Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and inventor of the lightning rod, was born in 1706.

Benjamin Franklin, the statesman, publisher, scientist, and diplomat, was born on January 17, 1706.

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born on this day. He was a renowned polymath, author, printer, political theorist, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts.

At the age of eight, Benjamin Franklin enters the Grammar School.

In 1715, Benjamin Franklin completed his final formal year of schooling and also heard Increase Mather preach.

In 1716, he started working as an assistant in the tallow-chandlery business, which was owned by his father.

At the age of 11, Benjamin Franklin invented a pair of fins to wear on his hands while swimming.

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

Benjamin Franklin had a strong love for learning from a young age.

In 1721, Benjamin Franklin's brother James started publishing The New England Courant. There was also a smallpox epidemic in Boston and controversy over vaccination, and Franklin became 'a thorough Deist'.

Benjamin Franklin's love for reading and studying led him to give up many other activities, including attending church, in order to have more time for learning.

Benjamin Franklin moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin is persuaded by Governor Keith to establish himself independently, which leads him to go to London to buy type and work at his trade there. During this time, he publishes 'Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain.'

After leaving Samuel Palmer's print shop, Franklin joins the larger shop of John Watts. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Franklin's career as a printer.

After returning to Philadelphia and serving as a clerk in a dry goods store, Benjamin Franklin becomes the manager of Keimer's printing-house.

Benjamin Franklin founds the Junto, also known as the 'Leathern Apron' Club.

In June 1728, Benjamin Franklin establishes a printing partnership with Hugh Meredith in Philadelphia and rents a building to serve as a home and printshop.

In 1729, Benjamin Franklin had his first paper titled 'Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion' published, marking the beginning of his significant contributions to the world of printing and publishing.

On September 1st, 1730, Benjamin Franklin takes Deborah Read Rogers as his common law wife.

On July 1st, 1731, Benjamin Franklin draws up the Library Company's articles of association, establishing the first lending library in the country.

On December 28, 1732, Benjamin Franklin publishes the first edition of 'Poor Richard's Almanack'.

Francis Folger Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin, is baptized at the Anglican Christ Church in Philadelphia. This event is attended by Deborah, while Benjamin had stopped attending a Presbyterian church the year before.

Benjamin Franklin is elected as the Grand Master of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Masons of Pennsylvania. He also buys property on Philadelphia's Market Street, which will eventually house his print shop and retail space, forming Franklin Court.

Benjamin Franklin's brother, James Franklin, dies. In response, Benjamin sends his widow 500 copies of Poor Richard for free so she can make money by selling them. Additionally, Andrew Hamilton defends John Peter Zenger in a seminal Freedom of the Press case, and will be a patron of Franklin's.

Benjamin Franklin is named Clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly. He also prints currency for New Jersey, organizes the Union Fire Company, and prints 'A Treaty of Friendship held with the Chiefs of the Six Nations at Philadelphia'. This year also marks the first public use of the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall).

In 1737, Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the postmaster of Philadelphia.

In 1739, Franklin's house was robbed in Philadelphia.

In 1740, Benjamin Franklin invented the Franklin stove, a significant contribution to heating technology.

In 1741, Benjamin Franklin published the first edition of 'The General Magazine and Historical Chronicle,' which was one of America's earliest magazines. Unfortunately, it failed after only six issues.

Benjamin Franklin invents the open, or 'Franklin,' stove in 1742.

In September 1743, Benjamin Franklin's daughter Sarah 'Sally' Franklin Bache was born. She later became a prominent figure in American society.

In 1744, Benjamin Franklin establishes the American Philosophical Society.

In 1745, Josiah Franklin, the father of Benjamin Franklin, passes away, marking a significant loss in Benjamin's life.

Benjamin Franklin publishes a pamphlet called 'Plain Truth' in 1746, emphasizing the necessity for disciplined defense, and also forms a military company. He begins electrical experiments during this time.

In 1747, Benjamin Franklin conducted an electrical tube experiment, contributing to his growing body of work in the field of electricity and furthering his understanding of electrical phenomena.

At the age of 42, Benjamin Franklin became wealthy enough to retire and devoted the remaining 42 years of his life to studying science, devising inventions, and public service.

In the early summer of 1749, Benjamin Franklin hosted an elaborate electrical barbecue where he showcased various electrical amusements. He killed a turkey by electrical shock, roasted it using the electric jack, and entertained guests with electrified glasses and sparks sent across the river.

On December 23, 1750, Benjamin Franklin attempted to electrocute a turkey as part of his experiments with electricity. This event is a quirky and memorable moment in the history of science, showcasing Franklin's innovative and curious nature.

In a letter dated 25 December 1750, Benjamin Franklin described his attempt to electrocute a turkey using electricity from large glass jars. However, the experiment went wrong as he inadvertently received the electrical shock himself, causing numbness and soreness for a few days.

Benjamin Franklin published Experiments and Observations on Electricity in 1751.

Benjamin Franklin conducted the famous kite experiment in 1752 to prove that lightning is a form of electricity, which significantly contributed to the understanding of electricity and its applications.

In 1752, Ben Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment, drawing electricity from lightning. This experiment was crucial in understanding the nature of electricity and its connection to lightning.

In 1753, Benjamin Franklin was awarded the Copley Medal for his lightning experiment discovery and was elected as a member of the prestigious Royal Society, recognizing his significant scientific achievements.

The 'Join or Die' political cartoon, created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, is a famous symbol of colonial unity and the need for the colonies to join together for mutual defense.

In 1755, Benjamin Franklin pledged his personal property to raise supplies for Braddock's army. He also obtained a grant from the Assembly for the Crown Point expedition and carried through a bill establishing a voluntary militia. Additionally, he was appointed Colonel and took the field.

Benjamin Franklin traveled to London in 1757 to represent the interests of the American colonies. His time in London was significant in shaping the future of the United States.

Benjamin Franklin publishes his famous work 'The Way to Wealth' in Philadelphia.

Benjamin Franklin is honored with the degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, acknowledging his intellectual and academic achievements.

Benjamin Franklin secures a decision obliging the Proprietary estates to contribute to the public revenue through a compromise with the Privy Council.

Benjamin Franklin invented the glass armonica, an instrument that replicated the sound of a wet finger rubbed along the rim of a glass. This invention gained considerable popularity and was used by renowned composers like Mozart and Beethoven.

Benjamin Franklin maps postal routes in the colonies and invents the glass armonica, contributing to the improvement of communication and music.

Benjamin Franklin embarks on a five months' tour of the northern colonies with the purpose of inspecting the post-offices. This demonstrates his commitment to improving postal services and communication infrastructure.

Benjamin Franklin goes to England to plead the cause of the Assembly against the Proprietaries and remains as the agent for Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin makes efforts to prevent the passage of the Stamp Act, which imposed direct taxes on the American colonies. His opposition to this act reflects his involvement in colonial politics and his stance against taxation without representation.

Benjamin Franklin presents evidence in the House of Commons in support of the repeal of the Stamp Act, a significant event in the history of colonial taxation and resistance.

In 1767, Benjamin Franklin traveled to France and was presented at court. This visit was significant in strengthening the ties between France and the American colonies.

Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the Colonial Agent for Georgia, playing a crucial role in representing the colony's interests in Britain.

Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the Colonial Agent for New Jersey, further expanding his responsibilities in representing colonial interests.

Benjamin Franklin is elected as the Colonial Agent for Massachusetts, demonstrating his growing influence and involvement in colonial affairs.

In 1771, Benjamin Franklin started writing his autobiography, which later became a classic and influential work in American literature.

On March 26, 1771, marries Elizabeth Ollive.

In 1772, Benjamin Franklin was elected as an Associe Etranger of the French Academy. This recognition highlighted his intellectual and academic influence beyond the American colonies.

Benjamin Franklin was initially reluctant towards full separation from Britain and pushed for peaceful compromise. His stance earned him suspicion from fellow patriots, and he was among the last of the Founding Fathers to publicly support American independence.

Meets Benjamin Franklin, emigrates to England, and legally separates from wife Elizabeth.

On December 19, 1774, Benjamin Franklin's wife, Deborah Franklin, passed away, marking a significant personal loss for him.

Benjamin Franklin is elected as a Pennsylvania delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he serves as the chairman of the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, playing a crucial role in the early stages of the American Revolution.

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin on March 4th, 1775.

Benjamin Franklin arrives in Paris on December 21st as one of the Commissioners of Congress to the French Court.

Benjamin Franklin meets Madame Brillon, an amour.

In 1778, Benjamin Franklin played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Alliance with France, securing crucial support for the American Revolutionary War and strengthening the relationship between the United States and France.

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin on May 16, 1778.

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin on October 24, 1778.

In 1779, Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the Minister Plenipotentiary to France, playing a crucial role in securing French support for the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

In 1780, Benjamin Franklin appointed Paul Jones as the commander of the 'Alliance', a significant decision that impacted the naval operations during the Revolutionary War.

In March 1781, Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the United States minister plenipotentiary in France, representing the country in diplomatic matters.

Another letter was sent to Benjamin Franklin on May 28, 1781.

In June 1781, Benjamin Franklin asked Congress for permission to return home, indicating a significant development in his diplomatic service.

In 1782, Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in negotiating peace with Great Britain, marking a significant milestone in ending the American Revolutionary War and establishing diplomatic relations between the United States and Great Britain.

In 1783, Benjamin Franklin signed the Treaty of Paris, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War and solidifying the United States' independence from Great Britain. He collaborated with John Adams and John Jay as co-signers of the treaty.

Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal glasses, which enabled people to see clearly both up close and far away.

Benjamin Franklin left France in July 1785, marking the end of his diplomatic mission in the country.

Benjamin Franklin arrived in Philadelphia in September 1785 after returning from his diplomatic service in France.

Correspondence sent to Honorable Benjamin Franklin on September 23, 1785.

Benjamin Franklin is reelected in 1786.

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin, discussing various matters.

In 1787, the Constitution of the United States was signed, laying the foundation for the country's governance and legal framework.

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin on March 31, 1787.

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin on June 22, 1787.

Benjamin Franklin retires from public life in 1788.

Benjamin Franklin died at the age of 84. He was a key figure in the founding of public schooling, the money system, religious institutions, and the American government. His contributions are remembered and celebrated.

The Index to the Benjamin Franklin Papers was published in Washington, D.C. in 1973, providing a comprehensive resource for locating documents related to Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin received corporate funding from Bank of America, David M. Rubenstein, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Better Angels Society, University of Pennsylvania, and various other individuals and organizations.

An educational initiative at Benjamin Franklin House to inspire and engage young scientists in learning about science and innovation.

In 2024, the Benjamin Franklin House was officially registered as a charity with the charity number 276066.