Exhibitions

Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World
 

This exhibition gives audiences the opportunity to explore and discuss Benjamin Franklin's life, his participation in the founding of this country, and his high standards for work, citizenship, and contribution to community. Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World explores the legendary figure's background, self-education, and the effects of his philosophical and religious beliefs on his work and life. Franklin is presented in the context of the eighteenth century and as a product of his times—a brilliant and rather unconventional product of his times—rather than as the venerable, bespectacled, and grandfatherly figure with whom we are all familiar.

Exhibition

Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World consists of six sections of colorful, freestanding photo-panels. This traveling exhibition is based on a major exhibition of the same name mounted by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Franklin's birth with new text written by the curator. Panel topics include:

  • Franklin in the Boston of his youth
  • Family and personal life
  • Franklin as Philadelphia’s premier printer
  • Commitment to public service
  • Interest in medicine, public health, science, and philosophy
  • Political career in England, France, and the United States
  • Contributions to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other major documents

Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World was organized by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office.

Additional resources are available on the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary website.

Exhibition Format

Freestanding

LanguageEnglish
Content 3 double-sided multi-panel folding displays (144” x 96” each)
Space Requirements 84 linear feet of floor space
Shipping Weight and DimensionsTravels in 3 molded plastic cases with wheels:
  • 43” x 31” x 11” - 83 lbs.
  • 43” x 31” x 11” - 83 lbs.
  • 43” x 31” x 11” - 83 lbs.
Rental Fee*$700
Rental Period6 weeks

*Rental fees are based primarily on the cost of shipping. Prices may vary based on current fuel surcharges or venue location within the state of Texas. Out-of-state rentals are priced on an individual basis. Please call for a rental fee quote specific to your venue.

Publicity Materials

Press release

Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World press release

Publicity image

A publicity image is available for promoting this exhibition at your venue. Please contact the exhibitions coordinator to request an electronic file of this image. Please allow 2-3 business days for the exhibitions coordinator to process your request.

Humanities Texas logos

 Logo files are also available for download from the logo page.

Book Now or Receive a Quote

To book an exhibition or receive a quote, please complete the online rental form.

Questions and Rental Information

Call 512.440.1991 or email
exhibitions@humanitiestexas.org

2023-2024 Bookings

Olle Middle School
Sugar Land, TX
09/04/2023 - 09/15/2023

Larry J. Ringer Library
College Station, TX
01/03/2024 - 01/31/2024

On Display

Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky, ca. 1816. Benjamin West. Philadelphia Museum of Art.
"Join, or Die" from The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 9, 1754. Designed by Benjamin Franklin, 1754. Library Company of Philadelphia.