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Ben Franklin's World

@bfworld.bsky.social
368 followers 21 following 1.1K posts

🔍 Curious about the past? So are we! 🎧 Join award-winning historian @lizcovart@bsky.social as we time-travel through early America to uncover the people, ideas & stories that shaped our world. New eps every other Tuesday! 🇺🇸 #HistoryMatters

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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 12h
In our award-winning podcast, you sit in on conversations with the historians doing this work.  It's rigorous. It's free. It's for people who never stopped wanting to learn. Last year, 44% of our funding came from listeners and readers. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 13h
In Episode 126, Rebecca Brannon joined us to explore how South Carolina moved from banishing Loyalists and confiscating their property in 1782 to offering Loyalists clemency. benfranklinsworld.com/126
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Reposted by Ben Franklin's World
Anna O. Law @unlawfulentries.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Had bookmarked this and just now listened. Fantastic episode. The enslavement of Native Americans was based on *where* they were. They were on land that settler Americans wanted. It was qualitatively distinct from the enslavement of African Americans and those differences need to be understood.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 14h
🎙️ New episode T. H. Breen explores Burgoyne's demands, Henley's trial, the public's response, and the question: What did it actually feel like, in real towns among real people, to stop being British? What did it mean to be American? Listen to episode 451: www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 17h
Independence wasn't declared on July 4th. It was voted on July 2, 1776. But the real story begins on June 7th, with Richard Henry Lee's three-part resolution that set the colonies on a definitive path. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/443 #America250 #Revolution250 #USHistory #History
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 17h
🎙️ Episode 451 of BFW explores: - Why grand narratives overlook how ordinary people experienced the Revolution - The difference between political and cultural independence - Competing British and American ideas about honor
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 451: David Henley's Court-Martial and The American Revolution on Trial - Ben Franklin's World
Timothy Breen investigates John Burgoyne's court-martial of David Henry and what it meant to be American after independence from the British.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 19h
“I mean he really doesn't miss an opportunity to call into question the legitimacy of the American culture and the whole revolution.” Ep. 451 with T. H. Breen investigates why John Burgoyne's demand to serve as prosecutor in an American military court were met. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The newest historical research does recovers the stories of people the record overlooked.  Ben Franklin's World and Clio Digital Media work to make sure that history isn't hidden behind paywalls. Help us keep it free, and make room for more of it. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
In December 1777, a Continental colonel struck a drunk British prisoner with his sword. The wound was minor.  A British general called it a plot to murder prisoners, and demanded a court-martial.  Hear the story in ep 451. #Revolution250 #America250
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 451: David Henley's Court-Martial and The American Revolution on Trial - Ben Franklin's World
Timothy Breen investigates John Burgoyne's court-martial of David Henry and what it meant to be American after independence from the British.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
In 1776, the founders faced a specific challenge: how does a new nation enter the international community under the Law of Nations? What makes a nation "treaty worthy?" John Adams's answer was built on commerce, not conquest. "Free ships make free goods." 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/444
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Have you ever cut a story short because the person you were with didn’t share your enthusiasm for early American history?  Well, no more. There’s a whole club of us. Find your people in the History Explorers Club www.historyexplorers.club/
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A British general surrendered at Saratoga, then demanded to prosecute an American colonel in an American court-martial. The Americans agreed. Hear the full story in episode 451 of Ben Franklin's World. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451 #Revolution250 #America250
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The History Explorers Club is a virtual community for curious adults who explore, discuss, and indulge in early American history.  Curiosity is our only membership requirement www.historyexplorers.club/
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
History Belongs to Everyone. Ben Franklin's World is a part of a nonprofit, Clio Digital Media, that believes in bringing more history to the public. As 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so much of our support comes from listeners and readers like you. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The filmmakers behind Ken Burns’ The American Revolution say they didn’t set out to make an argument. They made a discovery. What will YOU discover when you revisit the Revolution through their lens? 🎧 Listen here: benfranklinsworld.com/425 #KenBurnsPBS #AmericanRevolution $Revolution250
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
In our award-winning podcast, you sit in on conversations with the historians doing this work.  It's rigorous. It's free. It's for people who never stopped wanting to learn. Last year, 44% of our funding came from listeners and readers. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
010
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Connect with other history lovers in the History Explorers Club. There you’ll have access to: - Town Halls - Workshops - Historian Talks  - Book Club - Spontaneous History Conversations  Find your people at www.historyexplorers.club/
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
🗣️ “Drivers can’t just crack down. They risk rebellion. But they can’t go soft—they risk losing everything. It’s a war.” —Historian Randy Browne Want more insight like this? Listen to Ep. 418 of Ben Franklin’s World: benfranklinsworld.com/418 #EarlyAmerica #History #BFW
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
🎙️ Episode 451 of BFW explores: - Details of John Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga - The incidents that led to John Burgoyne serving as chief prosecutor in an American military court - How Americans debated what their culture would look like after independence 🔗 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Do history-related questions keep you up at night? If so, you belong in the History Explorers Club. It’s your place to connect with fellow history lovers, dig deeper into the past, and explore our shared curiosity together.  Find your people at www.historyexplorers.club/
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🎙️ New episode T. H. Breen explores Burgoyne's demands, Henley's trial, the public's response, and the question: What did it actually feel like, in real towns among real people, to stop being British? What did it mean to be American? Listen to episode 451: www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The newest historical research does recovers the stories of people the record overlooked.  Ben Franklin's World and Clio Digital Media work to make sure that history isn't hidden behind paywalls. Help us keep it free, and make room for more of it. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Before Salem, fear of witches haunted early New England. 🕯️⚖️ In this episode, Malcolm Gaskill explores a 1650s witch trial in Springfield, Massachusetts—and what it reveals about fear, faith, and community. 🎧 benfranklinsworld.com/370 #WitchTrials #VastEarlyAmerica #History
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
If exploring the Founding Era’s big, tangled questions fires up your curiosity then you belong in the History Explorers Club! It's is a virtual community for curious adults to explore early American history. We’ll even applaud and thank you when you bring up a cool historical fact.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
History Belongs to Everyone. Ben Franklin's World is a part of a nonprofit, Clio Digital Media, that believes in bringing more history to the public. As 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so much of our support comes from listeners and readers like you. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
250 years ago this month, John Hancock signed his name large and prominent across the center of a sheet of parchment.   Delegates kept adding theirs for months—including men who hadn't been in Philadelphia on the Fourth.   #America250 #DeclarationofIndependence #History #USHistory #Revolution250
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 448: Mary Beth Norton, The Declaration of Independence as American Scripture - Ben Franklin's World
Join Mary Beth Norton for an exploration and reflection of the Declaration of Independence as American Scripture.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted for independence. But the process that made that vote possible began months earlier. This #Podcast episode is where the story starts. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/443 #America250 #Revolution250
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 443: How Independence Happened, Part 1: The Lee Resolution, 1776 - Ben Franklin's World
What was the Lee Resolution of 1776 and why did it matter? Historians Woody Holton and Terrence Rucker reveal the process of American independence.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“I mean he really doesn't miss an opportunity to call into question the legitimacy of the American culture and the whole revolution.” Ep. 451 with T. H. Breen investigates why John Burgoyne's demand to serve as prosecutor in an American military court were met. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
After independence, Anglican ministers had three choices: keep praying for the king, alter the Book of Common Prayer, or close their churches. What would you have done? 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/439
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
In December 1777, a Continental colonel struck a drunk British prisoner with his sword. The wound was minor.  A British general called it a plot to murder prisoners, and demanded a court-martial.  Hear the story in ep 451. #Revolution250 #America250
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 451: David Henley's Court-Martial and The American Revolution on Trial - Ben Franklin's World
Timothy Breen investigates John Burgoyne's court-martial of David Henry and what it meant to be American after independence from the British.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A British general surrendered at Saratoga, then demanded to prosecute an American colonel in an American court-martial. The Americans agreed. Hear the full story in episode 451 of Ben Franklin's World. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451 #Revolution250 #America250
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The newest historical research does recovers the stories of people the record overlooked.  Ben Franklin's World and Clio Digital Media work to make sure that history isn't hidden behind paywalls. Help us keep it free, and make room for more of it. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🎙️ Episode 451 of BFW explores: - Details of John Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga - The incidents that led to John Burgoyne serving as chief prosecutor in an American military court - How Americans debated what their culture would look like after independence 🔗 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
What did joy, love, and creativity look like for Black Americans in early America? ❤️📝 In Ep. 378, Tara Bynum explores the rich interior lives of Black writers who lived through the 18th century. 🎧 benfranklinsworld.com/378 #BlackHistory #VastEarlyAmerica #History
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 378: Tara Bynum, Everyday Black Living in Early America
Tara Bynum joins us to explore everyday Black living in early America though the writings of four early Black American writers.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🎙️ New episode T. H. Breen explores Burgoyne's demands, Henley's trial, the public's response, and the question: What did it actually feel like, in real towns among real people, to stop being British? What did it mean to be American? Listen to episode 451: www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🎙️ Episode 451 of BFW explores: - Why grand narratives overlook how ordinary people experienced the Revolution - The difference between political and cultural independence - Competing British and American ideas about honor
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 451: David Henley's Court-Martial and The American Revolution on Trial - Ben Franklin's World
Timothy Breen investigates John Burgoyne's court-martial of David Henry and what it meant to be American after independence from the British.
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
History Belongs to Everyone. Ben Franklin's World is a part of a nonprofit, Clio Digital Media, that believes in bringing more history to the public. As 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so much of our support comes from listeners and readers like you. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“I mean he really doesn't miss an opportunity to call into question the legitimacy of the American culture and the whole revolution.” Ep. 451 with T. H. Breen investigates why John Burgoyne's demand to serve as prosecutor in an American military court were met. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The History Explorers Club is a virtual community for curious adults who explore, discuss, and indulge in early American history. Curiosity is our only membership requirement www.historyexplorers.club
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In our award-winning podcast, you sit in on conversations with the historians doing this work.  It's rigorous. It's free. It's for people who never stopped wanting to learn. Last year, 44% of our funding came from listeners and readers. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In December 1777, a Continental colonel struck a drunk British prisoner with his sword. The wound was minor.  A British general called it a plot to murder prisoners, and demanded a court-martial.  Hear the story in ep 451. #Revolution250 #America250
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 451: David Henley's Court-Martial and The American Revolution on Trial - Ben Franklin's World
Timothy Breen investigates John Burgoyne's court-martial of David Henry and what it meant to be American after independence from the British.
010
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
The newest historical research does recovers the stories of people the record overlooked.  Ben Franklin's World and Clio Digital Media work to make sure that history isn't hidden behind paywalls. Help us keep it free, and make room for more of it. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Was American independence really won on the battlefield? In our newest episode, historian John Ferling reveals the secret diplomacy, foreign aid, and fragile alliances that nearly brought the revolution to a halt before it began. 🎧 Listen: benfranklinsworld.com/432
benfranklinsworld.com
Episode 432: John Ferling, How France and Spain Helped Win the American Revolution
When we think of the American Revolution, it’s easy to focus on famous battles like Saratoga or Yorktown, iconic leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence. But International a
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
History Belongs to Everyone. Ben Franklin's World is a part of a nonprofit, Clio Digital Media, that believes in bringing more history to the public. As 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so much of our support comes from listeners and readers like you. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
“We hold these truths…” but what did the Founders really mean by the pursuit of happiness? 🧐 In Ep. 394, Jeffrey Rosen explores this revolutionary idea and its roots in early American thought. 🎧 benfranklinsworld.com/396 #FoundingIdeas #VastEarlyAmerica #History
benfranklinsworld.com
394 Jeffrey Rosen, The Pursuit of Happiness
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”– United States Declaration of Independ
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
A British general surrendered at Saratoga, then demanded to prosecute an American colonel in an American court-martial. The Americans agreed. Hear the full story in episode 451 of Ben Franklin's World. 🎧 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451 #Revolution250 #America250
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🎙️ Episode 451 of BFW explores: - Details of John Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga - The incidents that led to John Burgoyne serving as chief prosecutor in an American military court - How Americans debated what their culture would look like after independence 🔗 www.benfranklinsworld.com/451
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Most Americans know Paul Revere’s ride. Few know the man who sent him. Meet Dr. Joseph Warren—the revolutionary who organized, inspired, and ultimately died for the cause. 🎧 His story: benfranklinsworld.com/413 #AmericanRevolution #Boston #HistoryPodcast #Revolution250
benfranklinsworld.com
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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In our award-winning podcast, you sit in on conversations with the historians doing this work.  It's rigorous. It's free. It's for people who never stopped wanting to learn. Last year, 44% of our funding came from listeners and readers. Help us keep it free. cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com...
cliodigital.app.neoncrm.com
2026-2027 Annual Campaign
History Belongs to Everyone—Including the People History Forgot. William and Benjamin Frank were brothers, Black men freeborn in Rhode Island. They enlisted in the Continental Army in 1777. William served through Yorktown. Benjamin crossed to British
000
Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
A coalition of historians and history organizations noticed the demand for more history in the United States and created a new initiative. In a BFW Bonus episode, Beth English & Kate Masur joined us to discuss #wewantmorehistory @oah.org The episode is available now, wherever you listen podcasts.
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