What was Benjamin Franklin's involvement in organizations in England and America?

Benjamin Franklin had a prolific life as a businessman, statesman, and philanthropist. He is well known for his philanthropic, political, and business acumen. As a young man, he spent time purchasing property in order to become independently wealthy. In those early years, he established a group of twelve men who formed the Junto Club. They were men from a variety of occupations but their main objectives were to better themselves through reading and discussion, and...

Benjamin Franklin had a prolific life as a businessman, statesman, and philanthropist. He is well known for his philanthropic, political, and business acumen. As a young man, he spent time purchasing property in order to become independently wealthy. In those early years, he established a group of twelve men who formed the Junto Club. They were men from a variety of occupations but their main objectives were to better themselves through reading and discussion, and to contribute to the betterment of Philadelphia through their civic outreach. Since books were rare and difficult to procure, under Franklin’s tutelage they formed a subscription library called the Library Company of Philadelphia. They extended the library to include public use by purchasing books from England. In addition, Franklin started the American Philosophical Society to encourage educated thinking in society.

Later, Franklin formed the first volunteer fire brigade company called the Union Fire Company, which was comprised of thirty families. This group promised to work as a unit to prevent the spread of fires in their neighborhood. The group set up rules and instituted safety measures in the members’ households. The idea spread, and Franklin initiated the larger Philadelphia Contributorship Fire Insurance Company.

He continued his civic work as a member of the Masons, contributed to the formation of the University of Pennsylvania, and established the Philadelphia Hospital. A number of these organizations are still relevant in Philadelphia today.

While in England during the mid 1750s, Franklin was an influential member of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. This organization is now known as the Royal Society of Arts, which, to this day, bestows a Benjamin Franklin medal. When Franklin returned from England he maintained his relationship with the RSA and joined a number of scientific organizations.

Franklin’s interests were varied, but his focus remained on civic philanthropy. Even after his death, his efforts lived on through financial trusts he established in both Boston and Philadelphia for the betterment of society.