To find out more, or book a place for an event, please call 020 7839 2006 or email info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org
Benjamin Franklin House Newseum Gala a Success!
Our World of Possibilities endowment campaign was launched in great Franklin style – with fun, wit, and substance – on 3 June 2009.
The day began with a breakfast for over 40 hosted by British Ambassador, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, Chairman of the World of Possibilities, at his exquisite residence in Washington. In his welcome, the Ambassador set the tone for the day, declaring Benjamin Franklin House to be a jewel in the British American crown. Celebrated British architect, John McAslan, highlighted opportunities for the future with a description of his pro bono designs for a new, glass visitors centre in what today is an open air courtyard and Sir David Frost gave a delightful taster of his evening talk on US-UK differences and similarities from his unique vantage point.
The Newseum, so close to the White House, which stands like Franklin for free speech and a free press, was the perfect venue for the gala. As Franklin noted in 1776, “the people have a right to freedom of speech, and of writing and publishing their sentiments, therefore the freedom of the press ought not to be restrained.” Over 175 guests, including sponsors KPMG, joined us for the sparkling evening proceedings. Mr. Robert H. Smith, a Newseum founding partner, and a key supporter of Benjamin Franklin House, for whom our Scholarship Centre is named, opened the dinner. He noted Benjamin Franklin House’s mission in sharing Franklin’s spirit of humanity, dignity, and honesty, and his unique legacy in London, which still has much to teach us today. The Ambassador made an amusing and apt comparison between Benjamin Franklin and Sir David, two icons treasured on both sides of the Atlantic, before Sir David entertained all with tales of his amazing life as the interviewer of Britain and America’s leaders over the last forty years.
Take a virtual walk down Craven St!
When you have clicked on the link type in 36 Craven St, London and when the map loads up click the small orange man on the left hand side. This will allow you to see Benjamin Franklin House from the outside in 3D!
Richmond University helps Benjamin Franklin House
Communications students from Richmond University have created new
posters for the Historical Experience conveying its drama and excitement!
Britain's Guardian Newspaper Highlights Literary Prize Giving
The 15 January 2009 edition of the Guardian gave a mention to the Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize giving reception! See a copy. Find out more about the Literary Prize.
Read about the 2008 Literary Prize at media partner the Telegraph Online.
Monday Lunchtime Lecture Series
Fire From The Sky: Benjamin Franklin and the Lightning Rod
Monday 16 March, 1pm
House Operations Manager, Alice Kershaw, uncovers the connection between Franklin’s famous – and dangerous – discovery of lightning as “electrical fluid” and his role as a political firebrand.
£5/£3.50 Friends and Concessions. To book: call 020 7839 2006 or email info@BenjaminFranklinHouse.org
The Inventive Series
Benjamin Franklin House is not your average museum. Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's innovation and love of laughter and music, we are pleased to introduce our new Inventive Series:
The Comedy Experiment
Wednesday, 22 April, 2009, 7pm
Tickets £8/ £5 Friends & concessions
Comedians test their Franklin wit.
Craven St Lecture Series
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Shaping America: Franklin and the Constitution
Lady Reid, Benjamin Franklin House Governor and the UK's foremost Franklin expert, will lecture on Franklin's role in founding America.
Tickets £5/£3.50
Wednesday, 3 June 2009, 6.30pm
Benjamin Franklin House featured in Conservative History Journal
Historian pronounces Benjamin Franklin House 'well worth a visit!'
To read the full article click here.
