National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Benjamin Franklin's Many "Hats"
In this lesson plan, learners will consider "Benjamin Franklin's Many "Hats." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: Benjamin Franklin Fa Qs
Dozens of frequently asked questions about Ben Franklin with answers that cover all the essential facts about one of America's favorite founding fathers.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A Quick Biography of Benjamin Franklin
This fact-filled article surveys the life of Benjamin Franklin.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Franklin's Philadelphia
A look at the legacy of Benjamin Franklin to the city of Philadelphia.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Picturing America: Powers: Benjamin Franklin [Pdf]
Analysis of Hiram Power's marble-sculpted portrait of Benjamin Franklin, which resides in the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol. Made in 1862, the sculpture convincingly captures what many consider to be Franklin's essential character.
Bibliomania
Bibliomania: The Autobiography, Letters, and Other Writings of Benjamin Franklin
Read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography online, along with other writings.
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: Ben's Town
Learn lessons in civic responsibility from Benjamin Franklin, whose practical solutions to the problems of city living set the standard for civic engagement in the eighteenth century and today. Read about Franklin's support for public...
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: Franklin's Thirteen Virtues
Understand the virtues valued by Franklin, and other eighteenth-century men and women, by perusing this list.
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: First Silence Dogood Letter
Read the text of the first letter Franklin wrote to the "New England Courant," in 1772, under the Silence Dogood pseudonym.
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: World of Influence
Read a five-part synopsis of Franklin's engagement with the world beyond America's borders, beginning with his celebrity status as a world-renown scientist. Includes write-ups of his time in London and Paris and of his extensive...
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life, an Electric Mind
To appreciate the contributions Benjamin Franklin made both to his own time and to ours, it is necessary to see all aspects of his public life, not just his role as a revolutionary, a diplomat, or a scientist. Each of the four sections...
University of Notre Dame
History of American Education Web Project: Benjamin Franklin
Biographical notes about Benjamin Franklin's role in the history of education in America, including his ideas about introducing science and new methodologies into school curricula.
Other
Pocantico Hills School: Benjamin Franklin: A Man of Many Talents
This student-created project site looks at the life of Benjamin Franklin and his experiments with lightning. Includes a timeline, a glossary, a printable quiz, and many illustrations.
C-SPAN
C Span American Writers: The Autobiography of Franklin
A brief summary of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Also includes an on-line sample of the work as well as links to other informational websites.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Read an online version of a 1909 Harvard Classics edition of "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," including the front matter, illustrations, and an introductory note.
Other
Early America: Paris Peace Treaty of 1783
This article from Early America provides a brief introduction to the events and people surrounding The Paris Peace Treaty of 1783 including photos of the original document with a link to the text.
![Berkeleyan: Infotainment Traced to Historical Figure [Ben Franklin] Website](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/129968-d4e8dcaccdab5c0edc04971a9910ff57.jpg?1661500779 "Berkeleyan: Infotainment Traced to Historical Figure [Ben Franklin] Website")
University of California
Berkeleyan: Infotainment Traced to Historical Figure [Ben Franklin]
Newsletter article offers a glimpse into Franklin's early journalistic career.
Daily Teaching Tools
Daily Teaching Tools: 10 Free Reading Tests
This Daily Teaching Tools resource provides ten free reading comprehension tests with a corresponding answer key and list of reading skills covered. All passages are high interest for middle school students.
Ducksters
Ducksters: American Revolution for Kids: The Continental Congress
Kids learn about The Continental Congress meetings; major events in the American Revolutionary War.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: Ben Franklin: Glimpses of the Man
Brief glimpse into the life of Benjamin Franklin: scientist, inventor, writer, statesman, philosopher, and economist.