On November 8th, Dr. Rosalind Remer visited the McConnell Center to enlighten young students with her lecture "Benjamin Franklin and the Meaning of America." Dr. Remer was Executive Director of the Benjamin Franklin Tercenternary from 2004 to 2008, a professor of early American history for fourteen years at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Director of Planning and Programming for the National Constitution Center. She also holds a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in U.S. History from UCLA.
Dr. Remer emphasized many unique aspects, and even misconceptions, about the life of Ben Franklin. She especially highlighted the absence of any detail about Franklin's role in the American Revolution in his own autobigraphy. Dr. Remer said Franklin felt that he would not be remembered for the man he really was had he only discussed his role in the revolution. He desired for people to read his autobiography and truly understand his character.
Dr. Remer also stressed the misconception about Ben Franklin being a womanizer. Ben Franklin's flirtatious manner, according to Remer, fit that of a gentlemen. He developed close ties with many women in his life, and made sure to stay in contact with them. He wrote to some of his closest lady friends for many years, and they were fascinated with his charm and intriguing demeanor.
Dr. Remer concluded her lecture by explaining the "Meaning of America" associated with Ben Franklin. She believes one major mistake many people make in trying to discover a present day Franklin-esque figure is that they are always searching for an American. Remer personally feels that any modern Franklin-esque figure would be found somewhere else in the world, enlightening people with their unique intelligence, grace, and charm.
Dr. Remer emphasized many unique aspects, and even misconceptions, about the life of Ben Franklin. She especially highlighted the absence of any detail about Franklin's role in the American Revolution in his own autobigraphy. Dr. Remer said Franklin felt that he would not be remembered for the man he really was had he only discussed his role in the revolution. He desired for people to read his autobiography and truly understand his character.
Dr. Remer also stressed the misconception about Ben Franklin being a womanizer. Ben Franklin's flirtatious manner, according to Remer, fit that of a gentlemen. He developed close ties with many women in his life, and made sure to stay in contact with them. He wrote to some of his closest lady friends for many years, and they were fascinated with his charm and intriguing demeanor.
Dr. Remer concluded her lecture by explaining the "Meaning of America" associated with Ben Franklin. She believes one major mistake many people make in trying to discover a present day Franklin-esque figure is that they are always searching for an American. Remer personally feels that any modern Franklin-esque figure would be found somewhere else in the world, enlightening people with their unique intelligence, grace, and charm.