Spring 2026 Conference – “Remember the ladies”: Women and Revolution

Call for papers!

“Remember the ladies”: Women and Revolution

London, May 2026 (Exact times and locations TBC)

 

In March of 1776, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband, advising him to “Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors.” An eighteenth-century woman, – albeit a woman of relative means – Abigail witnessed first-hand acts of resistance great and small performed by the women of her generation. She stressed that women, like the men who sacrificed alongside them during the American Revolution, were not only deserving of fair laws that promoted equality, but also that her sex was more than capable of fomenting revolution in the face of marginalisation.

 

Yet, while women have historically played vital roles in revolutionary processes, their social, political, cultural, and intellectual contributions remain overlooked and undervalued.

 

We mythologise the infamous ride of Paul Revere, but little is known about the story of Sybil Ludington. When Jean-Paul Marat was assassinated for his fierce written tracts, he was viewed as a martyr; yet, Olympe de Gouges was sentenced to death for demanding equal rights for women and people of colour. The historical record is ripe with accounts of how Toussaint Louverture inspired the people of Saint-Domingue and transformed a burgeoning rebellion into a full-fledged revolution, but we less frequently hear about Cécile Fatiman and the immense courage she instilled in the enslaved people of Haiti as both a revolutionary and a priestess.

 

This conference aims to highlight the legacies of women whose lives were uniquely shaped by resistance, not just during the age of revolution, but also in more modern social movements.

 

Dr Megan King (Public Engagement Manager, Benjamin Franklin House), who specialises in eighteenth-century radicalisation and mobilisation, will spearhead a program of keynote speakers, paper presentations, and 10-minute ‘lightning talks’ to unpack works in progress. We welcome submissions from a range of research interests and disciplinary perspectives, and we particularly invite submissions from PGR students, ECRs, and those employed in the heritage sector.

 

Please email abstracts of no more than 500 words to Dr Megan King at supervisor@benjaminfranklinhouse.org by 10th November 2025.

Dr. Márcia Balisciano bids farewell to Benjamin Franklin House

After more than 20 years of dedicated service as Director, Dr. Márcia Balisciano MBE, will bid farewell to Benjamin Franklin House on 18 September 2025.

We are grateful for Márcia’s exceptional contribution which turned a derelict building, Franklin’s only surviving home, into a thriving museum and educational facility. 

Among her achievements has been delivering a vibrant presentation of Franklin and his London story and legacy for over 170,000 visitors, along with engaging public programming, including more than 500 public events, and ensuring that the House’s free educational provision benefitted more than 50,000 children.

Over the course of her tenure, she raised more than £5 million pounds, while building strong partnerships with a range of organisations and individuals on both sides of the Atlantic.

As she leaves to take on a new project, we warmly wish her all the best in her endeavours and look forward to partnering with her again in the future.

While we recruit Márcia’s successor, if you have any questions please contact Dave Morse (director@benjaminfranklinhouse.org) who will address your query to the most appropriate person.

Spooky Storytelling: BFH After Dark

Join us for a candlelit evening of poetry, prose, and spooky storytelling — from ghostly tales to chilling poems, experience original performances in a historic Georgian home!

Get tickets here!

Spirits of Craven Street: Candlelit Halloween Tours

 

Join us for a candlelit after-hours tour featuring findings from a recent paranormal investigation!

 

See Benjamin Franklin House by candlelight and enjoy an eerie evening exploring the Georgian home that once served as an 18th-century medical school, a Victorian hotel, and the headquarters of a WWII-era clandestine network. You’ll even have a chance to play our glass armonica — which has a haunted history of its own!

 

Get tickets here!

£18 per person with refreshments included

Family Event: Autumn Craft Fair

Enjoy a free family day out celebrating nature and biodiversity!

Throughout the day, you can take part in activities from museums across London. Learn about anatomy with Benjamin Franklin House, explore patterns and symmetry with the William Morris Society and investigate tree rings with Fulham Palace. Step outside to meet birds of prey with London Falconry, journey through your imagination with storyteller Bridget, or discover your own voice with poet Adisa ‘The Verbaliser’.

  • Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025
  • Time: 11am-3pm
  • Where: Fulham Palace (Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, London, SW6 6EA)
  • Tickets: FREE!

Event details:

  • This is a free drop-in event.
  • Suitable for ages 3+.
  • This event takes place throughout the Palace’s historic rooms.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • This event is in partnership with Benjamin Franklin House, William Morris Society, Battle of Britain Bunker, Boston Manor House, Hogarth’s House and Leighton House.
  • This event may be photographed. Please speak to a member of staff on the day for any questions or concerns.
  • For any questions or concerns about this event, please get in touch with a member of our team by emailing reception@fulhampalace.org.

BOOK FREE TICKETS HERE

 

Benjamin Franklin – Great Lives – BBC Radio 4

Our Chairman, John Studzinski, appeared on the latest episode of the BBC Radio 4 programme, Great Lives, to discuss Benjamin Franklin.

 

Listen Now

 

Matthew Parris heads to the house where Benjamin Franklin lived for almost 17 years to meet banker and philanthropist John Studzinski.

Franklin was born in Boston when it was still a part of the British empire, ran away to Philadelphia and lodged near Charing Cross at 36 Craven Street in London for over a decade. He was an agent for the Pennsylvania assembly, and also an ambassador to Paris where he helped persuade the French to join the breakaway American states in their war against the British.

His nominator John Studzinski is chair of the board that runs the Benjamin Franklin House in London and says that he would have loved to have been the great man’s apprentice.

Joining the conversation is Professor Kathleen Burk who admires Franklin the enlightened writer but is less sure about his treatment of his wife. Kathleen Burk is author of Old World, New World: Great Britain and America from the Beginning.

Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize 2026: Competition Launch!

We are pleased to announce the launch of our annual Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize for 2026, with a quote specially chosen for America’s Semiquincentennial (250th) Year!

SUBMISSIONS OPEN 17TH SEPTEMBER 2025.

Each year a question or quote exploring Benjamin Franklin’s relevance in our time is open for interpretation in 1000-1500 words.  The competition is open exclusively for young writers, aged 18-25, with a first prize of £750, and a second prize of £500.

Winning entries will be published online at www.BenjaminFranklinHouse.org  and https://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Details:

The Franklin quote for 2026 – America’s Semiquincentennial Year (250 Years since the Declaration of Independence);

“A republic, if you can keep it.”

Benjamin Franklin’s response to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” – Monday, September 17, 1787

  • Submissions Open: 9am, Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
  • Submission Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
  • Entries of 1000-1500 words must be sent via email to education@benjaminfranklinhouse.org;
  • Emailed submissions must have the following subject – “[Your Name] Literary Prize 2026 Submission”;
  • Entries must be attached in email as a Microsoft Word Document only;
  • Entrants must be aged 18-25 years and living in the UK;
  • Each Entrant is asked to provide their name, age, preferred email, postal address and phone number within the email. In addition, entrants should provide a short biographical note in the email body detailing their current activities;
  • Entrants may submit only one entry; fiction or non-fiction;
  • This is a free-to-enter competition.

After submissions close, we will announce 6 shortlisted young writers in December 2025/January 2026.

In early 2026, these writers will then be invited to an award ceremony at Benjamin Franklin House to celebrate their work, meet the judges, and see their entries on display. The winner and runner-up will also receive their prize money and see their work published online at Benjamin Franklin House and The Telegraph.

As part of our America 250 celebrations, we have selected a quote from Benjamin Franklin that reflects on his long lasting legacy as well as direct involvement in American independence. We welcome young writers to reflect of Franklin’s timeless words and apply them to our society today.

The 2026 Literary Prize Judges are;

  • Lord Guy Black – Executive Director of the Telegraph Media Group
  • Wendy Moore – English journalist, author, and historian
  • Dr. Huw David – Development Director at Wolfson College, University of Oxford
  • Rory Sutherland – Vice Chairman of Ogilvy Group and Board Member of Benjamin Franklin House
  • Henry Wilkinson – Head of Education at Benjamin Franklin House

Franklin’s Fantastic Frequencies!

Franklin’s Fantastic Frequencies!

FREE Kids Event

Calling all curious young minds! Join us for a fun and educational event where kids will:

Learn about the Armonica – play and learn about a fascinating instrument with a rich history!
Explore the science of sound – how vibrations create pitch, tone, and music.
Get hands-on and invent their own simple instrument using household materials!

 

Perfect for ages 6-10 this FREE event blends science, music, and creativity in one unforgettable experience. 🎵🧪🎉

 

📅 Thursday 28th August 2025 from 10am – 11am
📍 Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF
🎟️ Limited spots – RSVP now!

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT – BUT WALK-IN TICKETS MAY BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

Get your tickets here!

Life Drawing at Benjamin Franklin House

Life Drawing at Benjamin Franklin House

 

✏️ Join us for an inspiring evening of life drawing in the Benjamin Franklin House. Draw a model in period dress, in the beautiful Georgian interior of Benjamin Franklin House, once home to the Founding Father himself. Complimentary drink included in ticket price!
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this session offers a relaxed, supportive space to sharpen your skills and enjoy a unique creative experience.

🗓️ Wednesday 13th August 2025
🕕 6–8 pm
📍 Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF
💷 £19 (includes a glass of red or white wine) | £15 concession rate (students, over 65s)
✍️ All skill levels welcome, recommended for ages 18. Materials provided

Get your tickets here!

4th of July

Celebrate the Fourth of July with us! 🎆

We are delighted to invite you to the Benjamin Franklin House for a day full of history, exploration, and celebration.

🏠 Enjoy self-guided tours at your own pace.
🚶‍♀️Join our guided walking tours to dive deeper into the history of London.
🍾 You don’t want to miss our evening happy hour with a complimentary drink

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the United States as we commemorate Independence Day in style.
Learn about the 16 years Franklin spent here and walk in his footsteps. Discover the rooms as they were when he left for Philadelphia in 1775 to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the museum in a whole new light.

⏰ Drop-in visits from 10am – 3pm
⏰ Walking tours at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm
⏰ Happy hour at 4pm – 6pm

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.

Staff are available throughout the House to support your visit and answer questions.