Bank Holiday Monday (28th August) from 11am to 3pm. Discover the secrets of the hidden Palace, travel back in time by dressing up in historic costumes, learn how to create curly calligraphy and more.

This is a FREE family event but slots are limited so book your FREE tickets now to avoid disappointment!

All ticketing will be organised via the Fulham Palace website and can be found HERE

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Franklin’s Young Scientists: The Anatomy

Franklin’s Young Scientists is our FREE science club for aspiring scientists in Key Stage 2/3 (ages 7-12). Participants learn all about the experiments carried out by Benjamin Franklin and his British friends as well as trying their hand at practical investigations. A range of core topics from the science curriculum are covered including electricity, forces, sound and the human body.

Join us on Wednesday 4th December at 5pm as we explore THE ANATOMY and learn about the bones found buried in our basement!

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Our focus shall be the skeleton and organs that make up the human body. Can you name the largest bone in our bodies? Do you know how to assemble a skeleton from scratch? Did you know that skeletons were found beneath Benjamin Franklin House?

Our Young Scientists will also get an exciting opportunity to learn all about the bones in our basement and why they were buried here. They will also explore the history of medicine with a focus on the medical practices of the 18th century.

This is a FREE after-school workshop most suitable for KS2 and 3 pupils and anyone else with a keen interest in Science and History!

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Franklin’s Young Scientists is proudly funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution. An organisation that supports a number of our Education Events as well as our fantastic Frankly Speaking Debate Competition for schools.

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Recreating Franklin: What it Means to Bring Benjamin Franklin Alive

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.

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Franklin’s Young Scientists: THE HUMAN BODY

Franklin’s Young Scientists is our FREE science club for aspiring scientists in Key Stage 2/3 (ages 7-14). Participants learn all about the experiments carried out by Benjamin Franklin and his British friends as well as trying their hand at practical investigations. A range of core topics from the science curriculum are covered including electricity, forces, sound and the human body.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

In this session, we will carry out some exciting experiments involving THE HUMAN BODY.

Our focus shall be the skeleton and the bones that make up the human body. Can you name the largest bone in our bodies? Do you know how to assemble a skeleton from scratch? Did you know that skeletons were found beneath Benjamin Franklin House?

Our Young Scientists will also get an exciting opportunity to learn all about the bones in our basement and why they were buried here. They will also explore the history of medicine with a focus on the medical practices of the 18th century.

This is a FREE after-school workshop most suitable for KS2 and 3 pupils and anyone else with a keen interest in Science and History!

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Please note: Parents are welcome to attend, however there is a cap of one adult per child during busier sessions.

Franklin’s Young Scientists is proudly funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution. An organisation that supports a number of our Education Events as well as our fantastic Frankly Speaking Debate Competition for schools.

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Family Event: Fourth of July!

Join us afterschool to celebrate Fourth of July at Benjamin Franklin House! Learn about Franklin’s role in American independence and more!

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin played a leading role in American Independence. Without him, history would perhaps be very different.

He was the only Founding Father to sign all four historical documents that officially granted independence to America? What were these documents…? Come along to Benjamin Franklin House afterschool on Thursday 6th June 2023 at 4:30pm to find out!

As well as learning all about the history of 4th July, we will explore how the occasion has grown over the years to become one of the biggest celebrations in the USA.

You will also get a chance to craft your very own Independence Day decorations to take home or to donate to the museum for our displays!

This is a FREE family event open to all! However, the recommended age for the activities are 4-14 years old. Book tickets for all attendees to avoid disappointment!

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Our Independence Day Family Event is proudly funded by the Sons of the American Revolution. An organisation that supports a number of our Family Events as well as our fantastic Outreach Programme for schools.

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Franklin’s Young Scientists: LIGHT

Franklin’s Young Scientists is our FREE science club for aspiring scientists in Key Stage 2/3 (ages 7-14). Participants learn all about the experiments carried out by Benjamin Franklin and his British friends as well as trying their hand at practical investigations. A range of core topics from the science curriculum are covered including electricity, forces, sound and the human body.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

In this session, we will carry out some exciting experiments involving LIGHT. The session will take place on Thursday 18th May at 17:00-18:30.

Where does light come from? How is light made? How does light travel? How do we see light? These are some of the questions we will answer during the session using some interactive experiments to help consolidate learning.

Our Young Scientists will also get an exciting opportunity to learn all about Franklin’s fascinating Bifocals and how he popularised this important invention!

This is a FREE after-school workshop most suitable for KS2 and 3 pupils and anyone else with a keen interest in Science and History! The session will take place on Thursday 18th May at 17:00-18:30.

Please note: Parents are welcome to attend, however there is a cap of one adult per child during busier sessions.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

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Family Event: Coronation Celebration!

In 1761, Benjamin Franklin attended the coronation of King George III. 262 years later, London is preparing for the coronation of King Charles III. Join us at Benjamin Franklin House on Monday 1st May at 2:30pm as we take a look at the history of the kings and queens of England.

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Book your FREE tickets HERE

We will explore some of the coronations of the past to uncover what we might expect to see on Saturday 6th May. How much has changed since George III was crowned and what might be new for Charles today?

Learn about the history of this royal occasion and make your very own crown to wear on the big day!

Decipher the art of Charles III’s coronation invitation and create one for your family!

How many kings and queens can you name?

This is a FREE family event. Recommended age is 4-10 years old, but all are welcome!

Book your FREE tickets HERE

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4th of July at the Benjamin Franklin House

Spend 4th of July at the home of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin!

As the only American statesman to have signed all four of the documents that created the new nation – The Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and The Constitution – Franklin’s contributions to American independence are unparalleled!

So, come visit us to see a star-spangled Benjamin Franklin House, enjoy refreshments, and pose for a picture with Polly Hewson, who became like a daughter to Franklin during his time at 36 Craven Street.

Through our self-guided tours, walking tours, and our flagship Historical Experience, you will discover what life was like for an American in London while the colonies were on the cusp of revolution!

 

Thursday, 4 July 2024

Join us for timed visits throughout the day!

Self-guided Tours – £12.50 (plus booking fees)
Available from 10-11:30am, 11:30am-1pm, and 1-2:30pm

  • Learn about the 16 years Franklin spent here
  • Discover the rooms as they were when he left for Philadelphia in 1775 to sign the Declaration of Independence
  • See the House dressed for the occasion
  • Be tempted by American-style refreshments to complete your experience

Get your Self-guided Tour tickets here

Books and bifocals on a desk in Franklin's parlour

Walking Tours – £12.50 (plus booking fees)
Available at 3:30pm

  • Step inside the home where Franklin lived and worked for the 16 years prior to American independence before joining Tour Guide extraordinaire Brian for a walking tour of Franklin’s London!
  • Discover the rooms as they were when he left for Philadelphia in 1775 to sign the Declaration of Independence
  • Be tempted by American-inspired drinks and snacks to complete your experience

Get your tickets for the Walking Tour here

Museum Lates – £17.50 (plus booking fees)
Available from 5-6pm, 6-7pm, and 7-8pm

  • Join a self-guided tour and discover the rooms that Franklin lived and worked in for the 16 years prior to American independence
  • See the House dressed in red, white, and blue
  • Enjoy American-style refreshments and alcoholic beverages

Get your tickets for the Museum Late here

 

Friday, 5 July 2024 
Architectural Tours available on the hour between 11am-4pm

Come see the House in all its Independence Day glory, wandering from room to room to explore the fascinating history of 36 Craven Street and Franklin’s long residence here (1757-1775).

 

Saturday, and Sunday, 6-7 July 2024
Historical Experience available on the hour between 11am-4pm

Using a combination of audio-visual display and live acting, the Historical Experience dramatically tells the story of Franklin’s time in London through the eyes of Polly Hewson, the lady of the House.

Please note: the House will be decorated for Independence Day from the 28th of June forward, so pop in for a visit to see 36 Craven Street dressed for the occasion!