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Virtual Talk: A Day in the Life of Benjamin Franklin

Thursday 7th July 2022 – 5pm BST/12pm ET

Join our Education Manager, Henry Wilkinson, as he discusses what could have been a day in the life of Benjamin Franklin whilst he resided here at 36 Craven Street over 250 years ago!

Follow in Franklin’s footsteps to unlock the secrets of success and happiness in the 18th Century. You will explore his ‘thirteen virtues’ and gain the perfect template for an orderly life, in Franklin’s own words.

From his morning routine, you’ll learn how to start the day right and pick up some excellent tips on cleanliness and healthy living, Georgian style. You also will broaden your palette to get a taste for Georgian cuisine as we explore the food and drink that was cooked up in our historic kitchen.

The talk will last roughly 1 hour and is FREE. To secure a slot, please register for the webinar here.

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Franklin’s Young Inventors Science Club: Sound

Saturday 21 May, 10:30am-11.30am. Register here to attend in-person.

Join our science club at Benjamin Franklin House, the London home of the famous Founding Father of the United States who was also a scientist and inventor. You will learn about the experiments carried out by Benjamin Franklin and his British friends as well as trying your hand at practical investigations. This week we will be exploring the core physics topic of sound.

Most suitable for Years 7-9 (ages 11-14) but all ages welcome! Franklin’s Young Inventors is free to attend but booking is essential.

Parents are welcome to join, however, if you would prefer to drop off and pick up your child(ren) we will ask you to sign a permission form when you arrive.

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Family Event: Dress Like a Georgian!

Tuesday 26th July 2022 at (11am-12pm) & (1:30pm-2:30pm)

In this Family Event, explore the fashion and style of Georgian London. Join Polly, resident of 36 Craven Street during Benjamin Franklin’s time in the house as she guides you through the history of the House and the proper attire to wear inside it!

Interactive activities will explore the different dress codes of the day with an opportunity for children to make their own Georgian hat!

Most suitable for ages 5-11, but all are welcome!

If you would like to attend the Morning Session (11am-12pm) tickets are FREE and can be booked here!

If you would like to attend the Afternoon Session (1:30pm-2:30pm) tickets are FREE and can be booked here!

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Family Event: Inside Benjamin Franklin’s Georgian House!

Tuesday 31st May 2022 – (11am-12pm) & (1:30pm-2:30pm)

This Family Event is designed to introduce children (KS1-3) to Georgian architecture, design, and history as we explore the preserved rooms of Benjamin Franklin House.

We will begin with an interactive tour of 36 Craven Street that explores how each room would have been used almost 300 years ago! In the second half of the session, families will create their very own Georgian home in an arts and crafts workshop that builds on the knowledge gained during the initial tour.

Recommended ages are 7-11 – but everyone is welcome!

Due to popular demand, there are now two sessions available for booking;

If you would like to attend the Morning Session (11am-12pm) tickets are FREE and can be booked here!

If you would like to attend the Afternoon Session (1:30pm-2:30pm) tickets are FREE and can be booked here!

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Georgian Easter Celebration!

Join us for Easter-themed crafts and games. Take part in a special Easter egg hunt inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s inventions and scientific work.

Create an Easter card, decorate eggs and make Georgian Easter bonnets!

Tuesday 5th April 12.30pm-14.30pm.

Suitable for children aged 5-11.

Book a ticket now! Tickets can be found here.

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Family Day: Children’s Christmas Fair

Saturday 11 December, 10am-11.30am. Book your free tickets here.

We’ve teamed up with friends from across the heritage world to bring a range of fun festive craft ideas to you this December! Create paper wreaths and Christmas cards with Benjamin Franklin House. Make your own angel decorations with Arts & Crafts Hammersmith (William Morris Society and Emery Walker House) and construct a snow globe with Newington Green Meeting House. There’ll be festive snacks and we’ll also play some Christmas tunes on the glass armonica, a musical instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin while he lived in London!

Most suitable for ages 5-11.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions:

  • We are limiting bookings to 30 people so please book a ticket for each adult and child in your group
  • We will be managing the flow of people throughout the morning to ensure that there are only ever 10 visitors on each floor
  • Activities will take place in a well-ventilated historic space with hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes available
  • All staff and adult visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering

For further details, please contact our Education Manager.

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Live History Class for Kids: The 7 Years’ War

Thursday 9 December, 4.30pm GMT/11.30am ET. Register here for this 30-minute class.

Join our virtual history classes on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4.30pm GMT to learn about to key events in early American history. Together we will uncover the past and develop historical skills!

In this class, we’ll find out about the 7 Year’s War when Britain and France went to war over the colonies. We’ll explore how this sewed the seeds of the American Revolution and create a timeline to help us remember the key stages of the conflict.

Activity materials: paper and pencil/pen

Most suitable for KS2 and KS3 (US Grades 2-8) but all ages welcome!

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Live History Class for Kids: The Original 13 Colonies

Thursday 11 November, 4.30pm GMT/11.30am ET. Register here for this 30-minute class.

Join our virtual history classes on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4.30pm GMT to learn about to key events in early American history. Together we will uncover the past and develop historical skills!

In this class, we’ll discover how the original 13 colonies were founded then run and the industries which developed there. We’ll then create our own historic map of early America!

Activity materials: paper, pencil and coloured pencils

Most suitable for KS2 and KS3 (US Grades 2-8) but all ages welcome!

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Franklin’s Young Inventors Science Club: Electricity and Magnetism

Saturday 27 November 10am-11:30am. Register here to attend in-person.

Join our science club at Benjamin Franklin House, the London home of the famous Founding Father of the United States who was also a scientist and inventor. You will learn about the experiments carried out by Benjamin Franklin and his British friends as well as trying your hand at practical investigations. This week we will be exploring the core physics topic of electricity and magnetism.

Most suitable for Years 7-9 (ages 11-14) but all ages welcome!  Franklin’s Young Inventors is free to attend but booking is essential.

Parents are welcome to join, however, if you would prefer to drop off and pick up your child(ren) we will ask you to sign a permission form when you arrive.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions:

– We are limiting bookings to 15 people so please book a ticket for each adult and child attending

– Activities will take place in a well-ventilated historic space with hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes available

– All staff and adult visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering

Virtual Alternative

If you would prefer to learn with Benjamin Franklin House remotely, you can sign up here for a 30-minute science class via Zoom at 4.30pm GMT/11.30am EST on Tuesday 16 November. If you would like to recreate the magnetic materials experiment, you will need a magnet and a selection of objects.

Please note that the session will be recorded. A parent, carer or teacher should register on behalf of participants. By registering, participants agree to follow our Online Safety Agreement. For more information, contact our Education Manager.

Funding for Franklin’s Young Inventors has generously been provided by the United States Government and the DAR Walter Hines Page Chapter.

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Ben’s Book Club: ‘Incomparable World’ by S I Martin

Join us for the October instalment of Ben’s Digital Book Club, a monthly virtual gathering looking at themes relating to Benjamin Franklin, the 18th century, and American history.

This month S I Martin will do a reading and discuss his book Incomparable World which reimagines 1780s London, showcasing the untold stories of African-American soldiers grappling with their post-war freedom. Bursting with energy and vivid detail, Incomparable World boldly uncovers a long-buried narrative of black Britain.

S. I. Martin is a museums consultant and author, specialising in Black British history and literature. He is the author of several books of historical fiction and non-fiction for teenage and adult readers, including Britain’s Slave Trade (written for Channel 4 to tie in with its documentary of the same name), Jupiter Amidshops, Jupiter Williams and Incomparable World.

You can order a copy or e-book here (UK) or here (US).   

Watch the full talk below: