Inventive, enterprising, diligent, diplomatic, humorous, intelligent and civic-minded. These are all words used to describe Benjamin Franklin. The list could go on, for Franklin was the very definition of a Renaissance man.

To say that Benjamin Franklin left his mark on America is an understatement. For Philadelphia specifically, he was and is the lifeblood of the city. His footprint is everywhere. Let’s explore a few places and institutions impacted by Franklin.

Fireman’s Hall Museum

Benjamin Franklin is credited with forming the Union Fire Company on Dec. 17, 1736, in Philadelphia. It seems that Franklin didn’t believe that amateur firefighters were enough to protect the city against loss by fire, so he suggested a “club or society of active men belonging to each fire engine; whose business is to attend all fires with it whenever they happen.”

Fireman’s Hall Museum is located in a restored firehouse in Philly’s historic Old City district. The museum’s mission is to preserve Philadelphia’s firefighting history.

147 N. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-923-1438

Franklin’s Print Shop

Although Franklin was apprenticed to his brother in Boston, he ran away to Philadelphia at the age of 17. Printing was in his blood, and by the age of 30 he was already a successful printer.

There are many points of interest within Independence National Historical Park (INHP). Franklin’s 18th-century print shop is re-created on the original site where Franklin published the most successful newspaper in the colonies, The Pennsylvania Gazette.

320 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305

Benjamin Franklin Museum

The entire museum is dedicated to Franklin’s legacy and contributions to society. From his personal life to his public persona, including his roles from scientist to statesman, the museum explores the life of the outspoken Founding Father.

Located outside the museum is the “Ghost House.” The steel structure is an outline of Franklin’s original house and print shop.

317 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305

Independence Hall

What an honor it is to visit the place of our nation’s founding. Independence Hall is where our Founding Fathers defied the King of England and formed an independent nation. National Park Service rangers give guided tours daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

433 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-2111

Carpenters’ Hall

Carpenters’ Hall was the site of the First Continental Congress (1774), where ideals and ideas were spoken with the then-moniker of traitor hanging over the heads of those in attendance.

The beautiful structure was also home to Franklin’s Library Company, the American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States.

320 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-0167

Christ Church

Constructed between 1727 and 1744, Christ Church was the place of worship for many famous revolutionaries. Among the congregation were the likes of William Penn, George Washington, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross. Ben Franklin raised money for the tower and steeple, both of which were added in 1754.

The original bells that rang to announce independence from England continue to be rung once a week.

20 N. American St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-922-1695

Christ Church Burial Ground

Visit the cemetery where citizens were laid to rest with historic figures like Ben Franklin and medical pioneer Dr. Benjamin Rush. Not surprisingly, Franklin’s grave is the most visited in the cemetery.

Fifth and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-922-1695

The National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center uses high-tech displays, exhibits, priceless artifacts and video to provide information about the U.S. Constitution. The 160,000-square-foot museum includes a star-shaped theater that features “Freedom Rising,” a multimedia production that utilizes film, a live actor and video on a 360-degree screen.

Visitors can view one of the rare original public copies of the Constitution as well as an original copy of the Bill of Rights.

Signers’ Hall features life-size bronze statues of the Constitution’s signers and those who chose not to sign.

525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-409-6700

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute opened in 1824 to honor the inventiveness of Ben Franklin. It was moved from its original home in Independence Hall in 1934. The hands-on science museum is a favorite of adults and children.

The museum’s rotunda houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, with a 20-foot-tall marble statue.

222 N. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-448-1200

Franklin Square

Franklin Square is one of the city’s five original public squares laid out by William Penn. Originally named North East Publick Square, the site was renamed to honor Ben Franklin in 1825. Though the area has been used for many different purposes over the years, including a military parade ground and cattle pasture, today the square is a place for families to gather.

The park’s centerpiece is the 1838 marble fountain, but a mini-golf course, a carousel and an eatery, all share the square. One of my favorite destinations at Franklin Square is the Storytelling Bench, where visitors learn about the history of square by Once Upon A Nation storytellers.

During the holidays, Franklin Square is the place to be for the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, shown for free at nighttime.

200 N. Sixth St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-629-4026

These are just a few destinations with a Franklin connection. His contributions far exceed those covered in this article. For more information on Franklin’s Philadelphia, log on to www.visitphilly.com.

Benjamin Franklin died on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84. Approximately 20,000 people attended his funeral. It’s ironic that the teenage runaway, who arrived in Philadelphia with nothing but his wits, was to become one of the most celebrated historical figures of all time.

Biographer Carl Van Doren wrote, “No other town burying its great man, ever buried more of itself than Philadelphia with Franklin.”