Five exhibit areas cover different aspects of Franklin’s personality. This unusual approach lacks content and a coherent historic timeline. The museum itself is fairly small which is puzzling because Franklin led such a full life as an author, inventor, and diplomat and was involved in every aspect of the founding of the US.
The museum is located in a courtyard between Market Street and Chestnut Street. It’s easy to miss the alleyway entrance off of either streets. The courtyard has a full-size “ghost house” outline of Franklin’s home. The newspaper office of Benjamin Franklin’s grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache, is located at the Market Street end of the courtyard. This building also contains a typesetting area, two reproduction presses, and a bindery. Rangers demonstrate 18th century printing techniques using the presses.
The museum has a small entry fee – no discount for America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass, and Access Pass holders even though the museum is managed by the National Park. The newspaper office and the courtyard are free.
The museum is accessible. The entrance to newspaper office has a high marble threshold. Visitors in wheelchairs should exit through the entrance door.
We parked along Dock Street which is about 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile from the historic district where all of the museums and landmarks are located. Dock Street is much wider than most of the other streets and we could always find an open parking space. The spaces are not marked so a ticket from the kiosk – payable by cash, credit card or phone app - is good for any size vehicle. Parking is limited to 3 hours however we were informed by a friendly local man that a disabled placard would get us an extra hour for free. This was confirmed later by a parking officer. Almost all of the sidewalks and curb cuts are in good condition and the terrain is fairly level. Museum 39.94969, -75.14672
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