All About Benjamin

There was another Renaissance man intimately involved with the founding of the United States.

Benjamin Franklin was more than the diplomat, author, scientist, civic leader and revolutionary we know from our history books. He was a well-known humorist, environmentalist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and the only American to have signed all five of the founding documents of the United States.

In celebration of his 300th birthday, an international traveling exhibit is on display through Sept. 4 at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis.

Some of the items collected for this never-before-seen exhibition include Franklin’s walking stick, the odometer he perfected as Postmaster General, his signed copy of the Treaty of Paris and actual pages from the first edition of his Poor Richard’s Almanac.

“There are more than 250 original Franklin artifacts, with more than 40 family-friendly interactive kiosks and hands-on displays,” said Everett Dietle, media coordinator for the Missouri Historical Society. “They are intended to introduce the inspirational Franklin to a new generation, as well as paint a new picture for those who thought they knew Franklin well.”

See the Traveling Exhibit

Where: Missouri History Museum, at Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park

When: Now through Sept. 4

Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Cost: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; $5 for children age five and above.

Free day: Tuesdays.

More information: www.mohistory.org or call (314) 746-4599.

Next Stops

• Houston, Oct. 13, 2006–Jan. 21, 2007

• Denver, March 2–May 28, 2007

• Atlanta, July 4–Oct. 14, 2007

• Paris, Dec. 4, 2007–March 30, 2008

Source: www.benfranklin300.org