Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin

B. Franklin of Philadelphia L.L.D. F.R.S. / M. Chamberlin pinxt. ; E. Fisher fecit.

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/resource/ppmsca.10083

Reference note

Summary: Print shows Benjamin Franklin, three-quarter length portrait, seated at desk, looking to his right at an electrical device, in his left hand are papers upon which he is taking notes, and visible through a window to his left is lightning striking a building.
Contributor Names: Fisher, Edward, 1730-approximately 1785, engraver
Chamberlin, Mason, -1787, artist
Created / Published: [between 1763 and 1785]
Subject Headings: - Franklin, Benjamin,--1706-1790
Notes: - Title from item.
- Library has two impressions: lettered (PGA - Fisher B. Franklin...); and proof before letters (FP - XVIII - F533, no. 1), including text on papers held by Franklin [Benjamin Franklin dans son cabinet].
- PGA print in Tissandier Collection (Library of Congress).
- Hubbard, p. 115 (proof before letters)
- Le Blanc, 10
- Forms part of: Gardiner Greene Hubbard collection (Library of Congress).
- Published in: The American Revolution in drawings and prints; a checklist of 1765-1790 graphics in the Library of Congress / Compiled by Donald H. Cresswell, with a foreword by Sinclair H. Hitchings. Washington : [For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off.], 1975, no. 58 (proof before letters).
- PGA - Fisher B. Franklin Exhibited: Benjamin Franklin In His Own Words, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., 2005.
- FP - XVIII - F533, no. 1 Exhibited: Ben Franklin's Curious Mind, Bruce Museum of Arts and Sciences, Greenwich, Connecticut, 2006.
- DCRM(G) example, 1A2.2, name information as title
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Digital Id: ppmsca 10083 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.10083
ppmsca 09851 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.09851
cph 3a05247 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3a05247

Benjamin Franklin

Teaching Notes

Benjamin Franklin is known as a founding father of the United States, and a prolific writer of his time. Franklin's legacy continues beyond his writings with his innovations and inventions memorialized in communities across the globe.

Invite students to analyze this photograph of Benjamin Franklin.

Using the Right Question Technique, group students into collaborative groups of 3 or 4 providing students with chart paper and a writing utensil. The goal is for students to generate questions based on the topic or, in this situation, the image. Place the image before students and ask students to produce as many questions as they can without discussion, judgment, or additional questioning based on the photograph. Students are encouraged to record questions as they are stated and number each question. Provide students with a time frame and allow the questioning to begin.

Question Focus: This person’s inventions continue to contribute to our daily lives.

After time has expired, prompt students to analyze their questions into two categories: open or closed. Closed questions are one-word answers, while open questions require more than one-worded responses. With their partners, urge students to read each question aloud and determine the category of each question. Create an indicator that differentiates the two categories. Discuss with students the advantages and disadvantages of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Next, ask students to select two questions with the mindset of changing the format of the questions: closed-ended question to open-ended question and open-ended question to close-ended question.

In the same groups, persuade students to select three questions that are most important to them. Probe students to define their reasoning for choosing those questions, and employ students to consider how they could follow up on their questions as an individual or group. Grant students time to discover the answers to their questions and complete necessary research. Reflect with students: What did they learn? What value does it have? What new questions arose through the research process?

Read Aloud Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta. The story features the inventions and innovations of Benjamin Frankin from the past and present.

After reading, invite students to return to their questions and discuss any items that can and/or cannot be answered.

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2003672895/

Reference note

Created / Published: [no date recorded on shelflist card]
Notes: - This record contains unverified data from PGA shelflist card.
- Associated name on shelflist card: Mion, (Maria)?.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Digital Id: pga 13933 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pga.13933

Benjamin Franklin, printer, Philadelphia

Teaching Notes

Take a look at this primary source and lead students in a discussion. Invite learners to analyze the source and list how the inventions of Ben Franklin are impactful in today's society.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think this illustration was made?
What progressive inventions are highlighted in the primary source?
How have the inventions impacted society?

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2018697087/

Reference note

Created / Published: [Philadelphia] : [publisher not transcribed], c1914.
Subject Headings: - Portraits
- Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
- Printing presses
- Printing industry
- Printers
Genre: Prints
Notes: - General information about the Popular and Applied Graphic Art print materials is available at: https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.pga
- Title information compiled by Junior Fellows, 2005-2017.
- Arthurs, S.M., artist.
- Ketterlinus Litho. Mfg. Co., copyright claimant.
- Category designation on original folder: Portraits (F-K).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppmsca 46471 https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.46471

[Benjamin Franklin, editor and writer]

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/resource/det.4a27818/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Mills, Charles E., artist
Detroit Publishing Co., publisher
Created / Published: [between 1909 and 1920]
Subject Headings: - Franklin, Benjamin,--1706-1790
- Writing
- Interiors
Genre: Portrait paintings--Reproductions
Dry plate negatives
Notes: - Title from jacket.
- Photograph of a painting signed "Chas. E. Mills, Phila., 1909."
- No Detroit Publishing Co. no.
- Gift; State Historical Society of Colorado; 1949.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: det 4a27818 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/det.4a27818

Declaration of Independence

Teaching Notes

Benjamin Franklin is a Founding Father, a writer, an inventor, and all-around a really cool dude.

Discussion Questions:

Describe what you see.

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2016817173/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Trumbull, John, 1756-1843, artist
Detroit Publishing Co., copyright claimant
Detroit Publishing Co., publisher
Created / Published: c[between 1900 and 1912]
Subject Headings: - United States.--Declaration of Independence
- Capitols
- Interiors
- Legislative bodies
- United States--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
Genre: Conjectural works
Dry plate negatives
Paintings--Reproductions
Notes: - Listed in Detroit, Thistle Publications (1912) under title: Declaration of Independence in Congress.
- Photograph of a painting at Yale School of Fine Arts.
- Detroit Publishing Co. no. M 700.
- Gift; State Historical Society of Colorado; 1949.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: det 4a26291 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/det.4a26291

Furankurin to kaminari no zu

Teaching Notes

The image below showcases a Japanese print depicting Ben Franklin conducting an electrical experiment in his home. This primary source can be used to introduce students to the process of scientific discovery used by scientists to explore the unknown.

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/resource/jpd.02514

Reference note

Summary: Print shows a man (Benjamin Franklin) and a woman sitting at a table in a house during a thunderstorm as lightning strikes a length of chain extending from a tub of water on the ground to a rod attached to the peak of a cupola.
Created / Published: [between 1868 and 1875]
Subject Headings: - Franklin, Benjamin,--1706-1790
- Kites (Scientific)--Japan--1860-1880
- Lightning--1860-1880
- Electricity--Japan--1860-1880
- Cupolas--Japan--1860-1880
Notes: - Title and other descriptive information compiled by Nichibunken-sponsored Edo print specialists in 2005-06.
- Format: vertical Oban Nishikie.
- Forms part of: Bella C. Landauer collection.
- Forms part of: Japanese prints and drawings (Library of Congress).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: jpd 02514 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/jpd.02514

[Franklin's experiment with the kite]

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/resource/det.4a27824/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Mills, Charles E., artist
Detroit Publishing Co., publisher
Created / Published: [between 1900 and 1920]
Subject Headings: - Franklin, Benjamin,--1706-1790
- Electricity
- Kites
Genre: Conjectural works
Dry plate negatives
Paintings--Reproductions
Notes: - Title from jacket.
- Attribution to Mills based on subject and format.
- Photograph of a painting.
- No Detroit Publishing Co. no.
- Gift; State Historical Society of Colorado; 1949.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: det 4a27824 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/det.4a27824

Franklin Stove

Reference link: https://www.loc.gov/resource/dcmsiabooks.autobiografiadeb00fran/?sp=217

Reference note

P. 217

Title: Autobiografía de Benjamín Franklin,Contributor NamesFranklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.Blanco-Belmonte, M. R. (Marcos Rafael), 1871-1936, tr.Elias, Alfredo. [from old catalog]

Created/Published: Boston, Nueva York [etc.] D. C. Heath & compañía [c1916]

Notes- Also available in digital form.Mediumxviii p., 1 l., 422 p. 2 port. (incl. front.) illus. (incl. facsims.) maps. 17 cm.

Call Number/Physical Location: E302.6.F7 S3

DigitalId: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gdc/scd0001.00117827318dcmsiabooks.autobiografiadeb00fran

Library of Congress Control Number: 16011768

Language: Spanish

Image 328 of Benjamin Franklin Papers: Series II, 1726-1818; 1784, Jan. 12-1785, May 23 (vol. 22)

Teaching Notes

Benjamin Franklin's inventions were forward-thinking for his time and are influential today. Take a look at the bifocal lens and lead students in a discussion. Invite learners to analyze the source and list how the inventions are impactful in today's society.

Discussion Questions(bifocal lens):

Describe what you see.
How much can you read?
Why was the letter written?
What can you learn from this letter?
How do bifocal lens help people see better?

3 - 5 6 - 8 9 - 12 Social Studies/History Science Technology

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/resource/mss21451.mss21451-008_00005_00333/?sp=328

Reference note

Contributor Names: Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
Created / Published: Subject Headings: - United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
- Great Britain--Foreign relations--United States
- United States--Foreign relations--Great Britain
- Diplomatic and consular service, American--France
- United States--Foreign relations--France
- Diplomats
- Great Britain. Treaties, etc. United States, 1783 September 3
- United States--Foreign relations--1775-1783
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Peace
- Scientists
- Manuscripts
- United States
Genre: Manuscripts
Repository: Manuscript Division
Digital Id: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/ms003048.mss21451.024

[Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, bust portrait, facing left]

Teaching Notes

Benjamin Frankin

https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/january-17/

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2005691703/

Reference note

Created / Published: c1914.
Notes: - J190451 U.S. Copyright Office.
- Reproduction of painting by Charles Willson Peale.
- This record contains unverified, old data from caption card.
- Caption card tracings: PI; Shelf; Other information on verso of card.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Digital Id: cph 3a37701 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3a37701

A chart of the Gulf Stream

Teaching Notes

Discussion Questions:

Describe what you notice.
What is the purpose of this map?
What on the map looks familiar?
How does the map compare to current maps of today?

Invite students to create their own maps.

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2004627238/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Poupard, James.
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790.
Created / Published: [Philadelphia, Pa. : American Philosophical Society, 1786?]
Subject Headings: - Gulf Stream--Maps--Early works to 1800
- Atlantic Ocean--Maps--Early works to 1800
- North Atlantic Ocean--Maps--Early works to 1800
- Nautical charts--Gulf Stream--Early works to 1800
- Nautical charts--North Atlantic Ocean--Early works to 1800
- Gulf Stream
- Atlantic Ocean
- North Atlantic Ocean
Notes: - Appears in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, 1786.
- Includes inset of North Atlantic and text in left margin "Remarks upon the navigation from Newfoundland to New-York, in order to avoid the Gulph Stream on one hand, and on the other the shoals that lie to the southward of Nantucket and of St. George's Banks," by B. Franklin.
- Mounted on cloth.
- Upper right margin: plate 5. Lower margin: facing page 315.
- Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.
- Copy imperfect: Mended triangular loss in upper margin.
Repository: Library of Congress Geography and Map Division Washington, D.C. 20540-4650 USA dcu
Digital Id: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g9112g.ct000136

[The Waltham Bank one hundred dollar private bank note proof]

Teaching Notes

Today, Benjamin Franklin is on the $100 hundred dollar bill; however, he was not on the original note. Invite students to explore this monetary note from Massachusetts.

Discussion Questions:

Describe what you notice.
Why are their images on money?
How are individuals selected for their faces to appear on money?
What is the process for creating a monetary note?

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2011661511/

Reference note

Summary: Print shows vignettes of sailors on wharf with steamship; girl and boy with grazing cows and sheep; and factory.
Contributor Names: American Bank Note Company, printer
Created / Published: c1862.
Subject Headings: - Free banking--1860-1870
- Commerce--1860-1870
- Agriculture--1860-1870
- Industry--1860-1870
- Banking--Massachusetts--Waltham--1860-1870
Notes: - Title devised by Library staff.
- On verso: Deposited April 8, 1862. The Waltham bank, proprs. See vol. 37, p. 173.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ds 01255 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ds.01255

Post Office

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2017657551/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Leffler, Warren K., photographer
Created / Published: 1957 April.
Genre: Film negatives--1950-1960
Notes: - Title and date from log book.
- Contact sheet available for reference purposes: USN&WR COLL - Job no. 816, frame 7.
- Forms part of: U.S. News & World Report Magazine Photograph Collection.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppmsca 51737 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.51737

Post office. Childersburg, Alabama

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2017794810/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Delano, Jack, photographer
Created / Published: 1941 May.
Subject Headings: - United States--Alabama--Talladega County--Childersburg
Genre: Safety film negatives
Notes: - Title and other information from caption card.
- Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.
- More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi
- Temp. note: usf34batch5
- Film copy on SIS roll 3, frame 1951.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: fsa 8c05819 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8c05819

Old Capitol library

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2016819491/

Reference note

Created / Published: [between 1918 and 1920]
Subject Headings: - United States Capitol (Washington, D.C.)
- Libraries
- United States--District of Columbia--Washington (D.C.)
Genre: Glass negatives
Notes: - Title from unverified data provided by the National Photo Company on the negatives or negative sleeves.
- Date from negatives in same range.
- Gift; Herbert A. French; 1947.
- General information about the National Photo Company collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.npco
- This glass negative might show streaks and other blemishes resulting from a natural deterioration in the original coatings.
- Temp. note: Batch one.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: npcc 00203 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/npcc.00203

Interior of Library of Congress

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2010646112/

Reference note

Summary: Stereograph showing an interior view of the Library of Congress with reading room and stacks in the U.S. Capitol building.
Contributor Names: Wakely, G. D., copyright claimant
Created / Published: c1866.
Subject Headings: - United States Capitol (Washington, D.C.)--Facilities--1860-1870
- Reading rooms--Washington (D.C.)--1860-1870
- Libraries--Washington (D.C.)--1860-1870
- Interiors--Washington (D.C.)--1860-1870
Genre: Stereographs--1860-1870
Photographic prints--1860-1870
Notes: - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by G.D. Wakely, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States in and for the District of Columbia.
- Gallery No. 420 Pennsylvania Avenue (524 is crossed out and 420 is inscribed in ink above).
- Title from item.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: stereo 1s02418 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/stereo.1s02418
stereo 2s02418 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/stereo.2s02418

Public Library, Davenport, Iowa

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2007686628/

Reference note

Summary: Photograph shows plan of main floor.
Contributor Names: Kiessling, Calvin, architect
Created / Published: [c1900]
Subject Headings: - Public libraries--Iowa--Davenport--1900
Notes: - Title from item.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Digital Id: ppmsca 15397 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.15397

Fire station with old bell. Carthage, Texas

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2017783162/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Lee, Russell, 1903-1986, photographer
Created / Published: 1939 Apr.
Subject Headings: - United States--Texas--Panola County--Carthage
- Small towns--Texas
Genre: Safety film negatives
Notes: - Title and other information from caption card.
- Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944.
- More information about the FSA/OWI Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsaowi
- Temp. note: usf34batch4
- Film copy on SIS roll 22, frame 1966.
Repository: Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: fsa 8b21755 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsa.8b21755

The Rebecca waltz

Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100000252/

Reference note

Contributor Names: Franklin, Benjamin (composer)
Created / Published: Lee & Walker, Philadelphia, 1866.
Subject Headings: - Waltzes
- Piano music
- Popular Songs of the Day
- Songs and Music
Notes: - For piano
Repository: Music Division