Join our virtual history classes on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 3pm GMT to learn about key aspects of the Georgian period, when Benjamin Franklin was living in London. Together we will uncover the past and develop historical skills!
In this class, we’ll take a look at fashionable society in Georgian London. We’ll use primary sources to help us understand what life what life was like for members of the upper, middle and lower classes. Then we’ll try some writing of our own, putting ourselves in the shoes of people from the past.
Activity materials: paper, pencil/pen
Most Suitable for KS2 and KS3 (US Grades 2-8) but all ages welcome!
Please note that the session will be recorded. By registering, participants agree to follow our Online Safety Agreement
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Georgian-Society.jpg10721935Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2021-01-21 08:51:102021-02-02 16:52:50Live History Class for Kids: Georgian Society and Class
Join our virtual history classes on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 3pm GMT to learn about key aspects of the Georgian period, when Benjamin Franklin was living in London. Together we will uncover the past and develop historical skills!
In this class, we’ll take a look at the kings and queens that ruled during this time as well as the key events that took place during their reigns. We’ll think about the importance of chronology when learning about the past and make our own timelines!
Activity materials: paper, pencil, ruler
Most Suitable for KS2 and KS3 (US Grades 2-8) but all ages welcome!
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Georgian-Kings-1.jpg7841880Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2021-01-14 09:32:432021-04-20 18:57:38Live History Class for Kids: Georgian Kings and Queens
Join us for the February instalment of Ben’s Book Club, a monthly virtual gathering looking at themes relating to Benjamin Franklin, the 18th century, and American history.
This month we will be talking to Vincent Brown about his book ‘Tacky’s Revolt: The Story of an Atlantic Slave War’, a gripping account of the largest slave revolt in the eighteenth-century British Atlantic world, an uprising that laid bare the interconnectedness of Europe, Africa, and America, shook the foundations of empire, and reshaped ideas of race and popular belonging.
In the second half of the eighteenth century, as European imperial conflicts extended the domain of capitalist agriculture, warring African factions fed their captives to the transatlantic slave trade while masters struggled continuously to keep their restive slaves under the yoke. In this contentious atmosphere, a movement of enslaved West Africans in Jamaica (then called Coromantees) organized to throw off that yoke by violence. Their uprising—which became known as Tacky’s Revolt—featured a style of fighting increasingly familiar today: scattered militias opposing great powers, with fighters hard to distinguish from noncombatants. It was also part of a more extended borderless conflict that spread from Africa to the Americas and across the island. Even after it was put down, the insurgency rumbled throughout the British Empire at a time when slavery seemed the dependable bedrock of its dominion. That certitude would never be the same, nor would the views of black lives, which came to inspire both more fear and more sympathy than before.
Vincent Brown, Charles Warren Professor of American History and Professor of African and African American Studies, Harvard University. He directs the History Design Studio and teaches courses in Atlantic history, African diaspora studies, and the history of slavery in the Americas. Brown is also the author of The Reaper’s Garden: Death and Power in the World of Atlantic Slavery (Harvard University Press, 2008), producer of Herskovits at the Heart of Blackness, an audiovisual documentary broadcast on the PBS series Independent Lens.
You can purchase a hardcopy of ‘Tacky’s Revolt: The Story of an Atlantic Slave War’ here. You can purchase the Kindle edition here.
This event is free of charge but please consider making an online donation here to support the work of Benjamin Franklin House.
Watch the full session below:
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screenshot-2021-01-12-at-13.41.51.png336455Caitlin Hoffmanhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngCaitlin Hoffman2021-01-12 13:44:332021-02-18 17:09:53Ben's Book Club: 'Tacky's Revolt' by Vincent Brown
Join us for the January instalment of Ben’s Book Club, a monthly virtual gathering looking at themes relating to Benjamin Franklin, the 18th century, and American history.
This month we will be talking to Michael Bundock about his compelling narrative, ‘The Fortunes of Francis Barber: The story of the Jamaican slave who became Samuel Johnson’s heir’, which chronicles a young boy’s journey from the horrors of Jamaican slavery to the heart of London’s literary world, and reveals the unlikely friendship that changed his life.
Francis Barber, born in Jamaica, was brought to London by his owner in 1750 and became a servant in the household of the renowned Dr. Samuel Johnson. Although Barber left London for a time and served in the British navy during the Seven Years’ War, he later returned to Johnson’s employ. A fascinating reversal took place in the relationship between the two men as Johnson’s health declined and the older man came to rely more and more upon his now educated and devoted companion. When Johnson died he left the bulk of his estate to Barber, a generous (and at the time scandalous) legacy, and a testament to the depth of their friendship. There were thousands of black Britons in the eighteenth century, but few accounts of their lives exist. In uncovering Francis Barber’s story, this book not only provides insights into his life and Samuel Johnson’s but also opens a window onto London when slaves had yet to win their freedom.
Michael Bundock is a barrister, a trustee of Dr Johnson’s House and Chair of the Johnson Society of London. He is an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of English Language and Literature at UCL.
You can purchase a copy of ‘The Fortunes of Francis Barber’ from the online shop at Dr Johnson’s House here. Click here to find out more about this Grade I listed historic town house which was Samuel Johnson’s home. You can support the charity which preserves the house and runs its vibrant education and events programme here.
You can also purchase the Kindle edition of ‘The Fortunes of Francis Barber’ here.
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Michael-Bundock.png325452Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2020-12-22 16:21:542021-01-21 11:55:37Ben's Book Club: 'The Fortunes of Francis Barber' by Michael Bundock
Hannah Lund, Assistant Curator at Leighton House Museum will show us how to make paper cranes using origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, to bring us good luck for the coming year.
Although Frederic, Lord Leighton never visited Japan, he was fascinated by the art and culture of this country. He collected lots of beautiful Japanese artworks and objects, like the exquisite golden screen decorated with cranes that he kept in his studio. In Japanese folklore, cranes are said to live for 1,000 years and so are a symbol of a long life, and are thought to bring good luck.
To complete the activity, all you will need are squares of paper – these could be origami paper squares, squares you cut yourself or even sweetie wrappers!
Watch the video below:
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Leighton-House.jpg569606Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2020-12-12 14:21:322020-12-12 23:09:47Virtual Children's Christmas Fair: Leighton House Museum
Arts and Crafts Hammersmith (a collaboration between Emery Walker’s House and the William Morris Society) will show you how to make angel peg dolls based on William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones angel illustrations, tapestries and embroideries.
To complete the activity, you will need: a wooden peg, a sheet of kitchen roll, a glue stick, a pair of scissors, felt tip pens, biro pen or pencil, a helpful adult, printed worksheet
You can download the worksheet here and watch the video below:
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arts-and-Crafts-Hammersmith.jpg264393Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2020-12-12 11:47:312020-12-12 19:18:26Virtual Children's Christmas Fair: Arts and Crafts Hammersmith
Have you every wondered how Benjamin Franklin might have celebrated Christmas, while he was living in London at 36 Craven Street? Join our Education Manager for this live session and learn all about Georgian Christmas traditions. You’ll also find out how you can make your own simple festive wreath at home!
To complete the activity, you will need: 1 paper plate, wrapping paper, scissors, PVA glue (or tape), ribbon or string, stickers and other decorations
Watch the recording below:
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Xmas-Wreaths.jpg1125750Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2020-12-10 14:39:472020-12-12 16:58:31Virtual Children's Christmas Fair: Benjamin Franklin House
John Wesley’s House is an 18th century townhouse, where John Wesley, one of the main founders of the Methodist Church, lived from 1779 – 1791.
Christmas at the House is a special time, when we’d usually decorate the House and welcome visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas. This year we are delighted to be joining in with Benjamin Franklin House’s Children’s Christmas Fair to share some of this with you virtually!
Join Gemma, Learning and Community Engagement Officer at John Wesley’s House to explore a little of the building’s history and learn how to make your own personalised Christmas Angel.
To complete the activity, you will need: 1 paper plate, paper, decorative paper (optional) scissors, tape, felt tip pens
Watch the recording below:
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Paper-Plate-Angel-1.jpg13371495Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2020-12-09 19:20:002020-12-12 23:03:00Virtual Children's Christmas Fair: John Wesley's House
For over 300 years people have gathered at Newington Green Meeting House to ask questions, work together and learn more about the world. Inspired by the many scientists that have called Newington Green Meeting House home – we are going to conduct our own festive science experiment. Amy Todd, Community and Learning Manger at Newington Green Meeting House, will show you how by manipulating how materials react with eachother – and with the help of some paint and glitter – you’ll be able to make your own mini snow storm in a jar!
To complete the activity, you will need: a glass jar, white paint, alka seltzer, glitter
Watch the recording below:
https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Snow-Globe.jpeg315560Henry Wilkinsonhttps://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bfh_web_logo_white_retina.pngHenry Wilkinson2020-12-09 19:01:312020-12-12 23:03:39Virtual Children's Christmas Fair: Newington Green Meeting House
