One of the largest collections of Benjamin Franklin artifacts will be on display at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County in downtown West Palm Beach starting July 6. Zachary Jacobson of Palm Beach Gardens owns the collection with his brother, and they are displaying it to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The exhibit, titled Benjamin Franklin: Creating an American Icon, features more than 120 pieces spanning Franklin's life as a statesman, printer, and inventor.
The exhibition showcases over 50 books written by, printed by, or about Franklin, along with items from his printing business. "There's so much more to Franklin than just his years as a founding father," Jacobson said. Among the standout pieces is a grandfather clock originally from Franklin's home in Philadelphia, a plate inscribed "B. Franklin," and original medallions created when Franklin represented France during the American Revolution. The collection also includes artwork and an original portrait of the founding father. One of the most distinctive items is the glass armonica, which Franklin called his favorite invention. According to Jacobson, "You play it by wetting your fingers in a bowl, have the glass bowls spin and play it like a piano."
Jacobson's stepfather started collecting Franklin artifacts 50 years ago. Jacobson and his brother eventually purchased the remaining pieces of the collection and have continued adding to it for 15 years. "My brother and I have been collecting Franklin in tandem ever since," Jacobson said. Notable highlights include a copy of Experiments and Observations on Electricity Made at Philadelphia that was owned by Franklin's son William, a tall-case tidal clock that Franklin kept in his Philadelphia home, and a plaster model for the Libertas Americana medal, which Franklin designed and Augustin Dupre executed.
The exhibit is free and open to the public from July 6 through August at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, located at 300 N Dixie Hwy. Jacobson hopes visitors will use these artifacts as a gateway to learn more about American history and the founding period. "Just anything you could ever imagine with Franklin's face on it, other than a $100 bill, will be here," Jacobson said, highlighting the comprehensiveness of the collection on display.