“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.” – B. Franklin

Ben Franklin’s birthday will be celebrated on January 14, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the International Printing Museum in Carson, Calif. You can meet Mr. Franklin, listen to him talk about his life and writings, have him show you demonstrations of his inventions and be delighted by his enthusiasm for life. Though he died 222 years ago, his candle burns bright in a program that celebrates this great American icon. The printing museum regularly offers a Ben Franklin living history program for schools & civic groups, but on his birthday the public can enjoy similar offerings.

At Franklin’s Birthday Party in Carson, Calif. you can:

• Print out your own Franklin quotes on antique printing presses (Franklin is the museum’s celebrated printer.)
• Make your own almanac the “18th century” way.
• Take a fascinating tour of the museum’s collection of working printing presses.
• Have your own birthday cake and eat it,too with cake, punch and more.
• Meet with the Good Doctor himself in Heritage Theatre.

Location: 315 W. Torrance Blvd., Carson, CA 90745
Tickets: $8 adult, $7 senior/student
printmuseum.org

Ben Franklin was born on Jan. 17, 1706 and throughout his 84 years of life, spent most of his time in Philadelphia, though he actually was born in Boston. Franklin was known as a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, a printer, a philosopher, a musician, and an economist. As one of America’s greatest citizens and founding fathers, he left an indelible mark and contributed to modern societies throughout the world with his inventions such as bifocals, the lightning rod, odometer and Ben Franklin stove, to name a few. Today, you can see Ben Franklin’s image printed on the U.S. $100 bill!

In Philadelphia you can find both Ben’s gravesite and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. You’ll also find The Franklin Institute Science Museum.