Illustration by Tony Auth, 2004 Franklin Founders' Award Recipient

Join us for the 2024 Celebration on January 19, 2024. The theme is “Craftsmanship.”

For information on the 2023 Celebration, On The Health of the Oceans

Honoree - Sylvia Earle
Moderator - Charlotte Hudson
Speakers - Dr Helen Rozwadowski & Dr Irina Marinov

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was the quintessential American. A founding father with a powerful and lasting legacy, he was also a genius of inquisitive mind and broad interests. In celebrating Franklin, we revisit his accomplishments and their impact on history while casting new light on the American character.

Here is a 3-minute video
about the history of
The Franklin Birthday Celebrations

Celebration! of Benjamin Franklin, Founder was established to bring international attention to Franklin’s ideas and accomplishments, and to highlight his relevance in the modern world. Comprised of representatives from several leading Philadelphia institutions, the organization sponsors an annual event on Franklin’s birthday with a vibrant public procession through Old City to his grave in Christ Church Burial Ground.

Each year, the celebration highlights a theme that connects Franklin’s work to current social issues and concerns. The daylong event serves as a public "junto" about important issues, tracing a through-line from Franklin's day to our own.

During a luncheon ceremony, we present the Franklin Founder Award to an honored guest who has excelled in that field.

Honorees through the years include Linda Greenhouse and Cokie Roberts, Bill Keller, Dr. Anne Case, and Sir Angus Deaton, Dr. Stephen Chu, Gov. Jon Huntsman, Laurie Olin, Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Edward O. Wilson, and Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson.

Click on the link below for more information and full video presentations of the 2021 Celebration
The Disintegration of Trust:  Restoring Confidence in American Institutions

Morning panelists included:

Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO, National Constitution Center, Moderator
Dr. Margaret Levi, “Restoring Confidence in Government”
Kenneth Frazier, “Restoring Confidence in Corporations”
Dr. Paul Offit, “Restoring Confidence in Vaccines and Medicine”
Honoring Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, ”The Role of the Press, the Courts, and Individuals in Making Real the Promises of Democracy”