Ben Franklin visits Berne Knox westerlo CSD
Ben Franklin, aka Paul Stillman, visited the good people of the Hilltowns on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. Ben spoke about his early life, growing up in a very large family in Boston. At a young age, Ben made the first of his many inventions - a pair of swim fins that were fastened to his hands.
Ben left school at a young age and was apprenticed to his brother James who had a print shop. While learning the print trade, Ben started writing a series of humorous letters using the name Silence Dogood. These letters became a popular feature of James' newspaper, but James was very angry that Ben was writing the letters. Because of his brother's mistreatment, Ben ran away to Philadelphia, eventually married, and using the knowledge he had gained as an apprentice, started his own print shop.
Ben continued his interest in inventing and science. He spoke about his famous experiment with the kite during a thunderstorm. Ben demonstrated the armonica, a glass musical instrument, and played "Ode to Joy" on the armonica for the audience. Ben invented bifocals, eliminating the need to carry multiple pairs of eyeglasses for distance and close-up.
Ben learned to speak many languages and demonstrated his proficiency for the audience. This self-educated man received honorary degrees from Yale and Harvard Universities. Ben also made the design of the timber rattlesnake and the words "Don't Tread On Me" which was eventually put on flags.
Ben spoke about his role in the writing of the Declaration of Independence and nearly stumped the audience when Ben asked when the name The United States of America first appeared.
Ben Franklin's visit was a collaboration between the Knox Historical Society and the Social Studies department at BKW and was made possible by a grant from the BKW PTA.
Learn more about reenactor Paul Stillman at his website http://www.speakinghistorically.com/
Ben left school at a young age and was apprenticed to his brother James who had a print shop. While learning the print trade, Ben started writing a series of humorous letters using the name Silence Dogood. These letters became a popular feature of James' newspaper, but James was very angry that Ben was writing the letters. Because of his brother's mistreatment, Ben ran away to Philadelphia, eventually married, and using the knowledge he had gained as an apprentice, started his own print shop.
Ben continued his interest in inventing and science. He spoke about his famous experiment with the kite during a thunderstorm. Ben demonstrated the armonica, a glass musical instrument, and played "Ode to Joy" on the armonica for the audience. Ben invented bifocals, eliminating the need to carry multiple pairs of eyeglasses for distance and close-up.
Ben learned to speak many languages and demonstrated his proficiency for the audience. This self-educated man received honorary degrees from Yale and Harvard Universities. Ben also made the design of the timber rattlesnake and the words "Don't Tread On Me" which was eventually put on flags.
Ben spoke about his role in the writing of the Declaration of Independence and nearly stumped the audience when Ben asked when the name The United States of America first appeared.
Ben Franklin's visit was a collaboration between the Knox Historical Society and the Social Studies department at BKW and was made possible by a grant from the BKW PTA.
Learn more about reenactor Paul Stillman at his website http://www.speakinghistorically.com/
KHS President introduces Ben Franklin.
Ben holding his static electricity tube.
Ben demonstrating the attraction of the static electricity tube.
Ben answering questions from his fans in the audience.
Ben speaking about the glass armonica musical instrument.
Ben and young history buff Owen.
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Students wait in line for Ben's autograph.
Ben poses with KHS VP Nancy Frueh who made the arrangements for Ben's visit.
