Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder is a collaborative organization of representatives of Franklin related organizations that each year plan a celebration of Franklin's birthday with seminars, a procession to his grave and luncheon. The intent, initiated by a few Penn alumni in 1998, was to bring national attention to Franklin's ideas, ideals and accomplishments which remain relevant today. That initial idea has led to annual celebrations each built around a separate theme related to a different facet of Franklin's interests. While Franklin's involvement in a particular field is explored, the focus also is on contemporary research and development within that field. Each year, the Franklin Founder bowl is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to that field.
Click on Prior Years to see photographs and descriptions of that year’s programs along with some of the keynote addresses.
Illustrated by Tony Auth, 2004 Franklin Founders' Award Recipient