At the heart of Philadelphia’s revitalized Independence Mall, at 525 Arch Street, between 5th and 6th Streets, just across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, lies a very special and magical place. Known to the world as the National Constitutional Center, this non-profit organization is supported by museum admissions, memberships, grants and gifts from corporations, individuals and foundations. The center is unique in that it is the first and only museum devoted to the constitution of the United States and the empowering freedoms it grants to all of us as a nation and as individuals.
Since December 26th of 2005 and until April 30th of this year, an incredible exhibit is on display. No one should miss “Ben Franklin: In Search of Another World” even though the cost of admission is a bit high at 14.00 per person. This exhibition is so popular that tickets are not only dated, but also time-stamped. It features the largest collection of historic items related to this favorite American statesman, diplomat and inventor that have ever been amassed in one place. His spirit lingers in the interactive air among the rare artifacts and documents that illuminate his life, character and many, many achievements.
Besides one of Franklin’s original printing presses upon which “Poor Richard’s Almanac” was printed, one can view more than 250 priceless original items, including many from Franklin’s own family that have never before been displayed. The exhibit contains original copies of five of America’s founding documents, all signed by Franklin himself. These include: the Constitution, the Albany Plan, the Declaration of Independence, the Paris Peace Treaty and the Treaty of Amity. There are about fifty interactive devices that transport one into the world as Franklin knew it through state-of-the-art special effects and educational science experiments.
So come and see Ben Franklin today. He is waiting to transport you into his world for a bird’s eye view of an era long past into the annals of time. Or has it?