he Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize

The Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize launched on March 19, endowed by John Studzinski, leading banker and philanthropist, also Chairman of Benjamin Franklin House.  According to Studzinski, "Benjamin Franklin is one of history’s great figures.  While he made lasting contributions in many fields, his first passion was writing.  He believed in the power of the written word to inform and stimulate debate – as the bedrock of a democratic society."

Each year a question exploring Franklin’s relevance in our time will be open for interpretation in 1000-1500 words by two groups: young people and professional writers.  The winner of the Young Writers Prize will receive £500 while the winner of the Professional Writers Prize will receive £1000.  Entries for 2008 must be received before 15 October.  Judges of the young people’s award will include professional writers; judges of the professional writers’ award will include young people.  Winning submissions will be posted at www.BenjaminFranklinHouse.org.

For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Franklin lived at 36 Craven Street in the heart of London, England.  In 2006 his Georgian home opened to the public for the first time as a dynamic museum and educational facility.  See About the House.

2008 Theme

What is ethical journalism?  Benjamin Franklin said the effects of the written word (delivered by press in his day – in ours by a variety of media) “are more extensive, more lasting.”  What are journalists’ responsibilities and why?

Submissions

* Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize – Young Writers Award: Entrants must be between 18-25

* Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize – Professional Writers Award: Entrants must be professional writers

Entries of 1000-1500 words must be sent by 15 October to info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org.  Each entrant is asked to provide their name, address, and telephone number.  In addition, entrants for the Young Writers Award should provide their age and place of study, if applicable, while entrants for the Professional Writers Award should provide a CV.  Open to writers of any nationality currently living in the UK or US.

For more information contact Alice Kershaw at Benjamin Franklin House, 020 7839 2006 or email info@BenjaminFranklinHouse.org.