Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A Quick Biography of Benjamin Franklin
This fact-filled article surveys the life of Benjamin Franklin.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Franklin's Philadelphia
A look at the legacy of Benjamin Franklin to the city of Philadelphia.
PBS
Citizen Ben: Founding Father
As part of a larger site about the extraordinary Benjamin Franklin, this section focuses on his being one of founding fathers of the new United States of America. Read about the three major documents he signed as a delegate and diplomat.
Other
Ben Franklin Busybodies: Ben Franklin Facts
This page presents a list of 27 facts about the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin.
Scholastic
Scholastic History Mystery: Colonial Life 2: Poor Richard's Almanack
Students try to guess the mystery subject Carlotta Facts, the History Mystery Museum's professor, is studying. They read the clues, do some online and offline research, and then attempt to identify the game's mystery item, Poor Richard's...
Other
Historical Narratives of Early Canada: One Kingdom Divisible
This web page examines Benjamin Franklin, the Boston Tea Party, First Continental Congress, and the Second Continental Congress in 1775, where Canadians were invited to attend. Learn more about the flow of revolution and loyalty on each...
iCivics
I Civics: Benjamin Franklin Mini Lesson
"The First American", Benjamin Franklin, is the only Founding Father that signed all three major documents that founded the United States of America. Students explore the many roles he took during the founding of America.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Picturing America: Powers: Benjamin Franklin [Pdf]
Analysis of Hiram Power's marble-sculpted portrait of Benjamin Franklin, which resides in the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol. Made in 1862, the sculpture convincingly captures what many consider to be Franklin's essential character.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Declaration of Independence
Describes the meeting of the Continental Congress during which the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Links to famous people present at the meeting.
Bibliomania
Bibliomania: The Autobiography, Letters, and Other Writings of Benjamin Franklin
Read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography online, along with other writings.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Benjamin Franklin's Rising Sun
Franklin, as the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention, recognized the arguments against the proposed new government and the strength of the Federalists. The essay gives insight into Franklin's views on the drafted...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Franklin's Electricity
Some research puts Franklin's electrical work in the scientific and political context of his day. An interesting point of view, one not usually found in comments of Franklin and electrostatics. Done by a professor from University of...
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: Ben's Town
Learn lessons in civic responsibility from Benjamin Franklin, whose practical solutions to the problems of city living set the standard for civic engagement in the eighteenth century and today. Read about Franklin's support for public...
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: Franklin's Thirteen Virtues
Understand the virtues valued by Franklin, and other eighteenth-century men and women, by perusing this list.
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: First Silence Dogood Letter
Read the text of the first letter Franklin wrote to the "New England Courant," in 1772, under the Silence Dogood pseudonym.
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: World of Influence
Read a five-part synopsis of Franklin's engagement with the world beyond America's borders, beginning with his celebrity status as a world-renown scientist. Includes write-ups of his time in London and Paris and of his extensive...
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life, an Electric Mind
To appreciate the contributions Benjamin Franklin made both to his own time and to ours, it is necessary to see all aspects of his public life, not just his role as a revolutionary, a diplomat, or a scientist. Each of the four sections...
University of Notre Dame
History of American Education Web Project: Benjamin Franklin
Biographical notes about Benjamin Franklin's role in the history of education in America, including his ideas about introducing science and new methodologies into school curricula.
Other
Pocantico Hills School: Benjamin Franklin: A Man of Many Talents
This student-created project site looks at the life of Benjamin Franklin and his experiments with lightning. Includes a timeline, a glossary, a printable quiz, and many illustrations.
C-SPAN
C Span American Writers: The Autobiography of Franklin
A brief summary of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Also includes an on-line sample of the work as well as links to other informational websites.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Read an online version of a 1909 Harvard Classics edition of "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," including the front matter, illustrations, and an introductory note.
![Berkeleyan: Infotainment Traced to Historical Figure [Ben Franklin] Website](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/129968-d4e8dcaccdab5c0edc04971a9910ff57.jpg?1661500779 "Berkeleyan: Infotainment Traced to Historical Figure [Ben Franklin] Website")
University of California
Berkeleyan: Infotainment Traced to Historical Figure [Ben Franklin]
Newsletter article offers a glimpse into Franklin's early journalistic career.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Middle Colonies: The Ideas of Benjamin Franklin
A brief biography of Benjamin Franklin covering his career as a printer, philanthropist, inventor, and public servant.
University of Maryland
Early Americas Digital Archive: Autobiography
The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790).