The Frankliniana Database

The Frankliniana Database is a museum without walls; an electronic catalogue of known surviving objects with a close association to Benjamin Franklin. Entries include images of him that were created during his lifetime; and artifacts he is believed to have bought, owned, been given, or gave away.

Recorded here are about 350 objects, representing 90 public and private collections around the United States and Europe, including over 100 of the objects that are part of the exhibition “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World.”

Whenever possible, the entries include a description, an image, a history of ownership (provenance), and reference to publications in which the object is cited. Commentary on the object’s condition may be included, as may links to related objects and people in the Database.

Perhaps the most significant fact about the Frankliniana Database is its lifespan: the database will continue to grow as new information is gathered about existing artifacts, and new artifacts are located. It is a museum whose collections can expand without the need to build new galleries.

Constance Hershey
Curator, Frankliniana Database

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