Benjamin
Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, was a polymath whose contributions spanned a multitude of disciplines. A printer by trade, Franklin's sharp wit and insights found their way into the pages of the "Pennsylvania Gazette" and the famed "Poor Richard's Almanack." His passion for knowledge drove him to pursue experiments in electricity, famously exemplified by his kite experiment, leading to the invention of the lightning rod and other innovations.

Beyond science and literature, Franklin was a consummate public servant. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the U.S. postal system, and founded institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and the American Philosophical Society. His diplomacy in France was crucial to securing support for the American Revolution. When Franklin passed away on April 17, 1790, he left behind a legacy that epitomized the Enlightenment ideals of reason, innovation, and civic duty, ensuring his place as one of America's most cherished Founding Fathers.