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Benjamin Franklin
- Philadelphia, PA
- Historical Character
- Travels nationwide
- $176 to $1776
Overview
Mitchell Kramer portrays Benjamin Franklin. Based in historic old city Philadelphia
“We don’t have time machines yet, but until then, Mitchell Kramer as Benjamin Franklin is the next best thing. His base of knowledge, poise, and charm, creates a living history lesson for people of all ages to learn about the life and times of the greatest of our founding fathers.”
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
Astrophysicist
"How do you have an event at The Franklin Institute without Benjamin Franklin? Mitchell was the best. A perfect start to our evening.”
"Mitchell did a wonderful job performing as Ben Franklin for the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Club of Philadelphia.”
14 Reviews
My husband and friend were celebrating their birthdays and huge history buffs. Having Ben Franklin as part of their birthday celebration was a once in a lifetime event. My husband noted that it was like asking who would you want to have dinner with living or dead and getting that wish. They both said it was the best birthday ever. Thank you Ben Franklin!
Interactive Performer
Ben Frank was a legend. He showed up and didn't skip a beat. Funny and super knowledgeable, he dropped knowledge and won in trivia against a past Jeopardy guy (our bachelor). Super fun and highly recommended. Thanks Mitch/Ben!
Impersonator
I had Ben come to spend an afternoon with my neighbor, who just turned 98 years old.
A few friends gathered to have some food and drink, sit, and just visit for a while. Ben came about an hour after everyone was there. He was very engaging and entertaining. All the guest enjoyed listening to him tell stories about his life. The guest of honor was very pleased. We had a very good time.
Actor, Impersonator, Historical Character
After some back and forth about a very unique opportunity, Mitch came through with "flying" colors! He did everything we asked/hoped to make a surprise appearance turn out fantastic, and he accommodated our request very last minute! Some how he even got his wife involved! He was full of humor and period knowledge which made the moment even more fantastic. Great job team Ben Franklin!
Impersonator, Interactive Performer
We engaged Ben (aka Mitchell) to explain the US election process to a group of expatriates and he did not disappoint. As a historian, Mitchell is extremely knowledgeable and as a former teacher, he explains things very clearly. He rocks the role of Ben and managed to do so in a non-partisan way during an extremely divisive time. Would highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to work with Ben!
Political Speaker
This Benjamin Franklin either met or exceeded all of my wildest expectations for my wife's 30th birthday party. He was punctual, witty, entertaining, charming, and incredibly accurate! He went above and beyond in both preparing for our event and entertaining our guests -- and he even brought props! If you need a Benjamin Franklin for any occasion, look no further than this one!
Actor, Impersonator, Interactive Performer, Look-Alike, Patriotic Entertainment, Historical Character
Photos from this event
Just can't say enough about Ben Franklin. Infused with knowledge and humor, he wowed my guests throughout our conference's opening reception. 100% recommend!
Actor, Corporate Entertainment, Impersonator, Look-Alike, Historical Character
Dr. Franklin did an incredible job and my friend was so surprised to have him show up at her house. He stayed completely in character and made a really memorable story for us both. THANK YOU so much!!
Look-Alike
Response from Benjamin Franklin:
Giana,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. You have a lovely group of friends and I’m really glad I got to be a part of that special moment.
Mitch was the perfect Ben Franklin for our corporate event! Lots of fun historical facts in a fun and engaging manner.
Corporate Entertainment, Educational Entertainment, Look-Alike, Patriotic Entertainment, Science/Technology Expert, Historical Character
Photos from this event
Ben stayed in character the whole time and gave a rousing birthday speech. Truly a memorable appearance.
Look-Alike
Response from Benjamin Franklin:
Robert,
Thank you for the positive review. I had a wonderful time at your birthday party. Thank you for including Ben Franklin.
Imagine about 130 computer and technology Ph.D's from Europe, Asia and the U.S. coming to dinner with Ben Franklin. I am not sure what they expected, but what they got was a wonderful evening full of picture taking, story telling, and just plain fun learning a few things about Ben. These people are difficult to entertain, and Ben was spot on. I received numerous positive comments from folks who are hard to please. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an entertaining and informative evening. I might add another star, and give him 6 stars for his great performance.
Robert Behling, Ph.D.
Executive Director
International Association for Computer Information Systems
Historical Character
Response from Benjamin Franklin:
Well thanks very much Bob. I had a wonderful time with you and all the guests. Mitch
Walked the walk and talked the talk. He knew lots of fun facts and Was great for the party.
Look-Alike
Response from Benjamin Franklin:
Thanks Michael, I hope everyone enjoyed meeting Ben. I had a wonderful time.
We contacted Mitch to be a part of a workshop we were hosting at the University of Pennsylvania on September 12th. From the moment he stepped out of the elevator, he never broke character and was a real hit. Everyone wanted to hang with him and ask him questions and he told us a tonne of really cool stuff. Many of the staff are from Canada so we didn't necessarily know a lot about American history but he was so witty and charming and we really enjoyed having him there!
Corporate Entertainment, Costumed Character, Impersonator, Interactive Performer, Look-Alike, Historical Character
Response from Benjamin Franklin:
Mandi,
Thank you for the positive review. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you and your group. Mitchell
Photos from this event
Fantastic in every aspect!
Thank you!
Historical Character
Booking Info
Price Range: $176 to $1776
Phone Number: Call
What to Expect
Dr. Benjamin Franklin is always delighted to receive an invitation to a fête.
Allow me to share some information regarding my credentials.
As Ben was described, I am considered approachable, knowledgeable, and humorous.
I am often called upon to attend and speak at schools, retirement communities, conferences and private functions.
I always enjoy mingling, posing for portraits and sharing entertaining stories.
I have degrees in history and theater and have performed for leading institutions, many founded by Benjamin Franklin.
The University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
The Library Company of Philadelphia
Free Library of Philadelphia
Historic Christ Church
Historic Congregation Mikvah Israel
Daughters of the American Revolution, Independence Hall Chapter
Society for the Preservation of Philadelphia Landmarks
International Swimming Hall of Fame
U.S. Department of Transportation
Franklin Institute
Independence National Historical Park
Valley Forge Historical National Park
and many more.
About
Actor and historian Mitchell Kramer has been portraying Benjamin Franklin for ten years.
He has performed for:
The Library Company of Philadelphia, the world’s oldest lending library founded by Ben Franklin
Historic Christ Church, Ben Franklin’s church
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Friends of Independence National Historical Park
Temple University
The University of Pennsylvania, the country’s oldest university founded by Ben Franklin
Kean University
Yeshiva University
Johnson & Johnson
Lions Eye Bank
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Many more leading institutions
Often called upon to attend private parties and functions, including many at the Franklin Institute, clients comment on the humor, knowledge & approachable nature of Mitchell’s interpretation.
Kramer owns and operates Mitchell Kramer Tours, Inc. offering tours of Historic Philadelphia.
He has written and produced plays for children and adults and stories about 18th century Philadelphia for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
The interactive theater piece, Our Friend Ben, was written and performed for the National Museum of American Jewish History. The story Lachimo, Lanape Storyteller was included in the anthology, Patriots, Pirates, Heroes & Spies: Stories from Historic Philadelphia, published by Grosset & Dunlap, Penguin International.
Kramer has a BA in playwriting. He has worked off-Broadway and in regional theater both on stage and in all areas of play development, notably for New York Theater Workshop and Dorset Theater Festival.
Services Offered
Upcoming Booked Events
| July 15, 2023 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Wedding Reception |
Past Booked Events
| April 01, 2022 • 9:00pm - 10:00pm | Bachelor Party |
| February 26, 2022 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Birthday Party |
| December 04, 2021 • 8:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
| September 10, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| July 04, 2021 • 5:00pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| April 11, 2021 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Bachelor Party |
| October 01, 2020 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Virtual Event |
| December 28, 2019 • 7:30pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| June 09, 2019 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
| May 24, 2019 • 9:30pm - 9:45pm | Surprise |
| March 30, 2019 • 10:30am - 3:30pm | Convention/Trade Show |
| December 09, 2017 • 10:00pm - 11:30pm | Birthday Party |
| October 07, 2017 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| October 05, 2017 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Convention/Trade Show |
| September 12, 2017 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Corporate Event |
| August 20, 2017 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |