Created by
Handel Film Corporation, American, founded 1953
Subject of
Franklin, Benjamin, American, 1706 - 1790
Narrated by
Stoddard, Ed
Owned by
D.C. Public Library, American, founded 1896
Date
1971
Medium
acetate film
Dimensions
Duration: 28 Minutes
Length (Film): 1000 Feet
Caption
This film was a part of the Washington D.C. Public Library's circulating 16mm film collection housed at the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Library. The collection is particularly noted for the wide variety of African American and African diaspora content.
Description
A documentary film with the title Benjamin Franklin. It consists of a single reel of color 16mm acetate film with optical sound.
The documentary explores the life and contributions of American “scientist, statesman, scholar and sage” Benjamin Franklin. It opens with a brief historical speculation about America's founding, before moving on to a discussion of Franklin's childhood and youth.
The rest of the film focuses on some of Ben Franklin’s popular accomplishments and contributions, such as his career in publishing, and creation of a printery in Philadelphia; his development of the almanac; his creation of/contributions to a number of institutions, such as the subscription library, fire brigade, fire insurance, hospital, a militia, the now University of Pennsylvania; his contributions as postmaster general; his inventions, such as the odometer, storage battery, bifocal glasses; as well as some of his other scientific discoveries, such as the gulf stream and electricity.
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Place depicted
Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
DC Public Library Film Collection
Classification
Time-based Media - Moving Images
Type
sound films
color films (visual works)
short subjects
16mm (photographic film size)
Topic
Documentary films
Film
Men
Science
Technology
U.S. History, 1783-1815
U.S. History, Colonial period, 1600-1775
U.S. History, Revolution, 1775-1783
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.55.104.1a
Restrictions & Rights
Restrictions likely apply. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55934579a-1c5e-48f4-904e-78a7a925647a

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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