Free Ceremony To Celebrate Ben Franklin's Birthday In January

Celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday, His Role in Pennsylvania Politics

with Free Seminar, Procession and Wreath Laying Ceremony

Friday, January 21, 2011

Seminar features PA State Representative Hon. Josh Shapiro, Dr. Joseph Foster, Dick Polman;

Also, tickets are available for a Luncheon honoring the Hon. Edward G. Rendell.

WHAT:                 Known for his role in American diplomacy and as one of our nation’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin also played a major role in Pennsylvania politics. To celebrate the 305^th anniversary of Franklin’s birth, area residents and visitors are invited to a free seminar on Pennsylvania politics, a procession and a wreath laying ceremony on January 21, 2011. Also, tickets are available for a Luncheon commemorating the Hon. Edward G. Rendell.

The free seminar, Pennsylvania Politics: Then and Now, explores the issues of Pennsylvania politics from Franklin’s time to the present. Guest speakers include Hon. Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania State Representative, and Dr. Joseph Foster, history professor at Temple University. Political Journalist Dick Polman is the moderator.

After the seminar, the public is encouraged to join the annual procession with banners, flags and music to Franklin’s grave at Christ Church Burial Ground for the Wreath Laying Ceremony, which pays tribute to the great American patriot and politician.

A luncheon at the Down Town Club will conclude the celebration, where Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder will award the Hon. Edward G. Rendell with its Franklin Founder award in recognition of the tremendous benefits he has brought to the Commonwealth and Philadelphia, Franklin’s adopted city.

WHEN/                Friday, January 21, 2011

WHERE:               9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Free Seminar: Pennsylvania Politics: Then and Now

                                Benjamin Franklin Hall, 427 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Procession, Wreath Laying Ceremony, Tributes

From the Library of the American Philosophical Society to Christ Church Burial Ground at 5^th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA

12:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Luncheon in Celebration of the Hon. Edward G. Rendell

The Down Town Club, 6^th and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA

MORE:                  For more information and to purchase luncheon tickets, visit the Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder website at www.ushistory.org/celebration. Due to limited seating, reservations will be honored in order of receipt.

                                Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder has been established to bring national and international attention to Benjamin Franklin, America’s best known historic figure.

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