Showing posts with label Benjamin Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benjamin Franklin. Show all posts

Monday, February 25, 2019

Vera Meyer and the glass harmonica in 2011

Vera Meyer played the glass harmonica which had been invented by Benjamin Franklin. She play at the Historical Museum in January of 2011. She also returned in 2012, and 2013. Photos from those visits are also in the archive.


Vera Meyer - Glass Harmonica

or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157625767045301/

Friday, January 11, 2019

Franklin Library: Ben Franklin Readathon, Jan 17

"In honor of the 313th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the namesake of our town and founder of our library, the Franklin Public Library will be holding a “readathon” – a marathon reading of the full text of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, first published in 1791. The book is considered a classic of American literature. According to the Library of Congress, “It was not only the first autobiography to achieve widespread popularity, but after two hundred years remains one of the most enduringly popular examples of the genre ever written.” 
Like other readathons, this one invites the public to participate! Readers are encouraged to sign up in advance for 15-minute segments. Commencing when the library opens at 9 AM on January 17, readers will share the words of Ben Franklin with anyone interested in dropping by for all or part of the event. It is expected that the reading will be completed by the time the library closes at 8 PM. Water and other refreshments will be available for readers and audience alike."

Event Timing: January 17, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Event Address: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St, Franklin, MA


I had a chance to read the very last section in the readathon last year. It was fun.

To register to read, please visit the sign up form:
https://goo.gl/forms/fwuEPWusit7oFG7n2


Franklin Library: Ben Franklin Readathon, Jan 17
Franklin Library: Ben Franklin Readathon, Jan 17

Friday, April 20, 2018

ICYMI: WCVB - Chronicle item on the Franklin Library

Catching up to the brief Chronicle item on the Franklin Library showcasing the read-a-thon to celebrate Benjamin Franklin's birthday on January 17.   

To view the Chronicle episode, follow this link:
http://www.wcvb.com/article/who-knew-snowboarders-franklin-public-library-and-the-telephone-museum/19739058

ICYMI: WCVB - Chronicle item on the Franklin Library
ICYMI: WCVB - Chronicle item on the Franklin Library

Note: The entire episode is less than six minutes long and the Franklin segment comes along at about 1:44, the second of three segments.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Papers of Benjamin Franklin Now Online

While the books Ben Franklin donated have been returned to the new display case at the Franklin Public Library, his papers have been digitized and are now available online at the Library of Congress

"The papers of American scientist, statesman and diplomat Benjamin Franklin have been digitized and are now available online for the first time from the Library of Congress. The Library announced the digitization today in remembrance of the anniversary of Franklin’s death on April 17, 1790. 
The Franklin papers consist of approximately 8,000 items mostly dating from the 1770s and 1780s. These include the petition that the First Continental Congress sent to Franklin, then a colonial diplomat in London, to deliver to King George III; letterbooks Franklin kept as he negotiated the Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War; drafts of the treaty; notes documenting his scientific observations, and correspondence with fellow scientists. 
The collection is online at: loc.gov/collections/benjamin-franklin-papers/about-this-collection."

This print shows Benjamin Franklin seated at a desk, looking to his right at an electrical device. In his left hand are papers upon which he is taking notes, and visible through a window to his left is lightning striking a building. (Edward Fisher, engraver, after a painting by Mason Chamberlin, 1763. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress)
This print shows Benjamin Franklin seated at a desk, looking to his right at an electrical device. In his left hand are papers upon which he is taking notes, and visible through a window to his left is lightning striking a building. (Edward Fisher, engraver, after a painting by Mason Chamberlin, 1763. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress)

This was shared from the Library of Congress page
https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-044/papers-of-benjamin-franklin-now-online/2018-04-17/

Monday, April 9, 2018

FM #142: Ben's Books return to the Franklin Library (audio)

FM #142

This internet radio show or podcast is number 142 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the brief ceremony at the unveiling of the new display case for Benjamin Franklin’s books. The case was ordered as part of the Library renovation project was delayed in delivery but the books were safely installed this week. The ceremony was held on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

The ceremony itself runs about 12 minutes. Photos of the ceremony and of the books in the display case can be found on FranklinMatters.org/

Without further ado, here is the audio recording.






-------------

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

  • If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
  • If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!
FM #142: Ben's Books return to the Franklin Library (audio)
FM #142: Ben's Books return to the Franklin Library (audio)

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Ben's books return to display at the Franklin Public Library

Photos from the unveiling of Ben's books at the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, April 8, 2018.


well said
well said

Building Committee Chair Judith Pond Pfeffer
Building Committee Chair Judith Pond Pfeffer

Mary Olsson, Franklin Historical Commission
Mary Olsson, Franklin Historical Commission

in the middle of the unveiling
in the middle of the unveiling

voila!
voila!

you can walk around the display to view the books
you can walk around the display to view the books

You can see the stitches on the leather book covers
You can see the stitches on the leather book covers


For more photos, visit this link:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BuBL0ZVshZR0vxXP2

The audio recording of the brief unveiling ceremony can be found here
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6qQy7Jk


Ben's Books


Saturday, April 7, 2018

In the News: Ben's books return to display; Smith family appear in "Little Mermaid, Jr"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Sometime in 1782 or early 1783, Benjamin Franklin received a curious request from “a new town in the state of Massachusetts” that “having done me the honor of naming itself after me, and preparing to build a steeple to their meeting house,” asked if the statesman would give them a bell. 
But, being a practical man, the 77-year-old Ben Franklin “advis’d the sparing themselves the expense of a steeple” and suggested “books instead of a bell, sense being preferable to sound.” He explained as much in a March 18, 1783 letter to his friend Dr. Richard Price, directing him to collect a list of “a few good books to the value of about 25 pounds” - including Price’s own works - to be delivered to the town. 
Fast forward about 235 years to this Sunday, April 8, when the Franklin Public Library will unveil a new display of those books - the volumes that inspired creation of what is thought to be the nation’s first public library. The exhibit is one of the new features in the newly renovated reading room in the old part of the library building at 118 Main St. 
“This will be the first time the full collection of books will be on a 360-degree display,” noted Deputy Town Administrator Jaimie Hellen in an email about the event, which takes place from noon to 2 p.m.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180406/franklin-library-to-unveil-new-exhibit-of-books-donated-by-towns-namesake

The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8
The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8

"It’s all in the family when the curtain rises on “Little Mermaid, Jr.” April 6 at Bellingham’s Marketplace Theatre. 
Franklin High sophomore, Rosalyn Smith, leads the company, starring as love-struck mermaid Ariel, who pines to leave her home fathoms below and join Prince Eric and become part of his world above the sea. Supporting her in her quest is fishy side-kick (and real life younger brother), Noah Smith, who portrays Flounder. Noah is a 8th grader at Horace Mann Middle School. 
Not to be forgotten is another member of the Smith family, little sister Delaney, a 4th grader at Oak Street Elementary School, who plays swashbuckling Grimsby, part of Prince Eric’s loyal crew. 
In addition to the contributions of the Smith family, there are also 20 more young actors from Franklin -- including Andrew Falanga as Chef Louis, Caitlin Hickey and Mackenzie Atwood as Mersisters -- and from surrounding communities, including Medway, Bellingham, Holliston, Framingham and towns in Rhode Island."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20180403/franklins-smith-family-featured-in-local-little-mermaid-jr-show


Friday, April 6, 2018

The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8

Please join us for the unveiling of the books Benjamin Franklin gifted to the Town of Franklin in 1786 in a new exhibit in the historic Reading Gallery

Date: Sunday, April 8, 2018
Time: 12 Noon – 2:00 PM
Location: The Franklin Public Library (Please enter the Main St Entrance Only)



Program/Schedule

1. Welcome 

  • Judith Pond Pfeffer, Chair, Franklin Public Library Building Committee
  • Monique Doyle, Chair, Library Board of Directors
  • Scott Nolan, Franklin Library Association
  • Joe Mullen, Friends of the Franklin Library
  • Felicia Oti, Director, Franklin Public Library

2. Brief History of Ben’s Books 

  • Mary Olsen, Chair, Franklin Historical Commission and Nancy Rappa, Franklin Library Association


3. Unveiling of the Books

4. 1:00 PM -- Tour  
Murals and Archive Room by Nancy Rappa (Meet in Memorial Hall)

5. Light Refreshments – All

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb3BCWWtVcXNnc0FvVE5xbW1Cd2gzYUVuTjlZ/view?usp=sharing





The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8
The Ben Franklin books are back at the Franklin Library - April 8

Thursday, January 18, 2018

"a great thing considering the town’s history"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The words of the town’s namesake filled the air. And more than three centuries later, many of them still apply. 
To celebrate the 312th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the town held an inaugural public readathon of his autobiography at the library on Wednesday. 
The daylong event included guest readers spanning from Franklin State Rep. Jeff Roy to local engineer and inventor John Berg. 
Spectators came and went throughout the day, leaving with the words of the founding father jingling around in their heads."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180117/town-celebrates-ben-franklins-birthday-with-readathon

I had the unexpected pleasure of reading the last segment to close out the day. It was fun and so much of what Ben wrote is still applicable today.

"a great thing considering the town’s history"
The status of Benjamin Franklin outside the Library in the light dusting
of snow that came through Wednesday evening

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

In the News: Franklin readathon at Library; Relay for Life planning underway

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For the first time, the library will host a public reading of the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, the town’s namesake. 
The reading will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and features multiple guest readers from the area, including State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, and local inventor and engineer John Berg. 
“I’m really excited about, I think it’s a really cool thing,” Berg said. 
Lured by Franklin’s work with electricity and engineering, Berg said he’s delighted to help in the reading."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180115/readathon-features-reading-of-ben-franklins-autobiography

public reading of the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
public reading of the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin


"For anyone looking to make a difference this year, and have a good time doing it, the Relay for Life is coming up fast. 
Merging with Medway this year, Franklin’s Relay for Life will hold its annual kickoff event at Cole’s Tavern in Franklin on Jan. 30. 
Volunteer Tamra Waslewski said that with so many other fundraisers available, the Relay for Life has lost some of the steam it has had in years past. 
“Relay for Life used to be so important to all of the communities, and very well-attended. It was a blast,” she said. “Over the years it’s sort of dwindled down, and I think it’s because everyone’s fundraising and it’s just saturated.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180114/franklin-relay-for-life-merges-with-medway


Monday, January 1, 2018

Ben Franklin’s Autobiography Readathon - Jan 17


"In honor of the 312th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the namesake of our town and founder of our library, the Franklin Public Library will be holding a “readathon” – a marathon reading of the full text of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, first published in 1791. The book is considered a classic of American literature. According to the Library of Congress, “It was not only the first autobiography to achieve widespread popularity, but after two hundred years remains one of the most enduringly popular examples of the genre ever written.” 
Like other readathons, this one invites the public to participate! Readers are encouraged to sign up in advance for 15-minute segments. Commencing when the library opens at 9 AM on January 17, readers will share the words of Ben Franklin with anyone interested in dropping by for all or part of the event. It is expected that the reading will be completed by the time the library closes at 8 PM. Water and other refreshments will be available for readers and audience alike."

Event Timing: January 17, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Event Address: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St, Franklin, MA
Contact us at (508)520-4941 or kshipala@minlib.net

sign up online to read
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScm0UJMnxgiGC5BZpoUH_CWO_vZvd0hOyO5RaaSloeBAYdJZw/viewform


Ben Franklin’s Autobiography Readathon - Jan 17
Ben Franklin’s Autobiography Readathon - Jan 17

Sunday, March 12, 2017

"she believes the post office actually created the United States of America"

One of the podcasts I listen to recently covered the book by Winifred Gallagher who "believes the post office actually created the United States of America". Ben Franklin is referenced as a significant contributor to the Post Office.


"For thousands of years, governments have devised ways of sending communications. But for most of history, these systems were used only by a small elite. The postal system of colonial America was much the same. The Crown’s post was established by the English monarchy and used primarily for communications between the colonies and England. 
For a while, the colonies themselves weren’t that interested in communicating with each other. They were, like fractious siblings, only seeking the attention of Mother England. And if you were a commoner in the colonies you also didn’t use the Crown’s post, you handed your message to a traveler and asked them to take it as far as they could and then pass it on. 
Benjamin Franklin, one of the early postmasters for the Crown, traveled to every colony to make improvements in the system. As he did so, he began to see the colonies differently. In 1754, at a meeting of colonial representatives in Albany, New York, Franklin proposed a plan for uniting the colonies and electing their own representatives rather than having them appointed by the Crown. Franklin’s idea didn’t go anywhere at the time.

Continue reading the article online
http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-revolutionary-post/

Listen to the podcast via iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/99-invisible/id394775318#


1847 United States postage stamp of Benjamin Franklin denominated 5 cents
1847 United States postage stamp of Benjamin Franklin denominated 5 cents
The link to Winifred's book on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594205000/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1594205000&linkCode=as2&tag=99pi-20&linkId=d778a76a74ef5abb5e03b41fd136c020

Sunday, January 18, 2015

In the News: Franklin's birthday party, Scouts help seniors


The memorable man on the town's seal turns 309 today (Saturday - 1/17/15). 
And as it has for the last few years, the Historical Commission will celebrate Benjamin Franklin's birthday on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the 80 West Central St. museum.
Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Historical Museum

Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150117/NEWS/150116998/1995/NEWS#sthash.ppNuNwV1.dpuf



With his troop by his side, Boy Scout Mike Hurley read a short story to senior citizens at the Franklin Health and Rehabilitation Center. 
For the seniors, it was all about spending quality time with Troop 126, who devoted their afternoon to the seniors Saturday. 
At the community service event, the Scouts and seniors took part in knot tying, played bingo and made origami cranes. 
“It’s wonderful. We look forward to it,” said Donald Adiletto, adding the seniors have days the Boy Scouts visit marked on a calendar in the main office.
Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150117/NEWS/150116848/1994/NEWS#sthash.rpy2BDup.dpuf



Saturday, January 10, 2015

Benjamin Franklin's Birthday Party - Jan 18th - Historical Museum


Printer, author, scientist, musician, inventor, diplomat and revolutionary.

On Sunday, January 18th the museum will be celebrating the birthday of our town's namesake, Benjamin Franklin, born January 17, 1706.

The town of Franklin was originally to be named Exeter. As our forefathers made their way to Dedham to establish the charter of incorporation, word of Ben's success in establishing the French alliance with Louis XVI had made it's way to the Colonies. 

And, as noted in the History of Franklin by Mortimer Blake, a last minute decision was made, '... and it was with graceful tribute to the successful diplomatist, Franklin, that the town, just at that date applying for incorporation, should bear his name.'

As a special treat, Vera Meyer will return to the museum to perform on the glass harmonica, a unique instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin.

Vera Meyer and Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri in 2011
Vera Meyer and Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri in 2011

About the instrument:


The glass harmonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. The instrument enjoyed wide popularity in Europe (where Franklin was living at the time) for about 40 years until it was banned by German police around 1830. 
It was feared by people and thought to cause insanity, nervous disorders, convulsions in dogs and cats, marital disputes, and even wake people from the dead. 
It is possible that the lead in the glasses used at the time caused a neurological problem for people. However, maybe it was the haunting tones of the instrument, or maybe it was because Anton Mesmer used the instrument to hypnotize his patients. 
We have discovered about 300 compositions originally written for glass harmonica, including works by Mozart and Beethoven.


Prior posts:


Ben's birthday in 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/the-glass-harmonica.html

in 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/historical-museum-photo-essay-jan-29.html

in 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/01/vera-meyer-glass-harmonica.html


Friday, March 7, 2014

National Defense Authorization Act: What Would Benjamin Franklin Do?

From Rich Aucoin:

For those interested, below is the text of the speech I delivered before the Franklin Town Council last night.
____________________________

What Would Benjamin Franklin Do?
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is routine legislation passed annually to finance US military operations overseas.

But new language was quietly added to the NDAA in 2012 which authorizes Guantanamo Bay-style indefinite detentions on US soil.

The new language is dangerously vague and strongly implies that America is now a "battlefield" in the war on terror and that anyone, including US citizens, can now be denied constitutional protections and be subjected to the laws of war: kidnapped in the middle of the night on accusation alone, hooded, shackled and locked away possibly for life with no right to counsel, no right to face her accuser, no right to a jury of his peers.

So dangerous is this new language that President Obama issued a signing statement promising that his administration would never indefinitely detain Americans under the laws of war but warned that future presidents could do so unless the new language is fixed.

Benjamin Franklin's famous quote comes to mind: "They who sacrifice essential liberty to gain temporary safety shall have neither."

Franklin and the Founders took great pains to guarantee the Rights of due process and trial by jury. They carefully enumerated these Rights in both our state and federal Constitutions to ensure they could never be nullified.

To ensure these Rights would live on forever, the Founders devised a system of checks and balances, a constitutional structure of human "pillars" to uphold the rule of law. All elected office holders, including local councilors like yourselves, were to swear an oath to protect and defend constitutional governance. If at any time state or federal officials failed in their pillar duty, then the local pillars would be a last line of defense, standing by ready to take up the load and save the structure from collapsing. Each of you is a pillar in this system. Each of you bears the duty to stand up when other office holders stand down. Some local officials in other towns have claimed they do not have the authority to uphold constitutional government. But if so, why did they swear to uphold something that they did not have the authority to uphold?

The resolution I will be bringing supports constitutional government by reasserting the Right of Due Process for the people of Franklin, as enumerated in Articles 12 and 18 of our state Constitution and Amendments 5 and 14 of the US Constitution.

Congressman Jim McGovern has voiced strong support for this resolution, helping it win passage in towns like Oxford and Webster. Representatives Jeff Roy (D) and Ryan Fattman (R) have also stood up for this resolution.

Everyone watching this meeting knows how Benjamin Franklin would vote if he were here today. I am asking you to vote how Franklin would vote. I am asking you to honor his legacy. I am asking you to defend both liberty AND security. I am asking you to be a pillar for the rule of law to ensure that our children and their children will inherit the same America that we were blessed to inherit. I am asking you to keep your oath.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Reminder: Ben Franklin Birthday Party

Celebrate Benjamin Franklin's birthday today at the Franklin Historical Museum. His birthday was actually Friday, Jan 17th but cake and refreshments are available today when the Museum is open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

birthday cake from Ben's party in 2012
birthday cake from Ben's party in 2012

The notice as posted to the official Franklin.webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01C6DCE0-000F8513

The Historical Museum can be found on Facebook. Click through to Facebook here


Friday, January 17, 2014

Historical Museum: Ben's Birthday - Sunday


CELEBRATE BEN’S BIRTHDAY WITH US

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday January 19th and enjoy a piece of cake to celebrate Ben Franklin’s Birthday. The famous Revolutionary was born January 17, 1706. Stop in and celebrate our town’s namesake’s 308th birthday. Museum Hours Sunday 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Historical Museum


THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY

The month of February celebrates Valentine’s Day and the Franklin Historical Museum has researched some fun facts about the origin of the day, when Valentine cards were first exchanged and various customs associated with the day. The informative exhibit will run February 1st through February 23rd.



INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM?

The Franklin Historical Museum is looking for additional volunteers to help with various aspects of running the museum. If you are interested in helping with research, correspondence, hosting and/or working with exhibits, please send an email to maryolsson1@verizon.net or call the Town Clerk’s office at 508 520 4900 leave your name and phone number. A volunteer meeting will be held in February.


You can also follow the Historical Museum on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Friday, November 29, 2013

"None of those books will ever be read again"

Were they banned or burned? No, this comes from a loyal reader who finds that the NY Times mentions the Franklin Public Library and its book preservation efforts by writing:
In 1785, Benjamin Franklin shipped to the town of Franklin, Mass. — the first town of many named in his honor — 116 books for a public library. His sister Jane, who never went to school and never learned to spell, asked him to send her a list of those books. “My Reason for this Request is I have a grat deal of time on my hands,” she explained. “I Love Reading ...and I dont doubt I can Borrow of won and another of my Acquaintance.” Then she set about trying to read every book on that list, from Locke to Montesquieu, from Blackstone to Newton. 
In Franklin, Mass., those books — the gift from Benjamin Franklin — are still there, in the town library. They are locked in a cabinet. A few years back, the library’s board, citing a lack of funds for the care of rare books, decided that the door to that cabinet must never be opened. None of those books will ever be read again.

You can read the full article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/opinion/sunday/a-most-expensive-book.html?_r=1&


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Johnston.: Saving Ben Franklin’s money

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS by James C. Johnston Jr./Local columnist on 1/23/13

Last week good Old Ben Franklin had another birthday. Ben was born right here in Massachusetts some 307 years ago this 17th of January at his father's house on Milk Street in Boston.  Ben was careful when it came to spending his money. Consequently, by the time of his death in 1790, he was reputed to be the richest man in the United States. In his will, Franklin set up a self perpetuating trust so that he could control his assets for the next 200 years. But even Franklin knew that two centuries were long enough to control his assets after his death. So, he arranged to dispose of his fortune by a final disbursement of it two centuries after his passing.

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Glass Harmonica

Vera Meyer returned to the Franklin Historical Museum to help celebrates Benjamin Franklin's birthday on Sunday. His birthday actually is Jan 17th.

The standing room only crowd listened, made suggestions, and asked good questions about the glass harmonica.

FHM_VeraMeyer_2013_1

The instrument is turned by hand or in this case with an electric motor. It is played by holding ones fingers along the edge of the glass. Both the glass and the fingers need to be wet to make good sounds.

FHM_VeraMeyer_2013_2

When trying to play a piece with high notes, Vera remarked after that she usually brings her own water with her. The instrument plays better with hard water than soft water.

FHM_VeraMeyer_2013_3

The instrument is more likely to play music with slower tempos like church hymns or waltzes. She did have a request for a polka and that type of music is too much uptempo to do well with this.

FHM_VeraMeyer_2013_4

For Vera's prior visits to the Historical Museum for Ben's Birthday visit this link for 2012 and this for 2011

For additional info on Ben visit this wikipedia page

For additional information on the glass harmonica this page on wikipedia can get you started

And if you missed stopping by, but would like to hear what the glass harmonica sounds like, skip ahead in this recording to about the 9 minute mark to listen and enjoy  (of course, if you want to step back in time to 2011, don't skip just listen).

Franklin Matters: FM #84 - Week Ending Jan 30, 2011Jan 30, 2011
Those who came by were able to learn from Vera Meyer about the glass harmonica that Ben invented while listening to her play. I hope she is able to come back to the museum in the future. The instrument is special and her ...http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/