Today in History: Benjamin Franklin
Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features innovative leader Benjamin Franklin, born on this date in 1706. Learn more about this fascinating self-educated man who was a printer, writer, scientist, and statesman by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Ben Franklin.
The select works of Benjamin Franklin; including his autobiography 1857
Benjamin Franklin: In His Own Words online exhibition
The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States contains hundreds of letters sent to and from Benjamin Franklin while serving as Minister to France
Benjamin Franklin’s speech recommending adoption of the U.S. Constitution
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin 1892
Poor Richard’s Almanac (1758)
Ben Franklin correspondence & manuscripts
Benjamin Franklin historical newspaper coverage through 1800
Dr. Franklin historical newspaper coverage through 1800
Gulf stream map made by Ben Franklin
Charting the Gulf Stream Worlds Revealed: Geography & Maps blog January 7, 2016
Ben Franklin “A Penny sav’d is Twopence clear” Inside Adams blog
Featured Images
Contemporary U.S. legislation related to Ben Franklin
Poor Richard illustrated guided primary source analysis activities
Secondary sources
- Ben Franklin stories from America’s Library
- Ben Franklin biographical essay
- The story of a famous book : an account of Dr. Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography 1871
- Benjamin Franklin: A Documentary History (webcast)
Related primary source sets