Does Benjamin Franklin’s Ghost Exist?

Does Benjamin Franklin’s ghost exist? Benjamin Franklin was the most famous American in his day because of his inventions, writings, and Revolutionary War assistance. But has he decided to stay around after he died?  Listen and vote!

Questions Explored in this Episode 

What was Benjamin Franklin’s childhood like? What was his first job and when did he start the “Poor Richard’s Almanack”? What were some of his most famous inventions? Did he ever marry or have children? Why was he so famous? What was his role in the American Revolution? Where do people claim to see his ghost most often? What do they claim his ghost does as he wanders the streets of Philadelphia? Is his ghost real?  

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Vote on the Episode

Done listening to this episode? Go vote on what you think at ghostlypodcast.com/polls. #TeamBeliever #TeamSkeptic

Listener Mail

This week’s listener mail is more of a UFO story. Have a spooky story or question of your own (or someone you know)? Send your story or question to [email protected] and we might read it on the podcast. You could be on a future episode of Ghostly! 

Wally Gobetz
Philadelphia – Old City: Library Hall – Benjamin FranklinHistory of Benjamin Franklin

Pat explores the history of Ben Franklin and how he went from a tradesman’s son to a printer, then a writer, then an inventor, then a statesman.   

The Debate

Pat and Rebecca debate if Franklin still haunts this earth. Some claim his spirit dances through the streets of Philadelphia in the form of his statue on the outside of the Philosophical Society’s Library Hall.

Benjamin Franklin (center) at work on a printing press. Reproduction of a Charles Mills painting by the Detroit Publishing Company.Poll Results

Listen to learn if listeners thought Roswell was a UFO crash. Want to listen to our previous episodes? Check them out here. 

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Sources for this Week’s Episode

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin

History.com – https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/benjamin-franklin

Biography.com: https://www.biography.com/scholar/benjamin-franklin

The Hairpin: https://www.thehairpin.com/2016/07/searching-for-ben-franklins-dancing-ghost/

Philly Ghosts: https://phillyghosts.com/the-american-philosophical-library/

Panicd:  http://www.panicd.com/encyclopedia/ben-franklin.html

Patch.com: https://patch.com/pennsylvania/bensalem/benjamin-franklins-ghost-electrifies-bensalem

Visit Philly – Benjamin Franklin Museum: https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/benjamin-franklin-museum/

Music for this episode was performed by Michael Rivers

Intro: “III. Allegro moderato from Gargoyles” by Lowell Liebermann

Outro: “Dream Images (Love-Death Music)” by George Crumb

Bumper: “Ghost Waltz” by Lowell Liebermann

“Pat Facts” and “Ghost Story” themes by Mondo

“Time for a Debate” theme by Gail Gallagher gailgallaghermusic.com