300 Years of Franklin in Philadelphia

On Friday, October 6, the city of Philadelphia is coming together to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's arrival in Philadelphia. 

At 9:00 a.m., Young Benjamin Franklin will arrive on the Delaware River waterfront at the Independence Seaport Museum. Join a procession from the waterfront through Old City Philadelphia, arriving at the Second Bank of the United States for a commemoration ceremony.

The ceremony will begin at approximately 9:45 a.m. and will be led by Philadelphia's own Jim Gardner. 

The ceremony will feature Young Benjamin Franklin, proclamations from the Mayor and Governor's offices, a performance from the Philadelphia Boys Choir, and representatives from Philadelphia institutions founded by Franklin. 

After the ceremony, join us at the APS's Library Hall for a viewing of the document that confirmed the date of Franklin's arrival in Philadelphia, and a sample of "puffy rolls" from High Street. 

This event is presented by the American Philosophical Society and partner organizations The Library Company of Philadelphia, Independence Seaport Museum, the Carpenters' Company, Christ Church, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., Independence Historical Trust, Independence National Historic Park, King & Cabouli Direct Marketing, Inc., and High Street Philly.