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.

Benjamin Franklin Papers

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 books & articles

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

Ben Franklin images

Contemporary U.S. legislation related to Ben Franklin

Poor Richard illustrated guided primary source analysis activities

Secondary sources

Related primary source sets