Benjamin Franklin

Known as a “Renaissance man” Benjamin Franklin was a leading writer, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, and philosopher. An American Founding father, he was co-editor of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. As the first U.S. Ambassador to France during the American Revolution his diplomatic efforts were vital to securing French aid. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. Franklin published Poor Richard’s Almanac, a digest of American proverbs. He was the founder of Philadelphia’s first fire department, Post Office and library.

Presented by:  Tom DeStefano taught American History at Paterson’s John F Kennedy High School for 30 years. He
currently teaches at Bergen Community College, the Learning Collaborative in New City, NY, and the Desmond Center in Newburgh, NY. Tom holds a B.A. and M.A. in History from William Paterson University. His specialties include the Civil War and the American Presidents.