Mississippi Library Association

Hattiesburg Public Library Hosts Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World proved to be the most successful humanities based program ever hosted by The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal & Forrest County. This traveling exhibition is based on a larger exhibition of the same name developed by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary (http://www.benfranklin300.org/). The traveling panel exhibit consists of six sections of colorful, freestanding photo-panels incorporating representations of artifacts from the original Franklin exhibition and a new text written by the curator. The library supplemented the materials sent with the exhibit by inviting local organizations who had a tie to one of Franklin’s inventions or civic improvements to contribute items to the display. The post office, electric power company, insurance agencies, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby, the University of Southern Mississippi, and a local optician all participated. Sponsors for the project are the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary. Local support was provided by the Mississippi Power Foundation and the Friends of the Library.

The Library mounted an extensive PR campaign in conjunction with the “In Search of a Better World” exhibit. At the top of the library’s home page “100 Franklin Facts in 100 Days” counted down to the opening of the exhibit with a new informational tidbit each morning, as well as a link to the Franklin section of the Web site. The local newspaper maintained a link about the exhibit for the one hundred days preceding the exhibit and while the exhibit was at the library. Radio interviews were aired not only in the Forrest County area, but also on Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Mississippi Edition. Digital billboards, direct mailings, civic club meetings, and local television appearances all helped publicize the event.

Public programs held in conjunction with the exhibit attracted large crowds. The grand opening featured renowned colonial America scholar Gordon Wood and Benjamin Franklin renactor Christopher Lowell. Over two hundred people filled the library meeting room, standing in the back and sitting on the floor, enthralled as Benjamin Franklin (Lowell) described his amazing life and then answered questions from the audience. Following a break and cake to celebrate the three hundred and third birthday of Franklin, Pulitzer Prize winner Wood discussed the events that turned a one-time unabashed supporter of the British Empire into a real American revolutionary.

Educators and students were a special audience the library targeted in providing activities that supplemented the exhibit. In partnership with the Central Mississippi Consortium for
Excellence in Educational Development, the library sponsored a teachers’ workshop. Forty South Mississippi teachers attended. Gordon Wood described for them what created Franklin’s character and outlook. He paid special attention to what made Franklin decide on an inevitable break between England and the colonies. Christopher Lowell, in the character of Franklin, described his activities in Paris that resulted in financial, and eventually military, support for the Revolution. Sean Farrell, assistant director for The Library, presented a program on using MAGNOLIA and other Web-based services to teach about Franklin. David Booz, a member of the American Institute for History Education, went over multiple teaching strategies for engaging students in study of Franklin and his life.

Youth services librarian Shellie Zeigler headed efforts to involve children in the exhibit. Ben and Me was selected for story time, the DVD Liberty’s Kids was shown on multiple occasions, and an art contest for library users up to age eighteen was held.

The University of Southern Mississippi worked with the Library on two programs to promote the exhibit. In January, assistant professor of history Kyle Zelner selected A Rabble in Arms, a novel on the American Revolution for the monthly War & Society book club. Zelner also delivered an evening lecture, A Tale of Three Cities: Franklin’s Boston, Philadelphia and London, that looked at how Franklin’s life in each city created his worldview.

Several teachers took advantage of the workshop and exhibit to schedule field trips for their students. Petal Middle School, Perry Central High School, Sumrall High School, and the DuBard School all sent students for a visit and programs. In addition to the educational organizations, area churches and Scout troops attended special visits. Hundreds more visitors attended the exhibit simply by walking into the library.

Submitted by
Sean Farrell, assistant director
The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, and Forrest County

Entry Filed under: News
Posted on: March 2nd, 2009