PUBLICITY KIT
Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Stamps
March 2006
DISTRICT MANAGERS, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SALES
POSTMASTERS
SUBJECT: Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Postage Stamps Kit
The Postal ServiceTM provides an opportunity to honor Benjamin Franklin, an American icon, during the 300th anniversary
year of his birth by issuing four commemorative postage stamps. Each stamp features a collage representing one of four
aspects of Franklin's life - as a printer, a postmaster, a scientist, and a statesman.
Benjamin Franklin holds the unique distinction of being the second most popular subject to be commemorated on a postage
stamp, with more than 100 stamp issuances in his honor since 1847. His connection to the Postal Service as the first
postmaster general under the Continental Congress in 1775 has earned him a cherished place in the history of our
organization.
These 2006 stamps have educational, historical, and scientific value and represent the heritage of the United States and the
Postal Service. The stamps will be dedicated on April 7 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the National Constitution Center.
During this year-long anniversary celebration, we encourage you to host special events in your community highlighting one or
all of the four aspects of Franklin's career depicted on the stamps.
The enclosed publicity kit serves as a guide to help you plan your local Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamp
dedication events and activities. Partnering with the organizations listed in this kit will help you generate publicity. In fact, it's
likely that these organizations will offer suggestions, provide recommendations for hosting facilities, and allow you to partner
with an established event they are hosting. In addition, Postal Facts are included at the end of this kit as valuable information
for the media. Our Public Affairs and Communications team members are available to assist you in coordinating publicity
efforts. Please feel free to call on them.
Thank you for your support and for taking advantage of this exciting opportunity to celebrate our first postmaster general.
Your participation in this year's dedication events of the Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps is vital to their
success.
Azeezaly S. Jaffer
Vice President
Public Affairs and Communications
cc: Vice Presidents, Area Operations
Manager, Capital Metro Operations
Overview
The Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps
will be issued April 7 at the National Constitution Center in
Philadelphia, PA. This stamp release follows the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's birth on January 17. This
is a year-long celebration and you will have many opportunities to hold a dedication or "second day" event. The
Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps will go
on sale nationwide April 8, 2006.
Background
Benjamin Franklin, Scientist

The stamp image honoring Franklin as a scientist includes a whimsical 19th-century Currier and Ives lithograph
depicting Franklin and his son performing the legendary
electricity experiment with a kite; a page from Franklin's
1769 volume Experiments and Observations on Electricity,
depicting water spouts and a "magic square;" a schematic
drawing of Franklin's "three-wheeled clock" from the late
18th-century book Select Mechanical Exercises by James
Ferguson; and a depiction of Franklin at a writing desk from
a mural by Charles Elliott Mills at the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. The text on the back of
the stamp sheet reads:
Remembered for the pursuits he called "philosophical amusements," Benjamin Franklin was intensely
curious about natural phenomena. His observations
and experiments in areas such as electricity and meteorology resulted in interesting inventions, including
a heating stove, the lightning rod and an early electrical battery.
Benjamin Franklin, Printer

The image of the stamp honoring Franklin as a printer
includes a portrait of him in a printer's smock by illustrator
Michael Dooling; a copy of the Pennsylvania Gazette dated
Sept. 25 through Oct. 2, 1729; the front of the 1733 edition
of Poor Richard's Almanack; and a 5-pound currency note
printed by Franklin in 1760. The text on the back of the
stamp sheet reads:
From his childhood apprenticeship in Boston to his
career in Philadelphia as an adult, Benjamin Franklin
enjoyed a lifelong association with printing. In addition to the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's
Almanack, his presses also printed a wide range of
materials, such as government pamphlets, religious
tracts, currency and books.
B. Free Franklin, Postmaster

The Continental Congress appointed Franklin as the
first Postmaster General of the organization known today
as the United States Postal Service. The stamp honoring
Franklin as a postmaster includes a graphic device used by
the Boston Post-Boy newspaper during the middle 18th
century; a colonial postal cover from Marlboro, MD, on a
1775 letter to Philadelphia; a colonial-era date postmark;
and a late 18th-century painting of Franklin by Charles
Wilson Peale after a portrait by David Martin. The text on
the back of the stamp sheet reads:
Benjamin Franklin was vital to the organization of the
American postal system, serving as postmaster of
Philadelphia and a deputy postmaster for the American colonies before being appointed postmaster general by the Continental Congress in 1775. He marked
postage-free letters with his unique personal signature: "B. Free Franklin." Text across the bottom of the
stamp reads "B. Free Franklin, Postmaster," a reference to Franklin's personal franking signature.
Benjamin Franklin, Statesman

The stamp honoring Franklin as a statesman includes a
detail from John Trumbull's famous painting of the signing
of the Declaration of Independence, painted between 1786
and 1819; a copy of Franklin's 1754 "Join or Die" political
cartoon urging colonial unity; the top of a printed copy of the
Declaration of Independence; a pastel portrait of Franklin
by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis, painted during the 1780s; and
the French side of the 1778 Treaty of Alliance with France,
which was negotiated and signed by Franklin. The text on
the back of the stamp sheet reads:
Deeply involved in politics and civic life, Benjamin
Franklin served in the Continental Congress and
signed both the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution. Often considered America's first diplomat, Franklin negotiated an alliance with France and
helped to secure a peace treaty with Great Britain.
Publicity Ideas to Interest the Media
Keep in mind that these stamps have significant national, historic, and political importance. Senators and congressional representatives, as well as local elected officials, will
be interested in this stamp and the events surrounding it. It
is a good idea to contact your Postal Service Government
Relations representative for guidance in involving elected
officials when planning your event.
Your district Public Affairs and Communications representatives are also available and ready to assist you in
coordinating publicity for your events.
There are many ways to interest local media in the
Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps by
planning local events; partnering with local historic and science museums and organizations; and contacting your local television meteorologists, Benjamin Franklin grade
schools, newspaper organizations, and colleges or universities. Following are some suggestions to capture media
attention.
• Form an alliance with your local television
meteorologist.
• Ask the local television meteorologist to conduct a
live broadcast from your local Post OfficeTM, or other
event location, when the Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps go on sale or during the
weather segment on television. Franklin's impact
upon meteorological studies was profound. Provide
these talking points to your television meteorologist
or weather reporter when showing the Benjamin
Franklin stamps. Provide them with the background
of the Benjamin Franklin, Scientist stamp (see
below).
Talking Points to Provide to Your Television
Meteorologist
"Some are weather-wise, some are otherwise." - Benjamin Franklin
• One can find Franklin's first recorded weather forecasts in the 1735, Poor Richard's Almanak, illustrated in the Benjamin Franklin, Printer stamp. In this
publication Ben Franklin wrote: "Some are weather-
wise, some are otherwise."
• Intellectually curious, Benjamin Franklin was one of
the greatest scientists of his day. He was intensely
curious about natural phenomena such as electricity,
meteorology, magnetism, and the Gulf Stream.
• Franklin's observations and experiments resulted in
the progression of atmospheric science.
• As an avid publisher, Franklin kept records of his observations. He observed the weather systems in
North America and concluded that storms moved
from west to east. This notion of storms traveling
eventually led to Franklin's synoptic charts of dynamic meteorology, which ultimately replaced the use of
climatology charts.
• Franklin studied oceanography by gathering information from Atlantic Ocean sailors and also kept records
of his own travels. In 1768, he published the first map
of the Gulf Stream current.
• His investigations into electricity - including his
famous kite experiment - formed the basis for numerous discoveries by succeeding generations of
scientists.
• His observations and experiments resulted in interesting inventions, including a heating stove, the
lightning rod, and an early electrical battery.
• Other aspects that fascinated Franklin were natural
events such as volcano eruptions and tornados.
Today, many refer to him as the first theorist of volcano-climate interactions.
Partnering With Local Schools
Form an alliance with the hundreds of Benjamin Franklin
schools right in your community. Do any of the schools in
your area bear Benjamin Franklin's name? If so, this would
be an opportune time to honor the school by having a
stamp ceremony. They may already have events planned
to celebrate the school's namesake. Below is a chart, by
state, of many schools named after Benjamin Franklin.
However, this list is not final, so do not hesitate to do a
search in your area!
Arizona
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
CHARTER SCHOOL
13732 E WARNER RD
GILBERT AZ 85296-2808
Phone: 480-632-0722
Fax: 480-632-8716
Grades: K-6
http://www.greatschools.net/
cgi-bin/az/district_profile/446
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
CHARTER SCHOOL
2345 N HORNE
MESA AZ 85203-1823
Phone: 480-649-0712
Fax: 480-649-8716
Grades: K-6
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CHARTER SCHOOL
21151 CRISMON RD
QUEEN CREEK AZ 85242-8957
Phone: 480-987-0722
Fax: 480-987-3517
Grades: K-8
|
California
|
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
1610 LAKE ST
GLENDALE CA 91201-2610
Phone: 818-243-1809
Fax: 818-552-5097
Grades: K-6
|
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
521 W WATER ST
ANAHEIM CA 92805-4542
Phone: 714-517-8905
Fax: 714-517-9230
Grades: K-6
|
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
19661 ORANGE TERRACE
PKWY
RIVERSIDE CA 92508-3256
Phone: 951-788-7526
Fax: 951-697-5755
Grades: K-6
|
FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
1430 SCOTT ST
SAN FRANCISCO CA
94115-3510
Phone: 415-79-3476
Fax: 415-563-8965
Grades: 6-8
|
FRANKLIN INTERMEDIATE
SCHOOL
700 STEWART AVE
COLMA CA 94015-3519
Phone: 650-991-1202
Fax: 650-756-5475
Grades: 7-8
|
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
2650 OAK AVE
CORONA CA 92882-7569
Phone: 951-739-5645
Fax: 951-739-5650
Grades: K-6
|
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
77-800 CALLE TAMPICO
LA QUINTA CA 92253-3841
Phone: 760-238-9424
Fax: 760-238-9433
Grades: K-5
|
FRANKLIN SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL
820 NORTH AVE 54
LOS ANGELES CA
90042-2428
Phone: 323-254-7104
Fax: 323-258-5940
Grades: 9-12
|
Colorado
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1315 HORSESHOE DR
PUEBLO CO 81001-2060
Phone: 719-549-7540
Grades: Pre K-5
|
Connecticut
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SCHOOL
426 W MAIN ST
MERIDEN CT 06450-3802
Phone: 203-235-7997
Grades: Pre K-5
|
Florida
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
13100 NW 12TH AVE
NORTH MIAMI FL 33168-6614
Phone: 305-681-3547
Fax: 305-769-2845
Grades: Pre K-5
|
Illinois
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2440 N SUMMIT
DECATUR IL 62526-3181
Phone: 217-424-3220
Grades: K-6
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
350 BRYANT AVE
GLEN ELLYN IL 60137-5256
Phone: 630-790-6480
Grades: K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5312 11 AVE C
MOLINE IL 61265-2823
Phone: 309-743-1607
Grades: K-6
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
MIDDLE SCHOOL
1200 OUTER PARK DR
SPRINGFIELD IL 62704-4409
Phone: 217-525-3164
Grades: 6-8
|
Indiana
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2400 CARDINAL DR
E CHICAGO IN 46312-3185
Phone: 219-391-4077
Grades: Pre K-6
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
600 E 35TH AVE
GARY IN 46409-1328
Phone: 219-980-6330
Grades: K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1000 116TH ST
WHITING IN 46394-1105
Phone: 219-659-1241
Grades: K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
MIDDLE SCHOOL
605 CAMPBELL ST
VALPARAISO IN 46385-4629
Phone: 219-531-3020
Grades: 6-8
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1600 DR IVERSON C BELL
LA
TERRE HAUTE IN
47807-2325
Phone: 812-462-4441
Grades: K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2600 WABASH AVE
VINCENNES IN 47591-6413
Phone: 812-882-8176
Grades: K-5
|
Louisiana
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY
MATH SCIENCE MAGNET
1116 JEFFERSON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70125-3012
Phone: 504-304-3932
Grades: K-6
|
Maryland
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
1201 CAMBRIA ST
BALTIMORE MD 21225-2223
Phone: 410-396-1373
Grades: 6-9
|
Massachusetts
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CLASSICAL CHARTER SCHOOL
201 MAIN ST
FRANKLIN MA 02038-1933
Phone: 508-541-3434
Grades: K-8
|
Michigan
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
33555 ANNAPOLIS ST
WAYNE MI 48184-2478
Phone: 734-419-2402
Grades: 6-8
|
New Jersey
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2485 WOODBRIDGE AVE
EDISON NJ 08817-5516
Phone: 732-650-5300
Grades: Pre K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2939 PRINCETON PIKE
LAWRENCEVILLE NJ
08648-3224
Phone: 609-530-8446
Grades: K-3
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
7201 IRVING AVE
PENNSAUKEN NJ
08109-3185
Phone: 856-662-6455
Grades: K-4
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
MIDDLE SCHOOL
335 N VAN DIEN AVE
RIDGEWOOD NJ
07451-2728
Phone: 201-670-2780
Grades: 6-8
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
MIDDLE SCHOOL
1315 TAFT RD
TEANECK NJ 07666-2828
Phone: 201-833-5451
Grades: 5-8
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
248 RIPLEY PL
ELIZABETH NJ 07206-2122
Phone: 908-558-3266
Grades: Pre K-5
|
New York
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
262 CONKLIN AVE
BINGHAMTON NY
13903-2308
Phone: 607-762-8340
Grades: Pre K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
3477 KAMHI DR
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS NY
10598-1011
Phone: 914-245-7444
Grades: K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
950 NORTON ST
ROCHESTER NY
14621-3732
Phone: 585-325-0935
Grades: Pre K-6
|
PS 55 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
SCHOOL
450 ST PAULS PLACE
BRONX NY 10456-1938
Phone: 718-681-6227
Grades: Pre K-5
|
Ohio
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1905 SPRING RD
CLEVELAND OH 44109-4460
Phone: 216-749-8580
Grades: Pre K-8
|
Oklahoma
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SCIENCE ACADEMY
300 VIRGIL MATTHEWS DR
MUSKOGEE OK 74401-4506
Phone: 918-684-3870
Grades: K-6
|
Pennsylvania
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5400 FLORIDA AVE
BETHEL PARK PA
15102-3813
Phone: 412-854-8741
Grades: K-4
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH
SCHOOL
550 N BROAD ST
PHILADELPHIA PA
19130-4016
Phone: 215-299-4662
Grades: 9-12
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SCHOOL
5737 RISING SUN AVE
PHILADELPHIA PA 19120-1629
Phone: 215-728-5017
Grades: K-8
|
Texas
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
6920 MEADOW RD
DALLAS TX 75230-5333
Phone: 972-502-7100
Fax: 972-502-7101
Grades: 7-8
|
Utah
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ACADEMY
9200 S 700 E
SANDY UT 84118-6209
Phone: 801-565-0944
Grades: K-11
|
Wisconsin
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
N81W14701 FRANKLIN DR
MENOMONEE FALLS WI
53051-3907
Phone: 262-255-8470
Grades: Pre K-5
|
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
2000 POLK ST
STEVENS POINT WI
54481-5876
Phone: 715-345-5413
Grades: 7-9
|
Partnering With Local Newspapers
Form an alliance with your local newspaper. Use the following suggestions to generate media exposure.
• Benjamin Franklin's first career was as a printer and
newspaper publisher. Provide the editor with the appropriate background (Found in the press release on
page 12) and ask that the paper feature an article
about the Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps.
• Hold a second-day dedication ceremony at your local
newspaper featuring the Benjamin Franklin
commemorative postage stamps, specifically emphasizing the Benjamin Franklin, Printer stamp.
• If your area only has a large metropolitan newspaper,
share the idea with your neighborhood section's
editors.
• Your community newspaper may be a member of the
National Newspaper Association (NNA) and
participate in the Benjamin Franklin Community
Newspaper and Postal Partnership Award of
Excellence Program. The NNA and the Postal Service have partnered to choose postal employees that
have made significant contributions to community
newspapers. Newspapers that are members of the
NNA nominate postal employees based on their
efforts.
• A postal employee in your area or state may have
been nominated or may be the state or national winner! This would be an opportune time to get your
community involved and hold a special dedication
ceremony with the nominee during a Benjamin
Franklin stamp ceremony for the namesake of the
award.
• On the next page is a list, categorized by region, of
NNA representatives you can contact to find out if
your community newspaper is a member.
Region No. 1
(Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and
Vermont)
Matt Hayes, Publisher
East Bay Newspapers
mhayes@eastbaynewspapers.com
|
Region No. 2
(New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania)
Elizabeth (Liz) K. Parker, Co-Publisher/Executive Editor
Recorder Newspapers, Inc.
eparker@recordernewspapers.com
|
Region No. 3
(District of Columbia, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland,
North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia)
Jeffrey Fishman, Publisher
The Tullahoma News
tnpub@lcs.net
|
Region No. 4
(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South
Carolina, and South Carolina)
John W. Stevenson, Publisher
Randolph Leader
rleader@teleclipse.net
|
Region No. 5
(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wyoming)
Cheryl Kaechele, President/Publisher
Kaechele Publishing Company
publisher@allegannews.com
|
Region No. 6
(Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota)
Reed Anfinson, Publisher
Swift County Monitor-News
reed@monitor-news.com
|
Region No 8
(Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas)
John D. Montgomery, Publisher
The Purcell Register
pregister@earthlink.net
|
Region 7
(Missouri, Nevada, and Kansas)
David Berry, Vice President
Community Publishers, Inc.
Cell: 417-777-1563
daveb@cpimo.com
|
Region No. 9
(Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington)
Jon E. Bladine, President/Publisher
News-Register Publishing Company
jbladine@newsregister.com
|
Region No. 10
(Connecticut, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming)
Merle Baranczyk, Publisher
The Mountain Mail
merle@avpsalida.com
|
Region No. 11
(Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Guam)
Michael Sunderman, President/COO
Morris Newspaper Corporation
msunderman@morrismultimedia.com
|
blank |
Partnering With Local Colleges and Universities
Contact local colleges and universities with science, English, philosophy, engineering or government departments
to promote the stamps. Franklin aided in establishing
institutions of higher education such as the University of
Pennsylvania and Franklin and Marshall College. His
contribution to the arts and sciences is vast!
• Science and Technology - Franklin's career as a
scientist involved discovery and experimentation with
electricity. He created many inventions such as the
Franklin stove, medical catheter, lightning rod, glass
harmonica, and bifocals. Franklin was also an avid
publisher of meteorology and astrology. His
contibutions to the sciences continues to be
incorporated in educational curriculums.
• History and Government - Franklin is remembered
as a great leader and one of the Founding Fathers of
the United States. He was deeply involved in politics
and civic life and served in the Continental Congress
and signed both the Declaration of Independence
and the Constitution. Often considered America's
first diplomat, Franklin negotiated an alliance with
France and helped to secure a peace treaty with
Great Britain.
• Philosophy - Franklin dedicated himself to the improvement of everyday life and belonged to a group
that engaged in business, morality, politics, and philosophy. He created lists called "13 Virtues" and the
"A to Z Words of Wisdom" (see next page). He also
created the American Philosophical Society, which
promotes scientific and intellectual dialogue and, to
this day, is one of the nation's premiere scholarly associations. It is known for it's avocation of knowledge
in the sciences and humanities through excellence in
scholarly research, professional meetings, publications, library resources, and community outreach.
This association offers prizes, fellowships, and
grants to scholars.
Visit http://members.amphilsoc.org/searchPublic.php
to find a local winner and college near you.
• Printing and Publishing - From his childhood
apprenticeship in Boston to his career in
Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin enjoyed a lifelong
association with printing and publishing. Some of his
published material includes Poor Richard's
Almanack; Experiments and Observations on
Electricity, a series of scientific experiments; The
Pennsylvania Gazette, which consisted of political
information; and political cartoons, still used today in
publications. His presses also printed a wide range of
other materials, such as government pamphlets,
religious tracts, currency, and books.
Implement any of these ideas, combine them, or brainstorm with your employees and come up with ideas of your
own. Use the publicity materials in this kit and be sure to
publicize each and every event to your local newspaper,
radio and television stations via press releases, media advisories, and letters to the media. Don't forget to make
follow-up telephone calls.
Educational Web Sites
The Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps
are designed to give students the "scoop" on this American
icon. They can be used as "flash cards" to test your knowledge, as text behind the pane provides highlights of his
accomplishments. Below is a list of Web sites that contain
educational lesson plans, links to other online resources,
and an array of tools to encourage teachers to include the
history of Benjamin Franklin in their lesson plans.
Web site
|
Address
|
PBS
|
www.pbs.org/benfranklin/
teachersguide.html
|
Thirteen ED Online
|
www.thirteen.org/edonline/
lessons/ben_franklin/b.html
|
The Gulf Stream Voyage
|
www.k12science.org/
curriculum/gulfstream/index.
shtml
|
Web English Teacher
|
webenglishteacher.com/
franklin.html
|
The Earth Observatory
|
earthobservatory.nasa.gov/
Library/Giants/Franklin
|
Time For Kids Biographies
|
www.timeforkids.com
|
Pocantico Hills School
Resources for Teachers
|
www2.lhric.org/pocantico/
franklin/franklin.htm
|
DiscoverySchool.com
|
http://school.discovery.com/
lessonplans/programs/real
benfranklin
http://school.discovery.com/
lessonplans/programs/ben
franklintimeline
|
C-Span American Writers
|
http://americanwriters.org/
classroom/videolesson/
franklin_vlp.asp
|
Adprima Student Lesson
Plans
|
www.adprima.com/social24.
htm
|
Suggested Participating Organizations
and Contact Information
Below is a listing of suggested supporters for the
Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps. Their
representatives are available to offer advice and suggestions and to inform you of the different Benjamin Franklin
programs in the United States.
• The Friends of Franklin, Inc.
KATHLEEN DELUCA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PO BOX 40048
PHILADELPHIA PA 19106-0048
Phone: 856-833-1771
E-mail: kathydeluca@benfranklin2006.org
Web site: www.benfranklin2006.org
• The Franklin Institute
STACEY MOYERS
THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE
222 N 20TH ST
PHILADELPHIA PA 19103-1115
Phone: 215-448-1200
E-mail: smoyers@fi.edu
Web site: www.fi.edu
• Ushistory.org
DOUG HELLER
IHA WEBMASTER
25 W MILL RD
FLOURTOWN PA 19031-1201
Phone: 215-233-0328
E-Mail: iha@ushistory.org
Web site: www.ushistory.org
• Ben Franklin and the Armonica
CECILIA BRAUER
BEN FRANKLIN AND THE ARMONICA
2267 HEWLETT AVE
MERRICK NY 11566-3930
Phone: 516-378-0449
E-mail: benfranklin1706@webtv.net
Web site: www.gigmasters.com/armonica
Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues
Ben Franklin's 13 virtues are unique and a true testament to his character. They guided him to become one of
the most accomplished and respected men in the history of
the United States. This would be an inspiring and encouraging component to include in your local bulletin and
provide to publications in your community.
1. TEMPERANCE - Eat not to dullness; drink not to
elevation.
2. SILENCE - Speak not but what may benefit others
or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. ORDER - Let all your things have their places; let
each part of your business have its time.
4. RESOLUTION - Resolve to perform what you
ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. FRUGALITY - Make no expense but to do good to
others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. INDUSTRY - Lose no time; be always employed in
something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. SINCERITY - Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently
and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. JUSTICE - Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. MODERATION - Avoid extremes; forbear resenting
injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. CLEANLINESS - Tolerate no uncleanliness in body,
clothes, or habitation.
11. TRANQUILITY - Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. CHASTITY - Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of
your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. HUMILITY - Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Benjamin Franklin's A to Z Words of
Wisdom
Below is a list of wise sayings created by Benjamin
Franklin and published in the Poor Richard's Almanack,
which is depicted in the Benjamin Franklin, Printer commemorative postage stamp.
Franklin used his printing press to share his wisdom with
his fellow Americans and had hope that these would provide guidance for daily life. This would be an inspiring and
encouraging component to include in your local bulletin and
provide to publications in your community.
A An empty bag cannot stand upright.
B Be always ashamed to catch thyself idle.
C Cheese and salty meat should be sparingly eaten.
D The doors of wisdom are never shut.
E Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy,
wealthy, and wise.
F Full of courtesy, full of craft.
G God helps them that help themselves.
H Hunger never saw bad bread.
I If you'd have a servant that you like, serve your self.
J If Jack's in love, he's no judge of Jill's beauty.
K Keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee.
L A lie stands on one leg, the truth on two.
M A man without a wife is but half a man.
N Nothing but money is sweeter than honey.
O One today is worth two tomorrows.
P Pay what you owe and you'll know what's your own.
Q A quarrelsome man has no good neighbors.
R The rotten apple spoils his companion.
S Speak little, do much.
T Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
U Up, sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be
sleeping enough.
V Visits should be short, like a winter's day.
W Well done is better than well said.
X A good example is the best sermon.
Y You may delay, but time will not.
Z There are lazy minds as well as lazy bodies.
SAMPLE MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
Contact: [Insert Your Name]
[Insert Date]
[Insert Your Phone Number]
[Insert Name of Post Office] Commemorates Benjamin Franklin's 300th Birthday by
Dedicating Four Educational Stamps
EVENT: The U.S. Postal Service teams up with the [Name of Group or Organization] to honor Benjamin
Franklin and celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth by unveiling four commemorative First-
Class postage stamps depicting his lifetime achievements as a scientist, printer, postmaster, and
statesman. [Change or add to this info if your event is different, but keep it short.]
WHO: [List only dignitaries, key post officials, and any well-known special guests participating
and/or attending event.]
WHAT: [Describe what makes the event newsworthy - list any entertainment, refreshments, sales,
etc.]
WHEN: [Insert hour, day and date.]
WHERE: [Insert exact location of event.]
BACKGROUND: With the issuance of these four stamps, the Postal ServiceTM recognizes the 300th anniversary of
the birth of Benjamin Franklin, an American icon whose diverse accomplishments as a scientist,
printer, postmaster, and statesman earned him a cherished place in our nation's history.
Each stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, AZ, illustrates Franklin's life, career and
personal interests.
The Benjamin Franklin, Scientist stamp features Franklin performing the legendary electricity experiment with a kite; a page from Franklin's 1769 volume Experiments and Observations on Electricity;
a drawing of Franklin's "three-wheeled clock;" and a depiction of Franklin at a writing desk.
The Benjamin Franklin, Printer stamp features Franklin in a printer's smock; a copy of the Pennsylvania Gazette; the 1733 edition of Poor Richard's Almanack; and a 5-pound currency note printed
by Franklin.
The Benjamin Franklin, Postmaster stamp features a graphic of the Boston Post-Boy newspaper; a
cover of a 1775 letter; a colonial-era date postmark; and a late 18th-century painting of Franklin.
The Benjamin Franklin, Statesman stamp features Franklin's 1754 "Join or Die" political cartoon; a
printed copy of the Declaration of Independence; a portrait of Franklin; and the French side of the
1778 Treaty of Alliance with France, which was negotiated and signed by Franklin.
CONTACT: [List area Public Affairs and Communications representative or postmaster's name and
phone number.]
# # #
SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: [Insert Your Name]
[Insert Date]
[Insert Your Phone Number]
Issue this a few weeks prior to event. Use this as a guide for creating your "day of" event news release. Use past tense and
include information such as crowd turnout, activities associated with the event, etc.
U.S. Postal Service Honors the First Postmaster General on First-Class Postage
Stamps
[City, State] - During a special ceremony today, [Name of Local Elected Official] joined [Postal Service Official
Name and Title] to dedicate the Benjamin Franklin commemorative postage stamps to continue the year-long celebration to
honor the 300th anniversary of his birth.
The event introducing the four educational 39-cent First-Class postage stamps - took place today at the [Name of Town
Post Office or Other Location].
[Insert USPS Quote].
These stamps are designed to give you the "scoop" on this genius who was a printer, scientist, statesman and the nation's
first postmaster general. We are honored by this opportunity to keep Benjamin Franklin's legacy and brilliance alive.
Benjamin Franklin, Printer
The image of the stamp honoring Franklin as a printer includes a portrait of him in a
printer's smock by illustrator Michael Dooling; a copy of the Pennsylvania Gazette
dated Sept. 25 through Oct. 2, 1729; the front of the 1733 edition of Poor Richard's
Almanack; and a 5-pound currency note printed by Franklin in 1760. The text on the
back of the stamp sheet reads:
From his childhood apprenticeship in Boston to his career in Philadelphia as
an adult, Benjamin Franklin enjoyed a lifelong association with printing. In
addition to the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanack, his
presses also printed a wide range of materials, such as government pamphlets, religious tracts, currency and books.
Benjamin Franklin, Scientist
The stamp image honoring Franklin as a scientist includes a whimsical 19th-
century Currier and Ives lithograph depicting Franklin and his son performing the legendary electricity experiment with a kite; a page from Franklin's 1769 volume
Experiments and Observations on Electricity depicting water spouts and a "magic
square;" a schematic drawing of Franklin's "three-wheeled clock" from the late 18th-
century book Select Mechanical Exercises by James Ferguson; and a depiction of
Franklin at a writing desk from a mural by Charles Elliott Mills at the Benjamin Franklin
Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. The text on the back of the stamp sheet reads:
Remembered for the pursuits he called "philosophical amusements," Benjamin
Franklin was intensely curious about natural phenomena. His observations and
experiments in areas such as electricity and meteorology resulted in interesting
inventions, including a heating stove, the lightning rod and an early electrical
battery.
Benjamin Franklin, Statesman
The stamp honoring Franklin as a statesman includes a detail from John Trumbull's
famous painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, painted between
1786 and 1819; a copy of Franklin's 1754 "Join or Die" political cartoon urging colonial
unity; the top of a printed copy of the Declaration of Independence; a pastel portrait of
Franklin by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis, painted during the 1780s; and the French side of
the 1778 Treaty of Alliance with France, which was negotiated and signed by Franklin.
The text on the back of the stamp sheet reads:
Deeply involved in politics and civic life, Benjamin Franklin served in the Continental Congress and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution. Often considered America's first diplomat, Franklin negotiated
an alliance with France and helped to secure a peace treaty with Great
Britain.
B. Free Franklin, Postmaster
The Continental Congress appointed Franklin as the first postmaster general of the
organization known today as the United States Postal Service. The stamp honoring
Franklin as a postmaster includes a graphic device used by the Boston Post-Boy
newspaper during the 18th century; a colonial postal cover from Marlboro, MD, on a
1775 letter to Philadelphia; a colonial-era date postmark; and a late 18th-century painting of Franklin by Charles Wilson Peale after a portrait by David Martin. Text across the
bottom of the stamp reads: "B. Free Franklin, Postmaster," a reference to Franklin's
personal franking signature. The text on the back of the stamp sheet reads:
Benjamin Franklin was vital to the organization of the American postal system,
serving as postmaster of Philadelphia and a deputy postmaster for the American colonies before being appointed Postmaster General by the Continental
Congress in 1775. He marked postage-free letters with his unique personal
signature: "B. Free Franklin."
Since 1775, the Postal Service and its predecessor, the Post Office Department, has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. It is an independent federal agency that visits 144 million s and businesses every day, six
days a week and is the only service provider delivering to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and services.
With annual revenues of more than $69 billion, it is the world's leading provider of mailing and delivery services, offering some
of the most affordable postage rates in the world. The Postal Service delivers more than half of the world's mail volume -
some 212 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages a year - and serves seven and a half million customers
each day at its 37,000 retail locations nationwide. Its Web site, usps.com, attracts more than 21 million visitors each month.
# # #
Benjamin Franklin Commemorative
Stamps Dedication Speech
The following suggested speech may be used at local ceremonies and events to support and promote the Benjamin
Franklin commemorative postage stamps. Feel free to customize it to fit your local event and community.
Thank you and welcome.
Today is a day of historical significance. This special
event is to recognize the 300th anniversary of the birth of
Benjamin Franklin.
I am honored to be here representing the Postal Service
as we dedicate a stamp in honor of this American icon who
was a statesman, scientist, printer, and the nation's first
postmaster general.
The four images chosen for these intricate and brilliantly
illustrated stamps capture many of Franklin's lifetime accomplishments. The design that was selected is historical
and educational. These stamps are a collage representing
one of four aspects of Franklin's life, career, and personal
interests.
These stamps capture the essence of what Franklin
contributed to this nation many years ago.
I speak to you today not only to celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth, but to also paint a picture in your head
of what Ben Franklin means to the U.S. Postal Service, and
more importantly, our nation. It is incredible to think of the
everyday things we experience and how most of them can
be traced right back to Franklin. From his numerous inventions, the electricity that keeps our society and businesses
moving, to the everyday thoughts, ideas, and ways to live,
and to the letters and packages that are delivered to our
s everyday.
Ladies and gentlemen, you, too, have the opportunity to
make a difference. One step is to keep Benjamin Franklin's
legacy and brilliance alive and take part in the Postal Service's nationwide celebration - for our children and our
children's children.
Take the time this year to appreciate history and honor
this great teacher, leader, and inventor. With these stamps,
we hope to give you a head start.
So, now, on behalf of the Postal Service, I would like to
ask our special guests to join me at the drape as we officially dedicate the Benjamin Franklin commemorative stamps.
[Unveil stamp. Pose for photos.]
- END -
National Postal Facts
Learn more about it . . .
We deliver to every household and business in the
United States. Every American has access to our products
and services and pays the same postage rate for First-
Class Mail service regardless of geographic location. We:
• Deliver 212 billion pieces of mail to over 144 million
s, businesses, and Post Office boxes in virtually
every state, city, and town in the country, including
Puerto Rico, Guam, the American Virgin Islands, and
American Samoa.
• Handle more than 44 percent of the world's card and
letter mail volume - delivering more mail to more addresses and to a larger geographic area than any
other postal service in the world.
• Serve over 7.5 million customers daily at more than
37,000 Post Offices. And 1,450 of our Post Offices
now stay open later.
• Provide stamps at:
• More than 27,800 vending machines.
• Nearly 25,400 commercial retail outlets.
• Nearly 15,300 banking and credit union ATMs.
• 2,500 Automated Postal Centers.
• Have an annual operating revenue of nearly $70
billion.
• Employ more than 700,000 career employees, who
communicate with each other on the world's largest
intranet.
• Pay more than $2 billion in salaries and benefits
every 2 weeks.
Did You Know?
• According to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, 70 percent of consumers prefer to
receive advertisements and promotions via the U.S.
Mail.
• We move mail using most means of transportation:
planes, trains, trucks, cars, boats, bicycles, and even
mules.
• When fuel costs rise just one cent, our costs increase
$8 million.
• About 14 percent of the nation's population moves
every year, generating more than 45 million address
changes.
• In 2005, we accepted 4.7 million passport applications - 65 percent of the total processed by the
Department of State.
We receive no tax dollars from the federal government
for our operations. We are a self-supporting agency, using
the revenue from the sales of postage and postage-related
products to pay expenses.
24/7 Access - Quick, Easy, Convenient
Most postal products and services available inside a
Post Office are now available online at www.usps.com.
• The Postal Service Web site is one of the most popular government sites, with more than 800,000 people
a day visiting www.usps.com.
• The Postal Store (www.usps.com/shop) features
postage stamps and stationery, philatelic collectibles,
and other gift items. In 2005, stamp sales on The
Postal Store exceeded $135 million.
And, at your desktop Post Office you can:
• Order stamps and stamp-related products.
• Order Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and
labels at no cost.
• Create and pay for mailing labels with electronic
postage with Click-N-Ship service.
• Request free package pickup by your letter carrier.
Look up:
• ZIP CodesTM.
• Post Office locations within a close proximity to a
specific address.
• Postage rates.
Manage your mail:
• Change your address.
• Hold your mail while you go on vacation.
• Forward your mail to a temporary location.
• Request that a package you missed be redelivered.
• Get Delivery ConfirmationTM service.
Make your own mail:
• Create customized newsletters, greeting cards,
postcards, and flyers and have them mailed the next
business day.
• Send a gift card from a variety of retailers.
• Find the resources you need to create a direct mail
campaign.
The five most utilized areas on our Web site are: (in
order of popularity)
1. Track and Confirm.
2. ZIP Code Lookup.
3. Rate Calculator.
4. Post Office Locator.
5. Click-N-Ship.
We're Part of the Community
The U.S. Postal Service is the most visible and personal
of all federal agencies. People know they can trust us.
Postal employees are members of the communities they
serve and they make significant contributions.
In 2005, 400 employees were recognized as heroes -
by risking their own lives to save the lives of the customers
they serve.
Semipostal stamps raise money to support worthy
causes:
• As of January 2006, the Breast Cancer Research
semipostal stamp has raised $48.9 million.
• The Heroes semipostal stamp, sold from June 2002
through December 2004, raised $10.6 million to assist families of emergency relief personnel killed or
permanently disabled in the line of duty on
September 11, 2001.
• As of January 2006, the Stop Family Violence semipostal stamp has raised $1.8 million to help victims of
these tragedies.
Employees pledged nearly $39 million in 2005 to their
favorite charities through the Combined Federal Campaign.
Since 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers
has sponsored the nation's largest 1-day food drive. In
2005, a record 71.3 million pounds of food was collected
nationwide.
This year, National Dog Bite Prevention Week will be
held May 21-27 to build awareness concerning animal
attacks.
Working with ADVO to reunite families, the "Have You
Seen Me" detached direct-mail card highlights the power of
the mail - 138 missing children have been found and returned to their s (as of 12/05).
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is one of the oldest
federal law enforcement agencies. In 2005, the Inspection
Service launched "Operation Dialing for Dollars" to shut
down fraudulent telemarketers targeting older Americans.
The operation resulted in 64 arrests and 64 convictions.
The Postal Service is a recognized leader in efforts to
make the world a safer and cleaner place by protecting the
environment. We:
• Generate over $8.5 million in revenue through recycling and waste prevention programs.
• Recycle 1 million tons of wastepaper, cardboard,
plastics, cans, and other materials annually.
• Operate the world's largest fleet of alternative fuel vehicles - more than 30,000 of them - that use clean
fuels such as ethanol and electricity.
• Use recycled products to produce postage stamps
and mailing products.
Mail is Big Business
Correspondence and transactions - $36 billion
Business advertising - $18.9 billion
Expedited delivery - $5.5 billion
Publications delivery - $2.2 billion
Standard package delivery - $2.2 billion
International mail - $1.8 billion
The Postal Service is the core of the nation's $900 billion
mailing industry, which employs nine million people.
Go online to www.usps.com, our 24/7 Post Office, where
you can do most everything you can at your local Post
Office.
The U.S. Postal Service is viewed by the American public as the most trusted organization for privacy among all 70
federal departments, agencies, bureaus, and other entities
examined in the 2006 privacy trust survey conducted by
Ponemon Institute.
# # #
— Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 3-16-06
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