Q. When and where did he live? A. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) He was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony. A runaway servant who became a master printer, in London then returned to Philadelphia and in his senior years, he traveled to Great Britain and Western Europe, finally returning again to the "City of Brotherly Love."
Q. What did he do?
A. Dr. Franklin -known by others as:
A Civic Leader An Inventor A Statesman A Diplomat An Abolitionist A Philosopher An Essayist He was most proud to be known as a PRINTER. He loved to read, write and make observations of nature. He flew a kite one summer night and made a discovery that lightning and electricity are, one in the same. He started a library, a hospital, a fire company, a school and more. He was one of America’s first humorists and political cartoonists. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the U.S Constitution (1787). He read with his grandchildren.
Q.What type of programs and presentations are available?
A.Programs are tailored for the age & interest of the group.Examples
Ben's Story: The most popularprogram.An overview of his life, with wit and humor.Highlighted with the Kite Story of 1752. Would you like to help fly the kite? Great for all ages 5-95 Let Freedom Ring:(1760?s-1790) Dr. Franklin will help you draw upon the question.Can we govern ourselves?A Declaration + A Revolution + A U.S. Constitution =Results "A New Republic" Colonial Days:The early days with tales 1600-1790. Who darns the socks & gathers the wood?Great for young children. The Laws of Nature and of Nature's God:A tribute to indigenous education and Ben?s kinship with nature including tales of John & William Bartram's travel to East Florida. Great for Eco-Heritage tours. Virtues & Values: Guiding Principles.Perhaps a "How to" for identifying your own values.Learn about the JUNTO and the Leather Apron Club.Great for team building and uniting people for a cause. Conversations with Ben:What would you like to ask Ben?An interactive program for the stage, or the classroom, the office or the conference room, the garden or a fireside chat.Great for small or large groups.
North Carolina, 2008: Dr. Franklin visits with B.F. Students
Q. Why should we consider having Ben visit with us?
A. To Help Bring History To Life!
SCHOOLS: You can do more than just meet the state education standards… you can exceed them by providing the students with an interactive program to promote READING, SCIENCE and the ARTS. Do not delay --- the students are counting on you to invite Ben Franklin. The results: Better Readers –Better Learners -- Better Citizens.
LIBRARIES: After all Ben was the founder of our public library system and promoted the need for education via the library. Ben is a great fit for your “story hour” --ages 5-95. Request a program soon.
BUSINESS: Ben opened the gates to our trade and entrepreneurship in the 1720’s with his desire to be self employed. His business ideas of Free Enterprise helped develop our nation. Send for "Ben" to attend your next business seminar or business promotional event.
ORGANIZATIONS / CIVIC GROUPS: Make it fun and educational. After all, your group has the right to enjoy freedom to assemble because Ben and others took a stand against a tyrant. Ben can do more than just add life into your programs. He may put money into your organization. Call today, to schedule a program and or ask about a fund raising event or for Ben to visit with you.
Q&A for 5th graders
Q.What have others said about his programs? A.Many adults have said “I learned more in 45 minute than I learned in any 2 years of schooling.” When Dr. Ben Franklin walks into the room, his historic past follows close behind. Citizens of all ages are compelled to listen and learn as he weaves a tapestry of tales of times past. OldKingsElementary School, Bunnell,Florida, He added a touch of realism to our Colonial Christmas party.Green Cove Springs Junior High, Green Cove Springs, Florida. This is learning as it should be informative, entertaining, and engaging, Ben Franklin will leave everyone with an understanding and a vision of history that will not be forgotten. Darnell-CookmanMiddle School, Jacksonville, Florida The 3rd graders loved it and were still talking about it for weeks. Doctors Inlet Elementary, Doctors Lake, Florida. We highly recommend him to any teacher who wishes to give students a hands-on experience with American history!JordanGlenSchool, Archer, Florida Comments from other:Fantastic, Very Enjoyable, Very Educational, Very Well Presented. I like the easy going narrative & the printing press model. I enjoyed the description of Thomas Jefferson & the rocking chair, I loved the kite story and butter churn. He gets kid interest in asking question. I think he is Ben Franklin. The kids have become more interested in reading since Ben visited with us. Thank You Ben.
Art with tour group at Fort Picolata, FL
Q. Who is the Artist? A. Art Yeaman, Director of Environment, Entertainment, Enlightenment and Educational Affairs (DEEEEA) for AYD. He has more than 25 year of public speaking experience and he has developed and implemented more than 100 educational programs. Art is a one man dramatist, a storyteller, a consultant, an EcoHeritage tour guide and a retired U.S. Marine. Like Ben, Art is self taught and has enjoyed a life of civic responsibility along with the joy of learning. In his love of the arts and his passion for history, he has presented to more than a million people and has made more than 1500 appearances since 1995. Like Ben, Art has an opinion about all most everything, some of his opinions are based in the laws of nature and nature's god, some are based in the spirit of our indigenous culture, some are from the classical traditions and other are just his opinion. Some of his thoughts, ideas and opinions have resulted in the termination of employment. Therefore, Art, like Ben, he is self-employed. Citizen-At-Large!
