Franklin, TN, unveils Ben Franklin statue on founder's 320th birthday

Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean

Sun, January 18, 2026 at 6:44 PM UTC

2 min read

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Bundled-up residents and visitors gathered Saturday to celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s 320th birthday and to welcome a new statue of the town’s namesake to its permanent home Jan. 17.

Franklin, founded in 1799, was named for the nation's founding father at the recommendation of Abram Maury Jr., a close friend of Franklin’s.

Today, it is the second-oldest city named Franklin in the United States, and the most populous.

"Benjamin Franklin may well be the most renowned, influential founding father,” said Bradley Boshers, director of Williamson County’s Archives and Museum. "His contribution to American society is difficult to match."

The celebration included reenactors, families and longtime residents waving miniature American flags as they sang “Happy Birthday” and watched the unveiling of the new bronze sculpture. The statue now sits in front of the Williamson County Archives and Museum.

Sculptor George Lundeen crafting the statue of Ben Franklin which will be placed in Downtown Franklin on Jan. 17.

Buffie Baril, founder of Lovely Franklin, thanked local philanthropist Pamela Lewis for making the installation possible. “Your generous donation of this magnificent sculpture has allowed both children and adults to learn the remarkable story of this city,” she said.

Lewis, who is a preservationist, historian and community philanthropist, donated the sculpture after realizing Franklin lacked a monument to the man it was named for.

"Putting down roots in Williamson County, I have come to love and have been embraced by this community,” she said. “My life here has been a gift, and, in turn, the statue is my gift to the community.”

Created by Colorado sculptor George Lundeen, the piece depicts Franklin seated on a park bench, reading the Constitution as small birds gather around him.

After the unveiling, historical reenactors fired bayonets into the air, and Tony Rollo — portraying Benjamin Franklin — led the crowd in a jubilant “Huzzah!” Guests later moved indoors for a ceremonial cake cutting to cap the event.

"We are truly grateful for the countless hours you have donated to bring ‘Ben on the Bench’ to Franklin,” said Lisa Kenney, honorary regent of the Old Glory Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. "America is the greatest country in the world thanks to one of the nation’s greatest founding fathers. Our city is so proud to be named after him."

The new “Ben on the Bench” statue is located at 611 W. Main St.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin, TN unveils Ben Franklin statue on founder's 320th birthday

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