Every nation has its heroes. If a nation is lucky, it has one whose legacy stretches in many directions. America has been fortunate in this respect.
Ben Franklin was an inventor not only of things, but of ideas. He invented the lightning rod and created the Franklin Stove, which produced more heat than a fireplace, cost less, and was less smoky. He also published America's first magazine and organized its first postal service and lending library.
Franklin was also famous for his witty observations, such as, "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half-shut afterwards," and "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes."
But he was much more. This moon-faced, simply dressed, somewhat obese man was one of the creators of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. He inserted the word "self-evident" into its most famous line. In his 70s, he was sent to Paris to secure French aid, which was crucial to American victory. Notably, while in France, he was apparently quite successful in courting ladies at the royal court.
His most enduring legacy is the U.S. Constitution, which he helped write in 1787. When delegates got into wrangles, Franklin was often the one to arrange a compromise. He died at 84 in Philadelphia.
Centuries ago, no American was better known in Europe than the portly Benjamin Franklin. This story is about a man who has dedicated his life to keeping Franklin's memory fresh.
Ralph Archbold lives in a self-imposed time warp. Fifteen years ago, fascinated by Franklin, he decided to make his living impersonating him. He now lives in Philadelphia, not far from where Franklin lived.
Ralph authenticates his deep knowledge of Franklin's life by dressing and looking like him. "I do about 600 performances a year, 400 in schools alone. It's a full-time career," he says.
He makes a good living, but there's more to it. "When someone takes a photo with me as Franklin and shares a new fact they learned, that's exciting. People from all over the world come here, touch the Liberty Bell, and get to 'meet' Ben Franklin. They all love him, and people really like to talk to Ben Franklin."