Phildelphia - 2026
Carol and Rich traveled to Philadelphia in June 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Over the past few years, Rich has dressed as Benjamin Franklin whenever he hosts a display for the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. Appearing as Franklin serves several purposes:
During their trip, Carol and Rich dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Franklin and toured the Franklin sites, turning heads and providing countless photo opportunities for visitors throughout the city.
It was great fun.
- Drawing attention to the display table
- Inviting visitors to stop, ask questions, and learn more about the LCRL
- Reminding people that America was founded on God‑given rights—Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness
- Reinforcing that America is a limited constitutional republic
During their trip, Carol and Rich dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Franklin and toured the Franklin sites, turning heads and providing countless photo opportunities for visitors throughout the city.
It was great fun.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall was the emotional center of our entire trip. Standing inside the very room where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted—and where the Constitution was later crafted—felt like stepping directly into the heartbeat of America’s founding.
The Assembly Room, with its green‑baize tables and Windsor chairs, looks much as it did in 1776. It was easy to imagine Franklin seated near the front, offering his wisdom with that blend of humor and gravity he was known for. For Rich, who has long portrayed Franklin and taught about the nation’s founding principles, being in that room was a deeply meaningful moment—something he had hoped to experience in full Franklin attire for many years.
Walking through Independence Hall reminded us that the freedoms we enjoy today were shaped by real people, gathered in that very space, wrestling with ideas of liberty, rights, and self‑government. It was a place where courage met conviction, and where the American experiment truly began.
The Assembly Room, with its green‑baize tables and Windsor chairs, looks much as it did in 1776. It was easy to imagine Franklin seated near the front, offering his wisdom with that blend of humor and gravity he was known for. For Rich, who has long portrayed Franklin and taught about the nation’s founding principles, being in that room was a deeply meaningful moment—something he had hoped to experience in full Franklin attire for many years.
Walking through Independence Hall reminded us that the freedoms we enjoy today were shaped by real people, gathered in that very space, wrestling with ideas of liberty, rights, and self‑government. It was a place where courage met conviction, and where the American experiment truly began.
Liberty Bell
Visiting the Liberty Bell was one of the highlights of our time in Philadelphia. Standing before that iconic symbol of American freedom—cracked, weathered, and yet still proclaiming liberty—was a powerful reminder of the ideals that shaped our nation. The Bell’s inscription from Leviticus, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof,” still speaks with remarkable force today.
The Liberty Bell Center gave us space to reflect on how the Bell has been used throughout history: from colonial protests, to abolitionist rallies, to civil‑rights marches. Its story is woven into the larger story of America’s ongoing pursuit of freedom.
For us, seeing the Bell in person—after years of portraying Benjamin Franklin and teaching about America’s founding principles—felt like a moment of connection across time. It was a reminder that liberty is both a gift and a responsibility.
The Liberty Bell Center gave us space to reflect on how the Bell has been used throughout history: from colonial protests, to abolitionist rallies, to civil‑rights marches. Its story is woven into the larger story of America’s ongoing pursuit of freedom.
For us, seeing the Bell in person—after years of portraying Benjamin Franklin and teaching about America’s founding principles—felt like a moment of connection across time. It was a reminder that liberty is both a gift and a responsibility.
Franklin Court
- The “Ghost House” — the steel frame outlining where Franklin’s home once stood
- The B. Free Franklin Post Office — the working colonial‑style post office
- The Franklin Court Printing Office — the active 18th‑century print shop
- The Benjamin Franklin Museum — the underground museum beneath the courtyard
Christ Church and Cemetery
Christ Church and its historic burial ground were among the most meaningful stops on our Philadelphia journey. Known as the “Nation’s Church,” Christ Church was the spiritual home of many Founders and a landmark of both faith and civic life. Although Benjamin Franklin did not attend services here regularly, he did maintain a family pew, and his wife, Deborah, worshiped here faithfully throughout her life. The church’s soaring steeple—once the tallest structure in the colonies—stood as a beacon over the city Franklin helped shape.
Across the street lies Christ Church Burial Ground, the resting place of Franklin and many other notable figures from America’s founding era. Visitors still toss pennies onto Franklin’s grave in honor of his famous saying, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Walking through the church and cemetery connected us to the deep spiritual roots of the American story—reminding us that the pursuit of liberty was never separate from the convictions of conscience and faith held by so many early Americans.
Across the street lies Christ Church Burial Ground, the resting place of Franklin and many other notable figures from America’s founding era. Visitors still toss pennies onto Franklin’s grave in honor of his famous saying, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Walking through the church and cemetery connected us to the deep spiritual roots of the American story—reminding us that the pursuit of liberty was never separate from the convictions of conscience and faith held by so many early Americans.
Betsy Ross House and Flagmakers' Hall
The Betsy Ross House and the adjoining Flagmakers’ Hall offered a charming and intimate glimpse into the everyday world of early American life. Walking through the narrow rooms of the house—carefully preserved and furnished in the style of the 1770s—gave us a sense of the humble setting where the legend of America’s first flag took shape. Whether or not every detail of the story is historically certain, the home stands as a tribute to the artisans and ordinary citizens who contributed to the nation’s founding.
Flagmakers’ Hall added depth to the experience, highlighting the craft, skill, and symbolism behind the flags that have represented America through the centuries. Exhibits on stitching, materials, and design reminded us that the flag was not just a political emblem but a work of hands and heart.
As Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, we drew plenty of smiles and photo requests as we explored the courtyard and the historic rooms. The setting felt perfectly suited to the spirit of the trip—celebrating the people, places, and principles that helped shape the American story.
Flagmakers’ Hall added depth to the experience, highlighting the craft, skill, and symbolism behind the flags that have represented America through the centuries. Exhibits on stitching, materials, and design reminded us that the flag was not just a political emblem but a work of hands and heart.
As Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, we drew plenty of smiles and photo requests as we explored the courtyard and the historic rooms. The setting felt perfectly suited to the spirit of the trip—celebrating the people, places, and principles that helped shape the American story.
Day Two: National Constitution Center
Day Two took us to the National Constitution Center, where we explored America’s founding principles from a broader, more contemporary perspective. Unlike the previous day, we were not in costume—this visit was about learning, reflecting, and taking in the full sweep of constitutional history.
The Center’s exhibits walked us through the creation, interpretation, and ongoing impact of the Constitution. The “We the People” gallery highlighted the stories of individuals who have shaped constitutional debates across generations, while the interactive displays helped bring complex ideas to life in a clear and engaging way.
One of the most memorable moments was stepping into Signers’ Hall, surrounded by life‑size bronze statues of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Seeing Benjamin Franklin represented there—after spending so much time portraying him in other settings—added a personal layer of meaning to the experience.
The National Constitution Center offered a thoughtful balance to the historic sites of Day One, reminding us that the Constitution is not just a document of the past but a living framework that continues to guide and challenge our nation today.
The Center’s exhibits walked us through the creation, interpretation, and ongoing impact of the Constitution. The “We the People” gallery highlighted the stories of individuals who have shaped constitutional debates across generations, while the interactive displays helped bring complex ideas to life in a clear and engaging way.
One of the most memorable moments was stepping into Signers’ Hall, surrounded by life‑size bronze statues of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Seeing Benjamin Franklin represented there—after spending so much time portraying him in other settings—added a personal layer of meaning to the experience.
The National Constitution Center offered a thoughtful balance to the historic sites of Day One, reminding us that the Constitution is not just a document of the past but a living framework that continues to guide and challenge our nation today.
Signer's Hall
United States Mint
The Philadelphia Mint surprised us with how much there was to see—and how much of America’s story is still being struck into metal every single day. Even without being in Franklin attire, the visit felt deeply connected to the rest of our trip. This is the place where the nation’s coinage began in 1792, and where billions of coins continue to roll off the presses each year.
Inside, we followed the elevated walkway that overlooks the full production floor.
The exhibits walked us through every stage of coin creation—design, engraving, die preparation, blanking, striking, and inspection. Seeing the master dies and sculpted plaster models gave us a new appreciation for the artistry behind even the smallest denomination. We lingered at the display of historic coinage, including early cents and half dollars that would have circulated in Franklin’s own Philadelphia.
Before leaving, we stopped in the gift shop, where Richard purchased a 1776–2026 Semiquincentennial quarter—an early‑release Philadelphia Mint strike dated two years ahead of circulation. It became one of the most meaningful souvenirs of the trip, a small piece of America’s 250th birthday minted at the very place where the nation’s coinage began.
Inside, we followed the elevated walkway that overlooks the full production floor.
The exhibits walked us through every stage of coin creation—design, engraving, die preparation, blanking, striking, and inspection. Seeing the master dies and sculpted plaster models gave us a new appreciation for the artistry behind even the smallest denomination. We lingered at the display of historic coinage, including early cents and half dollars that would have circulated in Franklin’s own Philadelphia.
Before leaving, we stopped in the gift shop, where Richard purchased a 1776–2026 Semiquincentennial quarter—an early‑release Philadelphia Mint strike dated two years ahead of circulation. It became one of the most meaningful souvenirs of the trip, a small piece of America’s 250th birthday minted at the very place where the nation’s coinage began.
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Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution drew us in with a sense of immediacy—this wasn’t simply a collection of artifacts, but a vivid retelling of how ordinary people became revolutionaries. From the moment we stepped inside, the museum framed the Revolution not as a distant chapter of history, but as a living story still shaping the nation.
The galleries unfolded chronologically, guiding us from the unrest of the 1760s through the Declaration, the long years of war, and the uncertain birth of a republic. Each room blended immersive environments, original objects, and thoughtful storytelling. It felt less like walking through a museum and more like walking through the Revolution itself.
One of the most striking displays was the full‑scale replica of Boston’s Liberty Tree, its branches filled with symbols of protest. Nearby, the recreated privateer ship deck let us step into the world of sailors who fought Britain on the seas.
The emotional high point came in the final gallery, where Washington’s field tent—his “marquee”—is preserved and presented with reverence. Watching the multimedia presentation that slowly revealed the tent felt almost like entering a sacred space. This was the very canvas under which Washington planned campaigns, prayed for guidance, and held together an army that often had little more than hope. Seeing it in person was a moment of quiet awe.
As we stepped back outside, the museum left us with a renewed appreciation for the complexity and courage of the founding generation. It tied together everything we had seen throughout Philadelphia—Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin’s world, and the Mint—into one cohesive story. The Revolution was not inevitable. It was chosen, fought for, and carried forward by people who believed freedom was worth the cost.
The galleries unfolded chronologically, guiding us from the unrest of the 1760s through the Declaration, the long years of war, and the uncertain birth of a republic. Each room blended immersive environments, original objects, and thoughtful storytelling. It felt less like walking through a museum and more like walking through the Revolution itself.
One of the most striking displays was the full‑scale replica of Boston’s Liberty Tree, its branches filled with symbols of protest. Nearby, the recreated privateer ship deck let us step into the world of sailors who fought Britain on the seas.
The emotional high point came in the final gallery, where Washington’s field tent—his “marquee”—is preserved and presented with reverence. Watching the multimedia presentation that slowly revealed the tent felt almost like entering a sacred space. This was the very canvas under which Washington planned campaigns, prayed for guidance, and held together an army that often had little more than hope. Seeing it in person was a moment of quiet awe.
As we stepped back outside, the museum left us with a renewed appreciation for the complexity and courage of the founding generation. It tied together everything we had seen throughout Philadelphia—Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin’s world, and the Mint—into one cohesive story. The Revolution was not inevitable. It was chosen, fought for, and carried forward by people who believed freedom was worth the cost.
Benjamin Franklin Print Shop
The working print shop at Franklin Court offered one of the most immersive experiences of the entire trip. The moment we stepped inside, the scent of ink, the creak of the wooden presses, and the steady rhythm of the printers at work created an atmosphere that felt unmistakably 18th century. It was easy to imagine the young Franklin learning his trade in a place very much like this.
The printers demonstrated the full process of setting type, inking the forme, and pulling a fresh impression from the press. Watching a sheet come off—crisp, textured, and still faintly damp—gave us a renewed appreciation for how labor‑intensive communication once was. Every pamphlet, every newspaper, every political argument had to be built letter by letter, line by line. Seeing it done by hand made Franklin’s influence as a printer feel even more impressive.
We spent time studying the tools of the trade: the composing sticks, the cases of type, the ink balls, and the great wooden press itself. The rangers explained how Franklin’s skill as a printer shaped his later work as a writer, diplomat, and statesman. In a city filled with sites connected to the founding era, this one felt especially personal—this was the craft that launched Franklin’s career and helped spread revolutionary ideas throughout the colonies.
Before leaving, we selected an 8×8 printing of the Join, or Die woodcut, struck on the same style of press Franklin once used. Holding that print, with its bold lines and slight impression into the paper, felt like holding a piece of the urgency that once called the colonies to unity. It became a meaningful addition to the historical display we planned for home.
The printers demonstrated the full process of setting type, inking the forme, and pulling a fresh impression from the press. Watching a sheet come off—crisp, textured, and still faintly damp—gave us a renewed appreciation for how labor‑intensive communication once was. Every pamphlet, every newspaper, every political argument had to be built letter by letter, line by line. Seeing it done by hand made Franklin’s influence as a printer feel even more impressive.
We spent time studying the tools of the trade: the composing sticks, the cases of type, the ink balls, and the great wooden press itself. The rangers explained how Franklin’s skill as a printer shaped his later work as a writer, diplomat, and statesman. In a city filled with sites connected to the founding era, this one felt especially personal—this was the craft that launched Franklin’s career and helped spread revolutionary ideas throughout the colonies.
Before leaving, we selected an 8×8 printing of the Join, or Die woodcut, struck on the same style of press Franklin once used. Holding that print, with its bold lines and slight impression into the paper, felt like holding a piece of the urgency that once called the colonies to unity. It became a meaningful addition to the historical display we planned for home.