PLAN A SCREENING EVENT

Franklin’s accomplishments were astonishingly varied, making him a timely subject for all sorts of organizations. Like-minded organizations can make great partners for sponsoring and attending BENJAMIN FRANKLIN screening events. The following list is intended as a brainstorming tool to help you think of community groups whose missions resonate with the story of Benjamin Franklin.

Clips related to specific topic areas and possible local Franklin experts are available upon request. For more information, contact Erika Stenrick at Twin Cities Public Television by calling (651) 229-1484 or e-mailing estenrick@tpt.org.

Civic Duty

Franklin truly believed in mobilizing the power of community. In 1727, he started the Junto–a group of tradesmen who wanted to improve themselves and their community. The Junto was an early forerunner to organizations such as the Rotary Club and became one of the colonies’ first networking societies.

Possible partners: Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Club of America

For more information about Franklin’s original community club, the Junto, visit:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_citizen_networker.html

Education

Franklin helped level the playing field for American education by helping found the first circulating library in America and establishing several schools during his lifetime.

Possible partners: Local schools and public libraries

For more information about Franklin & education, visit:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l2_citizen.html
Then, click on “timeline” to see the many institutions he founded. Click on a specific timeline event to learn more.

Founding Father

Franklin was the only person to sign all three documents that founded this country–The Declaration of Independence, The Treaty of Paris and the Constitution.

Possible partners: History museums and centers, government organizations and local politicians

For more information on Franklin’s contributions towards U.S. independence, visit:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_citizen_founding.html

Human Rights

Towards the end of his life, Franklin challenged common beliefs and became the only founding father to actively campaign against slavery.

Possible partners: Local human and civil rights groups such as NAACP and Amnesty International

To learn more about Franklin as an abolitionist, visit:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_citizen_abolitionist.html

Publishing

The first American political cartoon, an ongoing Almanac, an autobiography, and dozens of newspapers all owed their existence to Franklin.

Possible partners: Any journalism groups, publishers, newspapers and community journals.

For more information on Franklin’s publishing endeavors, visit the following links:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l2_wit.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_wit_name.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_wit_read.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_wit_master.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_wit_franklin.html

Health

Franklin strongly believed in the health benefits of physical fitness. In fact, he remains the only founding father inducted into the swimming hall of fame.

Possible partners: YMCA, YWCA, city recreation programs, hospitals, community health programs.

For more on Franklin and health, visit:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_inquiring_medical.html

Music

Both Beethoven and Mozart both composed for an instrument that Franklin actually invented–the glass armonica.

Possible partners: both professional and school music ensembles

For more about the glass armonica, visit:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_inquiring_glass.html

Science

From harnessing electricity to charting the gulf stream, Franklin’s scientific discoveries gave him recognition on the world stage.

Possible partners: local science and technology museums, inventor clubs, schools
Also, see our outreach activity page – Planning a Kite Flying Event

To learn more about his multitude of inventions and discoveries, visit:
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l2_inquiringmind.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_inquiring_medical.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_inquiring_weather.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_inquiring_little.html
http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_inquiring_mesmer.html