James Humes brings to the platform the life of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most colorful and beloved personalities of our history.  In an anecdotal performance that is both funny and inspirational, Humes projects the many-sided greatness of this American genius.

Humes has authored two books on Franklin, The Benjamin Franklin Factor (1992) and The Wit and Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin (1995).

For this speech, Humes was given the George Washington Medal from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge as the “most outstanding address” given in 1988.  It is, however, more than an ‘address’ – it is a performance more like a one-man show.

Humes is uniquely qualified to talk about Benjamin Franklin.  Like Franklin, Humes came to Philadelphia as a young man, served as a representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, went abroad as a diplomat, advised American presidents and authored books.  Humes was also elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London as Benjamin Franklin was in 1774.  Humes taught for 15 years at the institution Franklin founded, the University of Philadelphia.  He was a member of the Franklin Inn of Philadelphia.

On November 18, 1996, Humes addressed the Royal Society of Arts in London.  Franklin’s house in London on 18 Craven Street is owned by the Society and Humes was the guest speaker in an appeal for funds to restore Franklin’s house.