Benjamin Franklin's 300th Birthday Hosted at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Tuesday, 07 November 2006 09:26

HOUSTON, TX - His life was a prototype of the American dream—he began adulthood as a 17-year-old fugitive runaway and ended it as an elder statesman, America’s first international celebrity.  Inspired by a life-long desire to understand and improve the world around him, his clever mind produced a multitude of innovations that are still with us in the 21st century; yet, he refused to seek a patent on a single one, ensuring they would be universally available.  He popularized a uniquely American cultural style, and yet was also a consummate citizen of the world.

In celebration of Benjamin Franklin’s 300th birthday, the Houston Museum of Natural Science proudly announces that the special exhibition Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World will be open to the public through Jan. 21, 2007 in the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall of Special Exhibitions.

The exhibition explores the extraordinary life and astounding accomplishments of one of this country’s greatest citizens— a celebrated scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, diplomat, philanthropist and humanitarian, who was also one of this country’s most-quoted and affable humorists.  As we celebrate the 300th anniversary of Franklin’s birth, the achievements and legacy of this self-taught Renaissance man remain remarkably relevant.

“His achievements defy classification and have made him a figure of legendary status,” said David Temple, local spokesperson for the exhibit and director of volunteers of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  “Pinpointing a modern-day individual whose canon of contributions approaches the breadth of Franklin’s is nearly impossible.”

To bring the man behind the myth to life, the exhibition is designed to immerse visitors in Franklin’s world, expose them to his ingenious problem-solving methods and leave them inspired by his example.

“Exhibition highlights include a 25-foot ship environment that visitors can climb aboard to recreate Franklin’s method of charting the Gulf Stream; clever interactive elements that engage visitors in investigating many of the scientific problems that intrigued him; and five of America’s key founding documents, all originally signed by Franklin,” said Page Talbott, Ph.D., associate director, the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary and chief curator of Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World.

More than 250 original Franklin artifacts are paired with 40 interactive opportunities, including special effects, hands-on activities and family-centered fun, all inspired by Franklin’s charming blend of curiosity, wit and wisdom.  “This unique synthesis creates an immersive environment in which visitors can experience Franklin’s methods—his investigative approach to his environment, his self-reflection and his penchant for collaboration—in the presence of objects from his material world,” said Rosalind Remer, Ph.D., executive director of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary.

Throughout his 84 years, Franklin used his ingenuity to benefit others, applying his observations and theories to devise practical inventions such as swim fins and bifocals.  He also founded the nation’s first hospital, secured the French support that made American independence possible and played a significant role in brokering the “Great Compromise,” which created the bicameral legislature that remains in place today.

This exhibition was organized by The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by five Philadelphia institutions with ties to Franklin: The American Philosophical Society; The Franklin Institute; the Library Company of Philadelphia; the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania.  In addition, an Act of Congress in 2002 created by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission, a panel of fifteen outstanding Americans chosen to study and recommend programs to celebrate Franklin’s 300th birthday.  The Tercentenary is supported by a lead grant of $4 million from The Pew Charitable Trusts.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham IMAX® Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory, and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group.  With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at One Hermann Circle Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.  Visit : www.hmns.org