Benjamin Franklin was a prolific inventor and a lover of music, inventing the glass armonica. Join us to explore his process of invention and create your own instruments to take home.
Tuesday 28th May 10.30am-12.30pm.
Most suitable for children aged 5-11.
Book via eventbrite.
In the run up to American Independence Day, Dr. Simon Werret will explore fireworks in Benjamin Franklin’s time, highlighting the differences and similarities between celebrating with in 18th century Britain and America. Simon will reveal how Franklin’s famous electricity experiments are connected to the history of fireworks.
Thursday June 28, 6.30pm
Book tickets via eventbrite
Step back in time and experience the House in true eighteenth-century style this winter, with our festive candlelit tours. Mulled wine and mince pies in Franklin’s parlour before exploring the House and its unique history.
Thursday 6 December, 6.30pm
Thursday 13 December, 6,30pm
Thursday 20 December, 6.30pm
£10/per person
Book tickets via eventbrite
An American Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings will take place at magnificent Clothworkers’ Hall. Roast turkey (and stuffing and vegetables and of course pumpkin pie) will be a highlight. Franklin, in addition to suggesting the turkey become one of America’s national symbols, practised cooking it as part of his early work on electricity.
Thursday 28 November, 7.30pm
Tickets: £90/Adults £50/Children
Further details or to book email info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org
At a time when there seem to be few fixed points on the political landscape it might seem that election results at least can provide fixed points from which to look at the current and potential future of party politics in the USA. Philip Davies- Professor Emeritus of American Studies, De Montfort University and Former Director, Eccles Centre for American Studies, The British Library- will reflect on the lessons that can be taken from the US elections of Tuesday 6th November and whether they provide a reasonable lens through which to look forward to 2020.
Wednesday 14 November, 6.30pm
£6/per person
Books tickets via eventbrite
Explore the darker side of the 18th century’s pursuit of knowledge with the team at Benjamin Franklin House. As you make your way through the Grade I, Georgian building you’ll discover why over 1200 bones were unearthed in the basement. Drink included.
Saturday 27 October, 6pm and 8pm
£10/per person
Book tickets via eventbrite
Children will meet Polly Hewson, daughter of Franklin’s landlady, to hear some ghoulishly good Hallowe’en stories followed by gruesome games including Pumpkin Trick or Treat and Pin the Spider on the Web.
Tuesday 23 October, 4-5pm
Suitable for children aged 5-11 years of age
Book your free tickets here.
For centuries, unqualified practitioners have sold miracle cures, raising hopes that their nostrums and devices will end the misery of illness.
In this talk, relevant to the House’s connection to medical history, Caroline Rance of www.thequackdoctor.com looks at the ‘quacks’ of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, exploring how they persuaded people to trust them, what the medical profession thought of them, and why patients have consistently seen them as an attractive option.
Thursday 13 September, 6.30pm
£6/per person
Book your tickets via eventbrite
Thursday 19 September, 7pm
We will be hosting an evening in keeping with Franklin’s love of 18th century music in association with our Craven Street neighbours, the Concordia Foundation, which serves young musicians.
Anna Kondrashina on flute and Lise Vandersmissen on harp will delight us with a recital that aims to reflect Franklin’s creative way of thinking in their music choice and interpretation.
£25/per person, includes refreshments
For more information please email info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org
Our annual Summer Fete will take place in collaboration with special guests from the world of heritage, and will include activities for all the family. The Fete will be held in the lovely gardens of Leighton House Museum so bring a picnic!
Saturday 4 August, 11am-4pm
Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ
Book free via eventbrite.
Donations welcome
Follow us to get the latest information on upcoming events, specials offers and more.
