Explore Ben Franklin’s Legacy in Philadelphia

The home where Franklin lived while serving in the Continental Congress — and where he ultimately died in 1790 — is no longer standing. However, visitors can see a steel “ghost structure” that outlines the footprint and design of his home in Franklin Court . Viewing portals also offer an underground glimpse of the mansion’s original cellar kitchen.

The site of the First Continental Congress, Carpenters’ Hall was also once home to Franklin’s Library Company and the American Philosophical Society (APS), two organizations he founded that now reside elsewhere in Philadelphia. The Library Company — now operating a mile away on Locust Street — served as the young nation’s original subscription library. And APS, founded in 1743 “to promote useful knowledge,” now exists next to Independence Hall as a library and museum. Today, exhibits at Carpenters’ Hall examine the events that transpired there leading to calls for American independence.

Part of the U.S. National Park Service and Independence National Historical Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is where 56 delegates — including Benjamin Franklin — signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, finalizing the colonies’ break with England. Eleven years later, Franklin was among representatives from 12 states who gathered to shape the U.S. Constitution. Today, visitors to Independence Hall can take  guided tours led by National Park rangers. The tours include a stop in the Assembly Room, which is arranged as it was during the original Constitutional Convention. Note: Tickets are required to enter Independence Hall.

Christ Church is the place where Franklin and his family regularly attended church services. Franklin also supervised several lotteries to finance the historic church’s tower and steeple. Today, tours of the church include a stop at pew 70 — the Franklin family’s reserved pew. A few blocks away at the Christ Church Burial Ground , you can see where Franklin and his wife Deborah are laid to rest. Toss a penny on his grave for good luck.

Visitors to the Benjamin Franklin Museum learn about the various roles Franklin filled during his lifetime, including printer, scientist, diplomat and founder of civic institutions. Individual rooms in the museum reflect different aspects of Franklin’s personality and character traits, as he was known to be strategic, rebellious, curious and full of wonder. The Benjamin Franklin Museum also showcases how Franklin embodied the spirit of the 18th century and how many of his ideas still resonate today.

In 1736, Franklin co-founded Union Fire Company, the first firefighting organization in Philadelphia. The all-volunteer brigade was charged with protecting citizens and property from lethal fires. The idea soon caught on throughout the city. The Fireman’s Hall Museum commemorates the history of firefighting with artifacts dating back to this time period. Nestled in Philadelphia’s Historic District , Fireman’s Hall is dedicated to the art and science of firefighting over the last three centuries.

The National Constitution Center offers an interactive look at the democratic principles Franklin and his fellow framers worked so hard to enshrine in America’s founding document. The 160,000-square-foot museum explores and explains this amazing document through high-tech exhibits, artifacts and interactive displays. Look for Franklin’s life-sized statue in Signers’ Hall, and be sure to snag a selfie with this famous Philadelphian.

Standing as a testament to his many great scientific experiments, this beloved, hands-on science museum is dedicated to Benjamin Franklin’s spirit of inquiry and discovery. In addition to a 20-foot-tall marble statue of Franklin in the rotunda (accessible to all visitors for free), the museum is also home to must-see exhibits like the Giant Heart (a two-story replica of a human heart that visitors can walk through) and an interactive electricity exhibit featuring lightning rods and Franklin’s electricity tube.

Unsurprising due to his legacy in Philadelphia, Ben’s name graces some of the city’s most popular and iconic sites.