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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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Breakfast Lecture with Mark Skousen

Tuesday June 6 2023, 8:30-9:30am, Benjamin Franklin House.

“Great Scot! How Ben Franklin and Adam Smith Worked Hand in Hand to Create a New Model of Prosperity”

In celebration of Adam Smith’s tercentenary (he was born in 1723), Chapman Prof. Mark Skousen, a direct descendant of Ben Franklin, explores how the American diplomat influenced the Scottish philosopher in writing The Wealth of Nations in support of free trade, laissez faire government, and American independence.

About Mark Skousen

Mark Skousen, Ph. D., is a 6th generation direct grandson of Benjamin Franklin, and has appeared as Franklin on many occasions. He and his wife completed Franklin’s Autobiography from 1757 to 1790 (“The Compleated Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin,” Regnery, 2006). Skousen is known as “America’s Economist.” He is a university professor, investment expert, and author of over 25 books. In 2022, he was appointed the first Doti-Spogli Endowed Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University after receiving “My Favorite Professor Award.” In 2018, he was awarded the Triple Crown in Economics in 2018 for his work in theory, history and education. He has the unique distinction of having worked for the government (CIA), non-profits (president of FEE), and several for-profit companies. In 2004-05, he taught economics and finance at Columbia Business School and Columbia University. Since 1980, Skousen has been editor in chief of Forecasts & Strategies, a popular award-winning investment newsletter. He was analyst for the CIA, a columnist to Forbes magazine, chairman of Investment U, and past president of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in New York. He is the editor of his own website, www.mskousen.com, and is the producer of FreedomFest, “the world‘s largest gathering of free minds,” which meets every July (www.freedomfest.com). He has written for the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Christian Science Monitor, and the Journal of Economic Perspectives, and has made regular appearances on CNBC and C-SPAN Book TV. He is the author of The Making of Modern Economics (Routledge) and The Maxims of Wall Street (Eagle Publishing). Based on his work The Structure of Production, the federal government began publishing in Spring 2014 a broader, more accurate measure of the economy, Gross Output (GO), every quarter along with GDP.

Missed out? Read about it here. 

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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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Fulbright Lecture: Extinction Rebellion, Eco-Drama, and the Myth of “Saving the World”

Lecture is now available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

Lecture outline:

The climate and ecological emergency is also a crisis of the imagination.  We find ourselves in “a space between stories” (Charles Eisenstein), struggling to find language, symbols, and mythic images with the power to wake us up, clarify our existential situation, connect us with our love for the living world, and orient us toward action.

Coming one month after mass protests around Westminster by Extinction Rebellion and a coalition of environmental groups in late April 2023, this talk will examine the climate justice movement’s use of imagery and narrative to mobilize support and capture the collective imagination.  It will also show how the media and general public often respond to the mythic outline of disruptive actions rather than to the message or intentions of the activists carrying them out.

The talk will take as its central reference point the ancient Greek myth of Erysichthon, the arrogant king of Thessaly who cut down the sacred grove of Demeter.  The dynamics of the Erysichthon story can provide us with the foundation for an expanded definition of “eco-drama,” one that includes protest and nonviolent civil disobedience as modes of socio-dramatic action.  The talk will also examine the rewards and risks in invoking that most potent of heroic narratives: the myth of “saving the world.”

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session.

About the speaker: 

DANIEL LARLHAM is a performance researcher and theatre maker with a PhD in theatre from Columbia University and an MFA in acting from NYU. He has held academic appointments at Yale University’s Theater Studies Program, the Freie Universität Berlin (as a Humboldt Foundation Research Fellow), and Saint Mary’s College of California. Daniel is spending the 2022-23 academic year as a visiting Fulbright Scholar at the University of Roehampton, London. His research project, “Heroism in the Anthropocene,” examines eco-activism in the UK from a mytho-dramatic perspective.

Location:

This is a hybrid lecture, hosted at both Benjamin Franklin House and live-streamed via Zoom. In person-attendees are invited to attend a pre-talk drinks reception in Franklin’s Parlour. Please arrive anytime after 4:30pm.

Tickets:

This lecture is free to attend in person or via Zoom, but a £5 donation is encouraged.

Booking is required.