Franklin Institute Science Museum
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| Established | 1824 |
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| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Type | Science museum |
| President | Larry Dubinski |
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Franklin Institute Science Museum
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Franklin Institute
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| Location | 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA |
| Coordinates | 39°57′29″N 75°10′25″W / 39.95806°N 75.17361°WCoordinates: 39°57′29″N 75°10′25″W / 39.95806°N 75.17361°W |
| Area | 4.4 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Built | 1931 |
| Architect | Windrim, John Torrey; Day & Zimmermann |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference # | 85000039 |
| Added to NRHP | January 3, 1985 |
The Franklin Institute is a science museum and the center of science education and research in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. It is named after the American scientist and , Benjamin Franklin, and houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Founded in 1824, the Franklin Institute is one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States.
On February 5, 1824, Samuel Vaughan Merrick and William H. Keating founded the Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts.
Begun in 1825, the Institute was an important force in the professionalization of American science and technology through the nineteenth century, beginning with early investigations into steam engines and water power. In addition to conducting scientific inquiry it fostered research and education by running schools, publishing the influential Journal of The Franklin Institute, sponsoring exhibitions, and recognizing scientific advancement and invention with medals and awards.
In the late twentieth century the Institute's research roles gave way to educating the general public through its museum. The Bartol Research Foundation of the Franklin Institute, founded in 1924 to conduct research in the physical sciences, is now part of the University of Delaware. The Franklin Institute Laboratories for Research and Development operated from the Second World War into the 1980s.
Many scientists have demonstrated groundbreaking new technology at the Franklin Institute. From September 2 to October 11, 1884, it hosted the International Electrical Exhibition of 1884, the first great electrical exposition in the United States. The world's first public demonstration of an all-electronic television system was later given by Philo Taylor Farnsworth on August 25, 1934.
The first female member, Elizabeth Skinner, was elected to membership in 1833. The Franklin Institute was integrated in 1870, when Philadelphia teacher and activist Octavius Catto was admitted as a member.
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