Successful
Grant to the Pew Charitable Trusts
The
Franklin Institute, The Library Company, The American Philosophical Society,
The
University of Pennsylvania, The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Lisa Jo Rudy, Grant Writer
Executive
Summary
Benjamin
Franklin –– the man, his times and his legacy –– are Philadelphia’s
heritage. In 2006, America will
celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth.
The Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society,
The University of Pennsylvania, The Franklin Institute and The Philadelphia
Museum of Art (The Consortium) request a grant of $4.0 million from The Pew
Charitable Trusts to support the Franklin Tercentenary Project.
Together, the Consortium will:
In
addition, as part of a larger National Tercentenary Commission, the Consortium
will partner with the City of Philadelphia, along with many other local,
national and international partners, to develop programs, publications and
events to publicize and celebrate Franklin’s heritage during his tercentenary
and beyond.
The centerpiece of the Tercentenary Project, a 12,000 square foot exhibition entitled “The Creation of Benjamin Franklin, American Citizen of the World,” will be presented in four locations including Philadelphia. At present, London and Paris are being considered as potential international venues; conversations are now underway with appropriate museums in both of these locations. A second North American venue is presently under consideration. Based on an estimated 250,000 visitors per venue, the total attendance is expected to approximate 1 million.
“Franklin,” a multi–disciplinary exhibition, will display and interpret a broad–ranging collection of artifacts, documents and art related to Franklin, his work, his impact and his time. Carefully conserved, fully researched historical objects will be the core content of the exhibition. Other approaches, including immersive environments, interactive elements and multimedia presentations will create an engaging educational experience for audiences age ten and above. Publications, Web sites and other ancillary materials and programs will enhance the educational and promotional impact of the project.
The
Philadelphia Tercentenary Consortium and the Federal Tercentenary Commission
To
celebrate the Franklin tercentenary, Philadelphia’s most significant
Franklin–related institutions have developed a working consortium.
Each member of the Consortium is a world–class institution in itself;
and each member has a unique relationship to Benjamin Franklin.
In addition, each member owns a significant collection of Frankliniana,
and includes, among its staff, individuals with experience and expertise in the
areas of American history in general and Benjamin Franklin in particular, as
well as communication to the public through exhibits, programs and Web sites.
The
Consortium Committee, consisting of leadership from each member institution,
will work jointly to advise, oversee and manage the development of tercentenary
projects and programs. The
Consortium’s funds will be held and managed by The Franklin Institute.
The
Consortium has introduced a bill to Congress to create a Benjamin Franklin
Tercentenary Commission which will recommend and carry out celebratory programs,
conferences and exhibitions. Commission
members are defined in the legislation; the same Consortium Committee that will
oversee the development of the exhibition will also oversee the work of the
Federal Commission. The Franklin
Institute will, upon passage of the bill, house the Secretariat for the
Commission.
An
Executive Director for the Commission, to be hired upon acceptance of this
proposal, will be charged with oversight of both the exhibition project in
particular and the Commission in
general. A curator will have more
direct, hands–on involvement with the development of the exhibit itself.
(Please see Governance section and attached organizational chart for
further clarification of the organizational structure.)
Plans
for the larger Tercentenary Celebration are underway; each institution’s plans
are described briefly below:
The
Library Company of Philadelphia
The Library
Company, founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin as the first public library, is
today a non-profit independent research library which preserves over half a
million rare books, prints, and photographs documenting every aspect of American
history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
The collection is especially strong in African American history, the
history of women, business and economics, printing and publishing, popular
medicine, philanthropy and reform, education, natural sciences, agriculture,
technology, art, architecture, German Americana, American Judaica, popular
literature, and a small but distinguished collection of early American art and
artifacts. The print and photograph collection is rich in images of the
Philadelphia region and graphics by local artists.
The Library Company has the largest collection of books from Benjamin
Franklin’s library and some of his scientific equipment.
The
Library Company serves a broad constituency through a variety of programs
including comprehensive reference services, exhibitions and public events, an
on-line catalog of the collection, the publication of books for both scholarly
and popular audiences, and an internationally-recognized research fellowship
program. The Library Company
will undertake two major projects for 2006:
The Library Company
holds at least half of Franklin’s private library of 4,276 volumes.
The institution plans to search the as-yet-unpublished Franklin Papers
for references to other books he owned,
annotate the entries as appropriate, and write a series of short essays on the
significance of the library for various aspects of his life and work. The
catalog will be published in two volumes and possibly also in an online or
CD-ROM version.
An exhibition
on Franklin as book publisher will focus on 21 of Franklin’s most important
publications, including the first American edition of the first modern novel
(Richardson’s Pamela), the first American New Testament in English
(printed clandestinely), and the first deluxe edition of an American literary
work (James Logan’s translation of Cicero’s Cato Major).
The
nation’s oldest and most prestigious learned society has an international
membership that has included approximately 250 Nobel Laureates.
Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 to promote useful knowledge in the
sciences and humanities, its Library concentrates on the history of American
science and early American history and culture up to the Civil War.
The APS serves the scholarly world and general public through its
programs of meetings, symposia, grants, library research, and community service.
The
American Philosophical Society holds 60 percent of the Franklin manuscripts
extant, as well as a substantial portion of books from his personal Library. In
addition, Franklin artifacts such as his electric battery (Leyden jars), library
chair, chess sets, clocks, portraits and art are among our collection. The
Society has a long tradition of participating in exhibitions such as The
Creation of Benjamin Franklin by loaning books, manuscripts, maps,
watercolors, paintings, and scientific instruments from its distinguished
collections to other institutions, collaborating with others in the creation of
significant exhibits, and mounting its own exhibits regularly in Library Hall,
occasionally in Benjamin Franklin Hall, and in its newly created gallery space
in Philosophical Hall. Recently,
the APS participated in the PMA’s splendid 1999-2000 Worldly
Goods: the Arts of Early
Pennsylvania, 1680-1758 and in April 2001 opened its first exhibition in
Philosophical Hall – From the Laboratory
to the Parlor: Scientific Instruments in Philadelphia, 1750-1875.
The American
Philosophical Society may devote its April 2006 Annual General Meeting to
Benjamin Franklin’s role in creating the Society, the current state of
Franklin studies, and the lasting influence of his many achievements and
intellectual and social ideas. The
Society will mount its own Franklin exhibit, perhaps focusing on his wide circle
of scientific friends in America and Europe.
The APS will establish educational programs for students not only in the
Delaware Valley but around the world utilizing modern technology and also
personal visits to the Society, its meetings, special lectures and
conversations, and, of course, its Franklin exhibit.
The
University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 and transformed into a college by
Benjamin Franklin. Today, Penn is
known throughout the United States and around the world as one of
America’s premier teaching and research universities, with a
world–class faculty engaged in the forefront of intellectual inquiry and
scientific discovery. Franklin’s
legacy has been instrumental in the university’s quest for innovation and
academic excellence. It was the
first educational institution in America (1779) to be designated as a
university. America’s first
medical school was established here, as was the country’s first collegiate
school of business and the world’s first all–electronic, large–scale,
general–purpose digital computer. In
2000, The University of Pennsylvania took on the management of Pennsylvania
Hospital, founded by Franklin himself as the nation’s first hospital.
The University of Pennsylvania holds an extensive collection of Frankliniana, including a virtually complete run of everything Franklin printed; manuscripts and correspondence, principally relating to Franklin's stay in France; material artifacts including two desks, pearl studs, a walking stick presented to Franklin by Lafayette, and porcelain acquired in Paris; and the founding documents relating to Penn and to Pennsylvania Hospital.
The University of Pennsylvania plans a variety of Tercentenary celebrations, including a series of related alumni events in international cities; publication of a new biography; a series of Symposia on Civic Discourse; and the creation of Franklin Fellowships, a series of undergraduate Fellowships with a public service requirement would memorialize a man who spent half his life in the service of others.
The Franklin Institute
On February 5, 1824, Samuel Vaughan Merrick and William H. Keating founded The Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts. The Franklin Institute's purpose was to honor Ben Franklin and advance the usefulness of his inventions. On January 1, 1934, The Franklin Institute science museum opened to the public. Today, one hundred and seventy seven years after the Institute's founding, The Franklin Institute continues to offer new and exciting access to science and technology.
The mission of The Franklin Institute is to stimulate interest in science, to promote public understanding of science, and to strengthen science education. The Institute maintains an exemplary, innovative museum of science with engaging, educational exhibits and programs; supports a diverse set of partnerships with all levels of the formal educational system; interprets the social and historical impact of science and technology; recognizes outstanding achievement; and provides a forum for discussion of important scientific issues. The Franklin Institute also holds a significant collection of curated Frankliniana, including Franklin’s original lightning rod, spectacles and glass armonica.
Each year, The Franklin Institute presents the Bower Awards to scientists who have made significant contributions to the international community. In 2006, all Bower Awards may be themed around Franklin’s specific scientific interests. In addition The Franklin Institute will present family programs, scholarly lectures and other events to mark the celebration of the Tercentenary.
Historically, the Philadelphia Museum of Art was a legacy of the great Centennial Exposition of 1876 held in Fairmount Park. From its inception, the museum celebrated and encouraged practical connections between creativity, design and technology, core values that would have made Franklin proud. In the 125 years since its founding, it has grown far beyond the limits originally set for it. Today, the Museum houses over 300,000 works of art encompassing some of the greatest achievements of human creativity, and offers a wealth of exhibitions and education programs for a public of all ages.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds several Franklin–related art treasures, including the famed sculpted bust by Frenchman Jean–Antoine Houdon, the heroic view of Franklin drawing electricity from the sky by Benjamin West, and other portraits, prints and decorative arts objects. Some of these holdings will form the basis for a small exhibit focused on the artistic expression of Franklin’s legacy and on images of Franklin himself.
Benjamin Franklin –– personally and through his legacy –– had a significant impact on the long–term fate of our city, our nation and the nations of the world. His impact has been celebrated around the world ever since his death in 1790. Even now, international interest in Franklin remains high; celebration of his 250th anniversary, and ongoing recognition of Franklin through a variety of media, attest to an ongoing fascination with the man and his extraordinary contributions.
The
Franklin 250th
In 1956, the world celebrated the 250th anniversary of Franklin’s birth. Interest was high around the world, with special programs and events presented in 72 nations in every continent. Some highlights of that celebration included:
· Symposia, lectures and other major scholarly events;
· Issuance of Franklin stamps in several nations;
· Official Franklin–related events such as the flying of the Stars and Strips from the Eiffel Tower in Paris;
· Publication of Franklin–related pamphlets, books and translations;
· Presentation of major Franklin–related exhibits;
· Creation of Franklin scholarships and awards.
Philadelphia, as Franklin’s adopted home, took the lead in the celebration. The Franklin Institute managed the celebration; the American Philosophical Society and other organizations founded by Franklin held ceremonies. Noteworthy events included the first symposium on “Earth Satellites” held at the Institute, and the exhibit of Franklin Portraits arranged by the APS. The University of Pennsylvania hosted a ceremony which bestowed honorary degrees to university heads. The City of Philadelphia produced a special silver medal which was presented to Sir Winston Churchill and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Franklin is not only an historic figure; he is also an important academic, cultural and scientific touchstone for contemporary society. Public interest in Franklin is revealed through such projects as…
· Exhibits (“Benjamin Franklin: A Perspective,” “The World of Franklin and Jefferson”)
· Scholarly books (Reappraising Benjamin Franklin, by Leo Lemay, Ph.D.)
· Popular books (Ben and Me, by Robert Lawson)
· Television and movies (the PBS series “Liberty: Chronicle of the Revolution,” and the upcoming series on Franklin himself)
· Web sites (The Independence Hall Foundation’s “Electric Franklin,” including an online version of the Autobiography; The Franklin Institute’s “Ben Franklin: Glimpses of the Man,” BBC Online’s Franklin biography; the University of Kansas’ online archive of Poor Richard’s Almanack)
Potential
Success of a Major Franklin Exhibition and Program
Given the national and international significance and popularity of Benjamin Franklin, the concept of a major international exhibition seems a natural means for celebrating the three hundredth anniversary of his birth. Similar exhibitions have been very successful, bringing in out–of–town tourists, boosting local economies and generally promoting public interest in the exhibition theme.
The exhibition Leonard da Vinci: Scientist, Inventor, Artist had a significant impact on its venues. A report prepared for the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, British Columbia, by CE Wetton Associates shows that the exhibition created a $92.4 million boost (in Canadian dollars) to Victoria’s economy, and kept museum attendance near peak–season levels during a traditionally slow winter period. Visitors to the exhibition came not only from British Columbia, but also from the United States and as far afield as Mexico. Just over 400 overseas visitors came to Victoria solely or mainly to view the exhibition.
Cézanne, a major exhibition produced by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, was enormously successful both in the United States and abroad. In Paris, the exhibit brought approximately 600,000 visitors to the Muse d’Orsay during its four–month run; in London, at the Tate, visitorship topped 400,000. In Philadelphia, the exhibition’s only American venue, over 700,000 people viewed the show. As a direct result of Cézanne, over $122 million in tourist dollars were spent in the Philadelphia area, with 550,000 visitors coming from outside the region.
“The Creation of Benjamin
Franklin, American Citizen of the World” will benefit from Franklin’s
tremendous international name recognition, and from the importance of Franklin
as a part of every American school curriculum.
In addition, the inclusion of important artifacts, documents and art in
the exhibition will attract a significant audience of scholars, students, art
lovers and historians.
Project
Description
The major elements of The Project involve (1) locating, cataloging and conserving Frankliniana and (2) developing and creating a large, multi–disciplinary exhibition. Other Project elements, such as publications, publicity and Web development, are described briefly in the Project Timeline.
Conservation
Overview
In addition to catalogued items, the curator will seek out privately held documents and artifacts. These items are more difficult to locate and evaluate, and the curator will work through Consortium members, Franklin scholars and others to make contact with private collectors. The curator will then gather as much information as possible about individual artifacts’ description, provenance and condition. This painstaking work should result in a unique and important list of never–before–catalogued items.
The resulting inventory of Frankliniana will be entered into an database which will include information about the location, condition and provenance of each item. Images of as many items as possible will be collected and stored for future use in the exhibition and in corollary materials. It is anticipated that well over 90% of existing American Frankliniana will be contained in the database.
The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (the Conservation Center) will coordinate the conservation assessment of each artifact on the priority list. The first phase of conservation assessment will be followed by the contracting for conservation treatment of artifacts selected for the exhibit that need attention to enable the artifacts to be exhibited and travel. The Conservation Center currently acts as a prime contractor for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for a full range of conservation treatment services. Through this activity the Conservation Center maintains a network of sub-contracted specialists representing the full range of conservation sub-specialties (paintings, objects, paper, books, furniture, etc.).
In the conservation assessment phase a condition report will be prepared for each artifact. The report, prepared by a conservator, will identify special exhibition, transport, and handling requirements of the object, and assess the physical condition of the artifact and propose a conservation treatment plan if appropriate. Exhibition, transport, and handling requirements can include special exhibit mounts, lighting restrictions, exhibit case materials, special crating and packing needs. Based on these assessments a final list of artifacts to be acquired and conserved will be developed and approved by the Executive Director and Consortium Committee.
Artifacts for the exhibit will be selected based upon the following criteria:
· The artifacts should be capable (after appropriate conservation) of extended travel;
· The artifacts should be of real historic, artistic or scientific significance;
· The artifacts should have not only scholarly but also public appeal;
· The artifacts should be available for long–term loan;
· The artifacts should fit in with the established themes of the exhibit.
Once the final list of artifacts is approved, the Conservation Center will gather the items and sub-contract for their appropriate conservation. The Conservation Center will work with the Executive Director and the Consortium Committee to insure that interests of the owner institution, the exhibit, and the artifact are satisfied through the treatment phase. The Conservation Center will also arrange for appropriate storage of conserved artifacts following treatment.
Exhibition
Overview
“Franklin” will be an approximately 12,000 square foot exhibition, designed to travel both in the United States and abroad. The exhibition will be an unusual blend of history, art and science, and will make use of a wide variety of techniques to engage visitors in each of these three disciplines. Visitors will step into immersive environments and traditional gallery spaces to encounter unique artifacts, hands–on elements, videos, computer kiosks and live guides. All of these techniques will combine to provide a rich, multi–dimensional experience while also the exhibition’s core themes, including:
· Franklin, the Self–Educated Man: Visitors will learn about the details of Franklin’s youth and formal and self–education, and read some of Franklin’s writings about education. They will discover Franklin’s impact on education in the colonies, including his development of such institutions as the Library Company, the American Philosophical Society and University of Pennsylvania.
· Franklin’s Philadelphia: Visitors will see for themselves how Franklin’s Philadelphia changed over the course of Franklin’s lifetime, and discover the impact that Franklin himself had on the city’s physical, social and intellectual development. Specifically, visitors will have access to electronic archives of the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poore Richard’s Almanack, and will learn about Franklin’s leading role in creating key institutions such as fire companies, educational institutions and the Pennsylvania Hospital.
· Franklin’s Philanthropy: Doing Well and Doing Good: Despite his humble roots, Franklin was the prototypical American entrepreneur, building a simple printing business into considerable wealth. With his wealth, he was able to ensure the longevity of many of the organizations he founded –– and most of these institutions have continued strong until the present day.
· Franklin the Scientist: Solving Nature’s Puzzles: Stepping into a colonial–era workshop, visitors will discover recreations of specific experiments and inventions that had an important impact on Franklin’s time and/or our own time. Where possible, original artifacts will be displayed in curatorially appropriate surroundings. In additional to simply viewing some of Franklin’s creations and experiments, visitors will be introduced to the idea of the “curious individual,” and encouraged to ask questions and seek the answers
· Franklin as Founding Father: Franklin’s political writings, personal influence and international travels positioned him to be a significant influence on world events. A colonial agent, self–promoter, reluctant revolutionary, he became one of the chief architects of the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution, American Minister to France, and inspiration to political activists around the world.
·
Franklin’s Persona: A Face as Well–Known as that of the
Moon: From legal tender to
portraits, images and aphorisms, Benjamin Franklin’s face and ideas have
become an integral part of our national culture.
Art, cartoons and other cultural images and references will reflect our
familiarity with Franklin and his legacy.
·
Franklin in Perspective: Friends and Enemies:
It is important to present Franklin as a three–dimensional
individual with both friends and enemies. For
many figures of his time, Franklin’s politics and personality were at best
abrasive; at worst seditious.
· Franklin: American Citizen of the World: Franklin’s impact and interest spanned the globe. Franklin brought America to the world –– and the world to America. Through art, artifacts, documents and immersive experiences, visitors will explore Franklin’s personal influence on internationalism.
The exhibition will be accompanied to all of its venues by trained staff who will be employed by the Consortium. These individuals will be competent to oversee the security and well–being of unique artifacts as they are transported and exhibited; oversee exhibition set–up and break–down; and train or act as docents in the exhibition itself.
Exhibition Elements
Note:
the following exhibit description is preliminary, and is intended to provide a
general sense of scale, content and possible design.
A final exhibit design will be developed as a part of a rigorous research
and planning process.
The exhibition, as presently conceived, alternates realistic, immersive environments with gallery–style spaces. This approach will allow the exhibition to engage visitors’ imaginations while also providing an appropriate setting for major artifacts and art, and providing quiet spaces where interested visitors will have the opportunity to experience electronic versions of important Franklin–related documents. Beginning in colonial era Philadelphia, the visitor will finally emerge in a modern, 21st century city.
Franklin’s
Philadelphia
A.
Immersive Setting
Visitors
will step into a recreation of colonial Philadelphia. Cobblestoned streets and other sensory elements will enhance
the feeling of “time travel.” In
this setting, visitors will:
Visitors will learn more about Franklin’s educational plans and writings, and his personal impact on colonial Philadelphia. Exhibited items may include original documents and artifacts related to Franklin’s development of major Philadelphia institutions
In this recreation of a period print shop, visitors will come to understand the significance of the written and spoken word to colonial America. Newspapers, pamphlets, fliers and other materials from around the world will be used to enhance this idea. A period printing press will be juxtaposed with modern printing equipment to show the progression of printing technology –– and to emphasize the importance of printing to Franklin’s time period. Elements, ranging from shop signs to cartoons, will help to emphasize the notion that, since many people did not read, alternative means were used to communicate information and ideas.
International documents of the same period will be juxtaposed with the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States of American, showing the impact of American thinking and writing on world politics. Political cartoons of the colonial era will be juxtaposed with modern cartoons, showing the importance and evolution of the medium.
B. Gallery Space
This area will continue to explore Franklin’s entrepreneurial undertakings and his philanthropic spirit. It will also provide an appropriate space in which to display major documents including original period publications, Franklin’s Almanac and an electronic version of the Pennsylvania Gazette.
A. Immersive Setting
Stepping into this colonial–era workshop, visitors will discover recreations of specific experiments and inventions that had an important impact on Franklin’s time and/or our own time. In this area, visitors will have the opportunity to touch and interact with recreations of original Franklin artifacts such as bifocals, a Franklin stove, and glass armonica. Where possible, original artifacts will be displayed.
In addition to viewing some of Franklin’s creations and experiments, visitors will be introduced to the idea of the “curious individual,” and encouraged to ask questions and seek the answers. Labels and “lab notes” will provide visitors with specific information about Franklin’s own findings. Original paintings (such as Franklin with his kite), along with related artifacts (such as an original Franklin lightning rod) will enhance visitors’ understanding of Franklin’s real contributions to science.
In this gallery space, visitors will be introduced to Franklin’s impact on the larger world. They will gain an historical perspective on Franklin’s involvement in the American revolution, and on his international significance.
The
Court at Versailles
A recreation of a small portion of the court at Versailles will set the stage for an exhibit element dealing with the international impacts of Franklin himself and of the American revolution. Visitors will be invited to explore the court itself, viewing art and artifacts and reading about the international political and cultural issues of the time. Textiles, costumes, furniture and other items will be interpreted as a means to understand social stratification, the distinctions between European and American culture, etc.
A.
Immersive Setting
From
the colonial era, visitors will re–emerge in an area depicting a modern
America City. There, visitors will
explore some of Franklin’s many lasting legacies, from the impact of
electricity to the international significance of the American Constitution.
The area will also explore the ongoing importance of Franklin’s work,
as we look toward the 21st century
B.
Gallery Space
In
a “mini–gallery” of Franklin images, visitors will rediscover “A Face as
Well–Known as that of the Moon.” Art
and artifacts will include portraits, contemporary and modern paintings,
sculptures, cartoons and books.
Project
Timeline
The Consortium Committee will hire an Executive Director for the Tercentenary Project. This individual will have significant background in American history and exhibition development, as well as experience with fundraising and project management. The Executive Director, under the supervision of the Consortium Committee, will hire or outsource a Curator with the background and experience to take a leading role in researching and developing the exhibition and its collateral materials.
The Curator will begin the process of locating and cataloging existing Franklin artifacts and documents in both the public and private domains. As this work continues, the resulting inventory, including item locations, provenance, condition and photographs, will be entered into a database. The database will then become an important tool for development of a variety of projects, including the exhibition, Web site, coffee table book and catalog.
Contractors from the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts will review the list and the artifacts themselves, preparatory to developing a final list of artifacts to be borrowed and conserved.
Once the final list of artifacts is approved, the Conservation Center will take charge of borrowing, conserving and appropriately storing the items. The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts will designate an Exhibit Conservator. Conservation considerations for the artifacts affect the planning, design, fabrication, and installation. For example, sensitive items may require specific environment or lighting, the methods and materials used to design and fabricate mounts and cases should be monitored to insure the safety of the artifacts, and the installation of artifacts must avoid damaging artifacts in handling, mounting, and crating.
Before embarking upon development of a major exhibition, it is critically important to gauge public understanding and perception of Franklin, his times, his contributions and his personal significance. Front end evaluation and market research, to be conducted by the Project Evaluator (listed in the Key Personnel section) and contracted marketing researchers, will investigate topics including:
Research will be carried out through a variety of means, including surveys, person–to–person questionnaires and exhibit prototyping. (See Evaluation section for further details.) In addition, contacts will be made with regional Franklin–related organizations, with the intention of forming possible alliances for marketing, outreach and education.
During
the summer of 2003, the Executive Director and Curator, with the support of the
Consortium Committee, will hire several full and/or part–time staff members
who will become employees of or contractors to The Franklin Institute.
This team will:
The
Curator and other team members will work closely with Franklin scholars to
ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of exhibition design.
In addition, Franklin scholars will attend annual meetings to review
plans, blueprints and drafts.
Development
of Supporting Materials
While the exhibition is under development, Project staff and contractors will work to develop a variety of printed and electronic materials to support and promote the exhibition. Examples include:
Commemorative
Book: A
full–color “coffee table” book will promote and interpret the exhibition. It may be marketed after the exhibition completes its
travels, as a highly–illustrated review of Franklin’s life, work and
influence.
Catalog:
An
exhibition catalog, designed specifically for scholars and researchers, will
include information about the provenance and historical significance of each
artifact, document and piece of art displayed in the exhibition.
Press
materials: A
full press kit will be developed to promote the exhibition before and during its
tour.
Web
site: The
Web site will have several distinct roles: it will serve as a promotional tool,
an educational tool, and a means for disseminating information pertinent to
Franklin and the exhibition itself.
Web staff will place the database of Frankliniana online. Recalling Franklin’s own observation that the “doors of wisdom are never shut,” the Franklin online archive will offer equitable access to scholars, as well as the general public, at any time and in every country around the world. Every item in the archive can be catalogued with a digital image, even those not able to be exhibited and/or traveled. Further, the online archive will be searchable and so facilitate specialized research in the full range of Franklin’s activity and thought.
The
Web site will also offer a complementary experience of the physical exhibition
seen by a finite audience to an unlimited international audience.
In concert with the major online resource “Benjamin Franklin: Glimpses
of the Man” that is already part of TFI Online, the online Franklin exhibit
will provide multiple entry points, framing access for younger audiences, as
well as for the adult audience envisioned for the physical exhibition.
The
online Franklin exhibit will also promote strategic collaboration with teachers
and the development of classroom–based materials that can generate an ongoing
student exploration of Franklin’s life, his historical context, and the legacy
of his work.
Exhibition fabrication/ Label
development
The
project leaders will outsource actual exhibition fabrication to a suitable firm.
The Curator will work closely with the fabricator to ensure quality of
design and manufacture. The
Conservator will also take an active role in ensuring the proper construction of
secure, appropriate exhibition settings for artifacts.
Copy
for exhibition labels will be developed with the assistance of with Franklin
scholars. Exhibition labels will be
coordinated with Web copy, Commemorative Book copy, catalog copy and tour
guides. Copy will also provide a
basis for the development of press releases and other outreach materials.
Exhibit Prototyping/Formative
Evaluation
December,
2005 – June, 2007
The
exhibition will be launched in Philadelphia in January, 2006, at a venue to be
decided. Options include The
Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia
Convention Center. The launch will
be supported by a full public relations and publicity campaign, coordinated with
programs to be developed by the Secretariat (see next section for details).
The exhibition will remain in Philadelphia through Franklin’s birthday
(January 17th) and into late June, 2006.
The exhibition will travel to one additional North American venue and two European venues in Paris and London. An Exhibition Manager and appropriate staff will travel with the exhibition to oversee the process of moving, placing and securing artifacts, art and documents. A coordinator will travel with and remain with the exhibition in each of its venues, providing overall support, training educational staff and, when appropriate, acting as docent and/or guide in the galleries themselves.
Selection of venues may be based upon a competition “request for proposal,” to be requested from each interested site. Responses will be evaluated by the leadership team, and venues will be selected based upon criteria to be determined.
The
exhibition will remain at each venue for approximately four months.
While specific contract elements may vary, each site will:
Long
term program impact (ongoing)
After the Tercentenary exhibition
completes its travels, many artifacts, art and documents will be returned to
their owners. Selected art,
artifacts, documents, reproductions and other exhibition elements will then
return to Philadelphia. The
database of Frankliniana will become a permanent resource for students, scholars
and collectors, available on the World Wide Web.
To lengthen the life of the
exhibition and to maintain a high level of interest in Franklin and his
contributions, exhibition elements will be reconfigured into smaller, more
focused exhibits on Franklin history, art and science.
These smaller (3–6,000 sf) exhibits may travel and/or be placed
permanently in Philadelphia venues. Conserved
items not returned or placed in new exhibit settings may be lent to other
appropriate institutions.
In addition to providing ongoing venues for elements of the exhibition, the Consortium will also maintain ongoing public awareness of and interest in Franklin and Franklin’s Philadelphia through print and electronic programs. Project publications and the Project Web site will continue to reach scholars, historians and the general public across the country and around the world. In addition, the Consortium will work to enhance public interest in Franklin’s Philadelphia through continuing cooperation with the city’s Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.
Project
Governance
The Tercentenary Project will be overseen by a committee of Consortium members, listed in the Key Personnel section of this proposal. These individuals will oversee budget, program and policy issues.
An
Executive Director for the Tercentenary Project will be hired by and will report
to the Consortium Committee. This
individual will be responsible not only for overseeing development of the
exhibition and ancillary materials described in this proposal, but also for
programs and activities of the official Tercentenary Commission.
With
the advice and support of the Consortium Committee, the Executive Director will
hire and supervise contractors and staff to research and conserve artifacts;
develop and fabricate the exhibition; write, edit and design ancillary materials
(Web site, catalog, etc.) and perform additional duties related to the
Tercentenary Commission.
All
individuals and contractors hired for the project will report to the Executive
Director for the Project and will become employees of or contractors to The
Franklin Institute. They will
receive appropriate pay and benefits.
The
Franklin Institute, as grant recipient, will be responsible for managing cash
flow, payroll and other day–to–day financial issues.
Consortium
Committee
Dr.
Edward C. Carter, II Librarian
American
Philosophical Society
Gail
Harrity, Chief Operating Officer
Philadelphia
Museum of Art
Leslie
Kruhly, Secretary of the University
University
of Pennsylvania
Dr.
John C. Van Horne, Librarian and C.E.O.
The
Library Company of Philadelphia
Dr.
Dennis Wint, President and CEO
The
Franklin Institute Science Museum
(The Advisory Team will attend annual meetings with Project personnel, and will be available to Project Personnel on an as–needed basis.)
H.W.
Brands, Texas A&M University
Ellen
Cohn, Editor, The Franklin Papers
Brandon
Fortune, National Portrait Gallery
John
Heilbron, University of California, Berkeley
Carla
Mulford, Pennsylvania State University
Barbara
Oberg, Editor, The Jefferson Papers
Billy
G. Smith, Montana State University
Michael
Zuckerman, University of Pennsylvania
Executive
Director
Educator
Curator
Registrar
Traveling
Exhibit Coordinator
Conservator(s)
Evaluator
Financial
Manager
Exhibit
Designer/Fabricator
Marketing
and Publicity Coordinator
Publications
and Web Coordinator
Support
Staff
Evaluation
Plan
Front-end
Evaluation:
Evaluation
of The Creation of Benjamin Franklin will
begin with front-end assessment. Focus
groups will be held with: four age groups of museum visitors (ages 10-14, 15-18,
young adult, and middle/older adult) and with middle and high school teachers to
determine their baseline knowledge of and feelings about Franklin and his
accomplishments. The Institute will
also obtain reactions to proposed exhibit components targeted to these age
groups and suggestions for additional components. Participants will be asked
questions such as:
·
Who was Benjamin Franklin?
·
When did he live?
·
What are some of the things Franklin did?
·
Do you think Franklin was important to Philadelphia’s history? If yes,
why?
·
Is Franklin important to world history?
If yes, why?
·
Which of the following titles for the exhibit most appeals to you?
A
survey of museum visitors, covering aspects of the focus group discussions will
provide quantitative data to make clear what portion of the audience is
represented by the points of view which emerge in the focus groups.
The survey of museum visitors will allow us to ask more detailed
questions about Franklin, his life and his time.
Prototypes of exhibit components will be tested with adult and family museum visitors and with school groups to determine whether the components attract and hold visitor attention and communicate major conceptual messages. This process will be repeated iteratively until the communication goals of the exhibit are met. Particular attention will be paid to the components’ ability to stimulate compelling personal connections as well as to convey specific content. Prototype testing will seek to discover:
·
Are people attracted to the components?
·
Do the components hold visitor’s attention?
·
Do people understand how to use the components and are they used
correctly?
·
Do the components stand up to use?
·
Do visitors understand the main messages of the components?
·
Do people like the components?
The
impact of The Creation of Benjamin
Franklin… exhibit will be
measured through a set of summative evaluation studies.
Tracking and timing of visitors in the exhibition will allow comparison
to existing exhibit norms. Interviews
with a sample of 250 visitors to the exhibit will assess visitors’
understanding of issues raised by the exhibit.
Tracking and timing of visitor paths and progress through the exhibit
will reveal:
·
Where people go and where they stop and engage.
·
Which exhibit components are most popular and which ones are missed?
·
Which components hold visitors’ attention?
·
How long do people stay in the exhibit as a whole?
· How do the attracting and holding power of exhibit components compare to those of other exhibits?
Exit interviews will involve questions similar to those asked in the front-end focus groups and visitor survey and responses will be compared to front-end studies. We will look for increase in the public’s knowledge and understanding of Franklin, his times, his contributions and his personal significance. In addition, visitors will be asked:
·
What they think the exhibit is about.
·
What they liked best
·
What, if anything was confusing or difficult
·
What they think should be changed
·
How they would rate the exhibit compared to others they’ve seen
Summative
evaluation will be conducted in Philadelphia and at least one additional venue,
preferably one of the international sites,
to provide comparative data. Comparison
will be made between the appeal, holding and communication power of exhibit
components in the U.S. and abroad.
A
percentage of the budget will be reserved for changes to the exhibit based on
problems revealed by evaluation findings.
Ancillary
materials for parents, teachers, and students will also be prototyped and tested
with sample groups. Findings will
be used to revise and improve these products. Summative evaluation will include measures of use of the
materials online and in hard copy distributed to relevant groups.
Letters
of commitment from all partners
Letter
of commitment from Conservation Center
Action
Plan for the Tercentenary Commission