The National Archives & GM Foundation brings Benjamin Franklin Exhibit to D.C.

February 13, 2012 4:29 pm ET

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”- Mr. Franklin couldn’t have been anymore right when he uttered those words.   Thanks to The National Archives new exhibition, Benjamin Franklin:  In Search of a Better World , visiting families, school groups, and the local community will have the chance to learn all about the founding father, scientist, diplomat, humorist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.

The exhibit will be opening to the public from February 10 – May 6, 2012 in the Lawrence F.  O’Brien Gallery.  The Benjamin Franklin display was made possible by The General Motors Foundation donation of $100,000.  The exhibition will examine Franklin’s background, his self education, his philosophical and religious beliefs, his inventions, and their effect on his life.  In addition, the National Archives will be showcasing some its own original Franklin records including:

• The Ledger of the General Post Office of the United States, from August 1775 to October 1776
• The Treaty of Paris of 1783, ending the American Revolution
• A printed version of the U.S. Constitution from September 17, 1787
• The Continental Congress Journal of June 11, 1776, appointing Franklin, along with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, to prepare a “declaration of independency”
• A January 4, 1777  letter from Franklin to the Continental Congress’s Secret Correspondence Committee on his diplomatic efforts at the French court
• The July 5, 1787 Journal of the Constitutional Convention, detailing the compromise by Franklin and others concerning Congressional representation, often referred to as “the Great Compromise”

Like Franklin, the automotive industry has historically served as a technology innovator spurring scientific advancements that have touched our everyday lives and bolstered our nation’s manufacturing strength and leadership.

Innovations like the internal combustion engine which gave our country mobility more than 100 years ago – to the electrification of vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt, with advanced automotive technology that will be used in many different automotive and industry applications for years to come.

If you’re ever in Washington, DC area between February 10 and May 6, feel free to stop by the National Archives to learn more about Benjamin Franklin!

To learn more about the exhibit and the GM Foundation please visit:

National Archives:  www.archives.gov/nae

National Archives Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/usnationalarchives

The General Motors Foundation: http://www.gm.com/company/aboutGM/gm_foundation.html

Photos by: Earl McDonald