Benjamin Franklin

(1706 - 1790)

Presented By

Dean Bennett

Dean Bennett has found his alter ego in Dr. Benjamin Franklin and the likeness is uncanny and when your students videoconference with him, he seems to have sprung to life. Dean has the same zest for life and the same insatiable curiosity about how the world works. He exudes warmth and joviality and is quickly at home with the students in the schools he visits and guests at the banquets where he gives welcoming speeches.

Ben Franklin entertains schoolchildren at Franklin and Marshall College

January 19, 2006 . Photos by Marcy Dubroff and Nick Gould.

Mrs. Cheney Celebrates Constitution Day

Lynne Cheney looks on as Benjamin Franklin address a group of fourth graders from local Fairfax County public schools during a Constitution Day 2005 celebration at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate Friday, September 16, 2005. Mrs. Cheney hosted the event which celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution 218 years ago.

Dean is a Navy Veteran of the Korean War and a fine operatic baritone. He studied and sang many operatic roles, some with his wife who now teaches voice. After that he became a radio announcer and actor. Recently he appeared for The American Historical Theatre in “The Real Ben Franklin” which was shown on the Discovery Channel.

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

He is the father of two adopted children and, more recently, he became a grandfather. He has a deep and abiding interest in children and their education and believes, as do all other interpreters at Virent Broadcasting, that education can be enhanced by historical encounters.

Dean has traveled to France as an ambassador for US Airways, appeared at the White House, introduced yearly programs at the National Archives and introduced the new $100 bill at the Department of the Treasury. Dean is committed to a life-long study of Benjamin Franklin. He has a hundred tales to tell and a thousand witty and wise sayings to pass on.

Since 1981, Mr. Bennett has appeared throughout this country and overseas. He has appeared at the White House before President Bush, performed at the National Archives during Constitution Week of 1998, and traveled to Paris as Philadelphia's official host for US Air in their inaugural flight between Philadelphia and Paris. His appearances include numerous television commercials, films and magazine and newspaper articles.

Dean was featured in the title role of the Discovery' Channel's "The Real Ben Franklin" and on A&E channel's "The Real Story, Mystery of Genius".

Benjamin Franklin represented many things throughout his lifetime. Not only was he an inventor, printer and publisher, but also one of the instrumental parties who were present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was Franklin's intent to promote colonial unity and utilize his writing talents to reach the masses. His strong belief in education and opportunity for all was matched only by his diplomatic attributes.

One of the greatest figures in American history has been Benjamin Franklin. He was able to come from the meager beginnings of youngest son in a household of nineteen to a position of financial well being, self determination and social status. He was a man who lived - and defined the American Dream.

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Target Audience: Education: Kindergarten, Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Parent, Public Library, Public Library: Library Patrons, Adult Groups interested in History or science

Program Objectives:

Students will learn:
1. what it life was like in the 1700's in Boston, Philadelphia, London, and Paris
2. how to research an idea and to form a goal
3. from others mistakes
4. to believe in yourself and your ideas

National Standards to which this program aligns.

NSS-USH.K-4.3

STANDARD 4: How democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols.
STANDARD 4C: The student understands historic figures who have exemplified values and principles of American democracy.

NSS-USH.5-12.3 ERA 3: REVOLUTION AND THE NEW NATION (1754-1820s)

STANDARD 1A: The student understands the causes of the American Revolution.
STANDARD 1C: The student understands the factors affecting the course of the war and contributing to the American victory.

State Standards to which this program aligns.

Pennsylvania

8.2 Pennsylvania History

8.2.6. GRADE 6:

A. Identify and explain the political and cultural contributions of individuals and groups to Pennsylvania history from Beginnings to 1824.

Inhabitants (e.g., Native Americans, Europeans, Africans)
Military Leaders (e.g., Anthony Wayne, Oliver H. Perry, John Muhlenberg)
Political Leaders (e.g., William Penn, Hannah Penn, Benjamin Franklin)
Cultural and Commercial Leaders (e.g., Robert Morris, John Bartram, Albert Gallatin)
Innovators and Reformers (e.g., Society of Friends, Richard Allen, Sybilla Masters)

C. Identify and explain how continuity and change have influenced Pennsylvania history from the Beginnings to 1824.

Belief Systems and Religions (e.g., Native Americans, Quakers)
Commerce and Industry (e.g., iron production, sailing, fur trade)
Innovations (e.g., steam boat, Conestoga Wagon)
Politics (e.g., The Mason-Dixon Line, Pennsylvania ’s acquisition and detachment of the “lower three counties,” movements of State capital)
Settlement Patterns (e.g., native settlements, Westward expansion, development of towns)
Social Organization (e.g., trade and development of cash economy, African Methodist Episcopal Church founded, schools in the colony)
Transportation (e.g., trade routes, turnpikes, post roads)
Women’s Movement (e.g., voting qualifications, role models)

Contact

Jim Spence
Virent Broadcasting Co.
1320 Glenview Street
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Phone: (614) 860-9558
Email: virent@att.net