Benjamin Franklin: A How-To Guide (2006-2007)

Presentation Date: 

Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Location: 

Houghton Library and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Benjamin Franklin, A How-To Guide logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, this joint exhibition appeared in two Harvard venues.  At Houghton Library, the exhibition examined the Circulation of Knowledge, focusing on how information was made public. At the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, the focus was on Science and Sociability, exploring how science was part of a social context that prized human interaction and collaboration.  The exhibition featured rare books, broadsides, manuscripts, scientific instruments, natural history specimens, art, and music. Topics included:

  • How to...be Charming
  • How to...see Clearly
  • How to...do an Experiment
  • How to... learn Things
  • How to...get the Word Out
  • How to...do Good
  • How to...be a Political Animal
  • How to...see the World,
  • How to...win Friends and influence People
  • How to...be Benjamin Franklin

Co-curated with Joyce Chaplin and Thomas Horrocks.

Ben Franklin exhibition broadside.pdf855 KB
See also: 2000s