Franklin Court, Philadelphia

Seven museums located on the former site of Ben Franklin's home trace his life as publisher, politician, postmaster, printer, and inventor. There are his inventions: Bifocals, the Franklin Stove, and the glass harmonium, which the park rangers will play at your request. This museum was built for the American Bicentennial (1976), and is a fascinating example of what was considered good design in the 1970s. On one hand, there is an exact and completely functional reproduction of Franklin's post office (he was also the first Postmaster General). On the other hand, there is an underground museum that has as much neon and as many mirrors as any disco hall of the period. Yet the sense of exuberance and celebration seems to be something Dr. Franklin would have approved. This is the man, after all, who famously flew his kite in a storm to prove that lightning was electricity. Admission is free. Highly recommended.