Portrayed by Dean Bennett

Ben Franklin, 15th of 17 children, maximized every opportunity presented to him and then he broke new ground. Pooling resources, Franklin initiated the first subscription library in the nation; gathering the leading thinkers of the day, Franklin promoted the exploration of science and humanities through scholarly research, helping to found the Philosophical Society; recognizing the need for better treatment of the sick, Franklin helped found Pennsylvania Hospital. Franklin organized the first fire company in Philadelphia, as well as the first insurance company. Going against popular belief that fire was God’s judgement against a corrupt society, Franklin invented the lightning rod to prevent fires. Politically, Franklin’s keen mind resulted in his representing several colonies in England. Returning home, Franklin was a member of the Committee of Five, drafting the Declaration of Independence.  As ambassador to France, the now single Franklin was the center of attention and the successful fundraiser for the Colonial Cause. A delegate to the Constitutional Convention, Franklin continued to exert his powerful influence, and as President of Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery, Franklin spoke out against slavery. As Franklin said, “Well done is better than well said.”

And Dean Bennett does Ben Franklin well. Not easy, since everyone in Philadelphia knows something about Benjamin Franklin. But, Dean Bennett has made it a life’s goal to keep learning more about this man he calls a symbol for all that’s good and valuable. A natural to portray Franklin, Dean Bennett looks the part and revels in the role. Franklin loved music, had some singing ability, invented the armonica and played the violin; while Bennett plays the piano and is a trained opera singer who portrayed Franklin in 1776. Franklin’s mind encompassed everything and Bennett’s insatiable study of Franklin makes accessible this quest for understanding. The two men share a lively sense of humor and are members of the Masons. Dean Bennett’s Ben Franklin is the man who harnessed the heavens and tore fire from the sky. But, he’s also a man who respects children of all ages and Bennett’s Franklin teaches young audience members to bow and curtsey, as well as to fly a kite. Franklin would have said, “Well done.”

Invite Ben Franklin to events celebrating the library, the mint, insurance, fire fighting, Philosophical Society, Pennsylvania Hospital, the Masons:

• Keynote Speaker: Leadership, Finances
• Educational Programs: Schools, Libraries, Museums and Historic Sites
• Parties
• Parades: Participant
• Plays: A Rising and Setting Sun, with George Washington, 50 minutes plus Q & A
• Pair with George Washington, John Adams,Thomas Jefferson, Marquis de Lafayette, Betsy Ross, Phillis Wheatley, and inventors.
• Dean Bennett: Bio of Actor/Historian, Reenactor, or Impersonator