January 17 would have been Benjamin Franklins 300th birthday, and to celebrate his unforgettable life and enduring legacy, his adopted hometown is throwing him a party of the century (or three). From cake-baking contests featuring Franklins favorite ingredients to Franklin-themed activities and attractions, Philadelphians are going all out for their most famous citizen.

Learn more about the birthday bash in the January/February issue of American Spirit. Read about upcoming cultural tributes to Franklin as well as the international traveling exhibition Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World, which runs through April 30 at Philadelphias National Constitution Center and will make stops in St. Louis, Houston, Denver, Atlanta and Paris.

Interested in delving deeper into Franklins life? Check out American Spirits Bookshelf. The magazine reviews a modern version of Franklins autobiography as well as a new account of Franklins years as an American representative in Paris during the Revolution. Discover why the legacy of this American original looms larger than ever.

Want to celebrate, but cant make it to Philadelphia? Find out about birthday parties planned for Franklin in towns and cities near you by visiting www.benfranklin300.org, the Web site of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary. The site offers a complete calendar of events for the Philadelphia festivities, including dates and times of the traveling exhibition.

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