James Floss - Host
Lecturer emeritus at Cal Poly Humboldt, who is honored to lead the "Frankly Franklin" discussion with his panel of educators
Frankly Franklin - May 17th at 6pm
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KEET-TV presents “Frankly Franklin: a screening and discussion with educators about Benjamin Franklin’s impact on America. James Floss will lead a panel discussion with historians from Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal State Chico, and a local middle science school science teacher.
An 18th Century Influencer, Benjamin Franklin was broadminded yet prejudiced, a Puritan who became a reluctant revolutionary with many contradictions who helped found a new nation. He was a man of curiosity with an understanding that human nature - his included - is flawed.
"Benjamin Franklin was driven by a desire to pull forth benefits for the common good. But there is a lot in Benjamin Franklin that makes you flinch," explains Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.
About the Panelists
Dr. Eran Zelnik - Panelist
Lecturer of American History at Chico State University and author of articles for the Journal of the Early Republic and Early American Studies. He will bring his extensive knowledge of the period into the discussion
Dr. Thomas Mays - Panelist
A history professor at Cal Poly Humboldt, says he has his first year history students read Franklin's autobiography every semester. He is the author of four books that you can find online.
Ken Pinkerton - Panelist
A retired science and engineering teacher, he has worked in local elementary and middle schools and will detail Franklin's scientific discoveries, such as the lighting rod and how bifocal lenses help people see the world. He is also a contributor to KEET's Homework Hotline science and math program.
Best browsers for the event are listed below. If you do not have one of the below browsers you may experience technical difficulties.
- Mac OS: 10.10+, using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
- Windows OS: 7+ using Edge, Chrome, or Firefox
- iPad/iPhone iOS: 10.3.3 + using Safari, Chrome or Firefox
- Android OS: 6+, using Chrome with assistive technology NVDA and JAWS
Corporate funding for BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and by The Better Angels Society and its members Jonathan and Jeannie Lavine; University of Pennsylvania; Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; Kissick Family Foundation; Deborah and Jon Dawson; Diane and Hal Brierley; McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Cappy and Janie McGarr; Lavender Butterfly Fund; and Susan and Charles Shanor Charitable Trust.