Benjamin Franklin Day (January 17)
Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents—an inventor, writer, scientist, diplomat, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Celebrated each year on January 17, Benjamin Franklin Day honors his incredible contributions to science, politics, and education.
From inventing the lightning rod to drafting the Declaration of Independence, Franklin’s influence is still felt today.
Whether you’re looking for a fun history lesson or a way to celebrate, this day is a great time to reflect on his legacy. This is just one of many weird holidays in January!
When is the Holiday?
Benjamin Franklin Day is observed every year on January 17th, the date of his birth in 1706.
Who Invented It?
The exact origins of this holiday are unclear, but it has been celebrated for years by educators, historians, and admirers of Franklin’s work.
It’s likely that schools and historical societies helped popularize the day to recognize his vast contributions.
The History of the Holiday
January 17 is dedicated to honoring Franklin’s life and achievements.
He was born in Boston in 1706 to a soap and candle maker’s family, yet his intellectual curiosity led him to become one of the most influential figures in American history.
A self-taught polymath, Franklin made significant contributions to science, politics, and literature.
He published the famous Poor Richard’s Almanac under the pen name Richard Saunders, invented the lightning rod, and played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
His discoveries in electricity and advancements in education and communication make him one of history’s greatest minds.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- He coined many electrical terms – Words like battery, charge, conductor, and electrify come from Franklin.
- He invented bifocals and the Franklin stove – His designs improved both vision and heating efficiency.
- He was the first Postmaster General – Franklin’s work in organizing the postal system shaped U.S. mail services.
- Benjamin Franklin did not create Daylight Saving Time – It was first proposed by George Vernon Hudson in 1895.
- Franklin started America’s first subscription library – The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731, still exists today.
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Activities to Celebrate
Read about Benjamin Franklin – Explore Poor Richard’s Almanac or a biography to learn more about his wit, wisdom, and wide-ranging contributions.
Conduct a science experiment – Recreate Franklin’s famous static electricity experiment with a balloon and a wool cloth, or try a simple circuit-building activity to explore electricity.
Learn about his inventions – Research Franklin’s many innovations, such as bifocals and the lightning rod, and discuss how they still impact daily life today.
Try writing with a pen name – Franklin often wrote under pseudonyms like Richard Saunders. Have fun creating your own pen name and writing a short story, poem, or advice column in his style.
Send a letter by mail – Honor Franklin’s role as the first Postmaster General by writing and mailing a letter to a friend or family member.
Fly a kite – Commemorate Franklin’s famous kite experiment by flying a kite on a windy day (safely—no thunderstorms required!).
Play a trivia game – Test your knowledge of Franklin’s life and accomplishments with a fun quiz or trivia night.
Visit a historical site virtually or in person – Explore Franklin’s legacy by visiting sites like the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia or taking a virtual tour of historical landmarks related to his life.
Links to Resources
Free Benjamin Franklin coloring pages are perfect for younger learners studying Franklin’s life. These printables help kids visualize Franklin’s many contributions in a fun and engaging way.
For a more in-depth study, a Ben Franklin unit study offers a structured way to explore his life, inventions, and political impact. This resource integrates reading, history, and science into an interactive learning experience.
Ben Franklin electricity experiment inspired by Franklin’s famous discoveries. This simple hands-on activity helps kids understand basic electrical principles like conductivity and static electricity.
Who Was Benjamin Franklin? This engaging biography from the popular Who Was? series provides a kid-friendly introduction to Franklin’s life, from his early years as a printer’s apprentice to his groundbreaking experiments and political influence. It’s a great resource for young readers who want to learn about Franklin in an accessible and engaging way.
The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. Written by historian H.W. Brands, this in-depth biography offers a fascinating look at Franklin’s life, from his rise as a self-made man to his crucial role in shaping the American Revolution. This well-researched book is perfect for older students and adults who want a deeper understanding of Franklin’s influence on history, science, and diplomacy.
Related Holidays
There are plenty of other unique holidays connected to Benjamin Franklin’s legacy worth celebrating.
- On January 4, National Trivia Day, challenge yourself with fun fact-based games—perfect for testing your knowledge, just like Franklin loved to do.
- January 9, National Static Electricity Day, is a great time to explore Franklin’s famous electricity experiments and learn more about how static electricity works.
- February 4, National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, honors those who keep the postal system running—a nod to Franklin’s role as the first U.S. Postmaster General.
- February 8, National Kite Flying Day, and Go Fly a Kite Day on the third Sunday in April celebrate one of Franklin’s most famous experiments—his lightning and electricity discovery using a kite and key.
- February 18, National Battery Day, recognizes the power source Franklin helped name when he coined the term “battery” in relation to electricity.
- July 31, Uncommon Musical Instrument Day, is a perfect time to explore unique instruments like Franklin’s own invention, the glass armonica, which he designed to create ethereal music using glass bowls.
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