From the Smithsonian magazine archives, some of our favorite reader questions about our nation's founding upon its 250th birthday. Q: Did Benjamin Franklin really fly a kite in a thunderstorm?

Ben Franklin's invention of the lightning rod and his revelation of the mysterious workings of lightning and thunder made him one of the foremost scientists of his day. As Dray, who won the Robert F.

This week's question was asked by Trinity Olivia Jones, grade 3 at Miller Elementary School. Teacher: Amy Stoffregen. QUESTION: Why did Benjamin Franklin fly a kite in the rain when there was thunder ...

This Saturday, Jan. 17, marks Benjamin Franklin’s birthday — his 320th, as a matter of fact! He was born in Boston in 1706 ...

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Gov. Larry Hogan says the 1772 Maryland State House was saved from lightning “by a 208-year-old original Ben Franklin lightning rod.” The nation’s oldest State House was hit by lightning Friday ...

In the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin helped elucidate the nature of lightning and endorsed the protective value of lightning rods. And yet, a hundred years later, much of the public remained ...

"Cotton Mather, dam you, with a pox to you!" -- Made at Philadelphia -- A subject of serene contemplation -- The mighty hand of God -- Electric ambassador -- The science of freedom Summary A biography ...