Del Norte Public Library

Traces Franklin's life from humble beginnings to fame as a scientist, founding father, and America's first diplomat to France.

They were the most legendary and respected politicians, statesmen and warriors of history's first republic since the days of ancient Rome. They were also traitors and smugglers, rabble rousers and hot-heads, unfaithful husbands and prodigious drinkers. Our "Founding Fathers" were, in fact, human beings. Gain a fascinating glimpse behind the images on the marble busts and faces on our dollar bills and pocket change.

Inventor, writer, businessman, scientist, diplomat, and the face gracing the hundred-dollar bill - this stately figure is the Benjamin Franklin history has taught us to remember. In this revealing presentation, the man behind the myth is brought to light.

"Young Benjamin Franklin wants to be a sailor, but his father wont hear of it. The other trades he tries candle maker, joiner, boot closer, turner bore him through and through. Curious and inventive, Ben prefers to read, swim, fly his kite, and fly his kite while swimming. But each time he fails to find a profession, he takes some important bit of knowledge with him. That tendency is exactly what leads him to become the astonishingly versatile genius...