Franklin Court is a unique Philadelphia attraction that provides guests with the opportunity to learn fun and interesting facts about early statesman Benjamin Franklin and his family. First opened in 1976 for the city's Bicentennial celebration, the site has been greatly improved throughout the last decade and is now a much more popular attraction with visitors of all ages. It is also slated to soon receive another face lift, according to an announcement by the National Park Service in January 2009.
The area that is occupied by Franklin Court was once the Philadelphia home of Franklin, his wife Deborah, and their children. The home was thought to be 3 stories tall with 10 rooms. Unfortunately, it was razed in 1812 but visitors can still view pieces of the home and its interior that have been unearthed, including the foundation, wells, and privy (bathroom) pits. A number of ceramic artifacts are also on display in this part of the outdoor museum.
Most children, however, enjoy visiting the unique underground museum that is a fun part of Franklin Court. This area underneath the court includes a number of objects made by Franklin, an avid inventor and entrepreneur. There's a Franklin stove, a novel swim fin, and - the most fascinating offering - Franklin's glass harmonica, for which W.A. Mozart wrote a special piece of music. National Park rangers demonstrate the harmonica periodically. The main part of the underground museum features a bank of phones and a wall full of phone numbers that give visitors access to testimonies about Franklin from some of the greatest minds and personalities of the time, including George Washington, Mozart, and author/poet D.H. Lawrence. Also in this portion of the museum is the opportunity to view an interesting 18 minute film about Franklin's life, including his time spent outside of Philadelphia.
Several other buildings surround the courtyard area of Franklin Court. They are traditional-style early Colonial townhouses that have been restored to period splendor. Guests can visit 318 Market Street, where they'll be treated to an architectural exhibit about Franklin's interest in fire-resistant buildings. Also inside this building is a display of Franklin-owned pottery and glassware. Situated next door, at 320 Market Street, is the printing office and bindery. Here, rangers give printing demonstrations and guests can view old printing and binding equipment used by Franklin and his contemporaries. Another townhouse is the restored office of the Aurora and the General Advertiser, papers published by Franklin's grandson.
Because Franklin was once the postmaster general, guests can also visit the U.S. Postal Museum, located in another of the renovated homes, and can stop by the Post Office and have their mail hand-stamped by a postal worker with a "B. Free Franklin'' postmark. This is the only post office in the United States that does not fly a U.S. flag because there was not yet one in existence during Franklin's years as postmaster.
Admission to all the attractions at Franklin Court is free and the area is rarely crowded but is full of good photo opportunities.
