On July 4\, 2026\, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. \;
\nOf all the Founding Fathers
of our nation\, Franklin most represents the common man\, in fact\, his l
ife rather defined the basic values that we still hold so dear to this day
.
And yet\, in so many other ways\, no other American has achieved qu
ite so much as Franklin did during his long life in the 18th Century. With
no more than two years of formal education\, he founded a University and
a Hospital. His work in the field of electricity has defined the basic pri
nciples of that science which we still utilize today. As Postmaster- Gener
al\, founder of the first professional Fire Fighting organization\, Fire I
nsurance company and Public Lending Library in North America\, his record
for public service is unmatched.
Franklin did not limit his public service with just those organizations\, though. He is also renowned for h aving invented the lightning rod\, bifocals\, swim fins\, the odometer and a host of other creations\, all meant to add to the comfort and enjoyment of his fellow citizens. At no time did he ever seek to patent or limit th e use of his work in any way\, wishing only that his inventions would serv e to benefit his fellow man to the fullest.
\nPerformer: Bill Ochest
er began to pursue a lifelong interest in early American history\, followi
ng his retirement from a career in the demanding field of Cardiothoracic S
urgery in 1998. This drastic change of focus was remarkably refreshing for
Bill\, and a new passion emerged at full fury.
Bill is now a full-ti
me 18th Century historical interpreter. He was hired on to the staff of th
e National Constitution Center as an Exhibit Interpreter prior to their gr
and opening in July of 2003. He is also a Board Member of the American Rev
olution Round Table of
Philadelphia\, as well as an accomplished hist
orical tour guide in olde City Philadelphia and Valley Forge.
Bill has appeared as Franklin on numerous occasions at the National Constituti on Center\, the University of Pennsylvania\, the Free Library of Philadelp hia\, the Kimmel Center\, The National Archives\, Independence Hall\, for WordStrides&rsquo\; Teaching American History Workshops and for many other venues.
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