The City of Franklin announced plans to unveil a new bronze statue honoring its namesake, Benjamin Franklin, on January 15, 2025. The twelve-foot-tall monument will stand in the heart of downtown Franklin, Tennessee, at the historic Public Square, serving as a permanent tribute to one of America's most influential founding fathers. City officials confirmed that the project has been in development for nearly three years and represents the largest public art investment in the city's history. The unveiling ceremony will be open to the public and will include speeches from local leaders, historical reenactments, and educational activities for children.
Local sculptor Michael Brooks designed the statue, which depicts Benjamin Franklin holding a copy of the Pennsylvania Gazette, the newspaper he published, while standing next to a lightning rod. The bronze figure captures Franklin in his mid-fifties, the period when he conducted his famous kite experiment and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. Brooks incorporated intricate details into the sculpture, including Franklin's signature bifocal glasses and a leather satchel containing replicas of his inventions. The statue's granite base will feature four bronze plaques highlighting Franklin's contributions as a statesman, scientist, inventor, and diplomat, providing visitors with historical context about his multifaceted legacy.
The city of Franklin was founded in 1799 and named in honor of Benjamin Franklin by its early settlers, who admired his advocacy for frontier development and education. While Franklin never visited the area that bears his name, his philosophical influence shaped the community's early commitment to public service and civic engagement. The Franklin Heritage Foundation, a local historical society, has worked closely with city planners to ensure the statue accurately reflects both Franklin's historical significance and the city's unique identity. This connection between the founding father and the modern city has long been a source of pride for residents, though until now it has lacked a significant visual representation.
Funding for the $250,000 project came from a combination of municipal arts grants and private donations from local businesses and families. The Franklin Arts Commission launched a fundraising campaign in early 2022 that quickly exceeded its initial goal, demonstrating strong community support for the initiative. Mayor Ken Moore expressed gratitude for the outpouring of contributions, noting that the statue represents more than just a historical marker. He emphasized that public art plays a crucial role in fostering community identity and providing educational opportunities for future generations. The project also received support from the Tennessee Arts Commission, which provided a matching grant for public art projects in historically significant communities.
The January 15th unveiling ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM and will feature a performance by the Franklin High School marching band, as well as appearances by local historical societies. Attendees will be able to participate in guided tours of the downtown area's other historical markers, creating a comprehensive educational experience. The ceremony will conclude with a reception at the Williamson County Library, where an exhibit of Benjamin Franklin's inventions and writings will be on display through the end of February. City officials have also announced that the statue will be part of a new downtown walking tour app, which will provide audio narration about Franklin's life and his connection to the city.
City planners anticipate that the Benjamin Franklin statue will become a landmark for both residents and tourists, drawing visitors to downtown Franklin and supporting local businesses. The statue's location near existing shops and restaurants makes it an ideal centerpiece for community gatherings and cultural events. Educational institutions throughout Williamson County have already expressed interest in developing field trip programs centered around the statue and its historical plaques. Looking ahead, the city is considering additional public art installations that celebrate other aspects of Franklin's heritage, though officials stress that the Benjamin Franklin statue will remain the signature piece of the city's cultural landscape for generations to come.
