Ralph Archbold
Encyclopedia
Ralph Archbold is a Philadelphia-area speaker
best known for his impersonation of U.S.
Founding Father
Benjamin Franklin
.
. He enjoyed the role so much he read over 200 of Franklin's books, and realized that he was born on Franklin's birthday, January 17. He began performing at schools full time, and in 1981 moved to Philadelphia to continue his impersonation in Franklin's home city where demand was higher. He currently gives frequent speeches for company meetings, and is regularly seen sitting on a park bench in Franklin Court.
He has been declared the official Benjamin Franklin for the city of Philadelphia, and has been awarded Philadelphia
magazine's Best of Philly Award. His photo appears frequently in tourist literature and brochures. He has also appeared on television, including Today, The History Channel, and The Colbert Report. He has also been featured at the Philadelphia celebration "200 Years of Benjamin Franklin's Genius" and in "The Franklin Pleaser," a video produced by Philadelphia sketch group Secret Pants
for the Philadelphia Film Festival
, appeared for every President of the United States
since Gerald Ford
, and was appointed by George W. Bush
to a 15-member commission to oversee the celebration of Franklin's 300th birthday.
Archbold, like Franklin, is balding and requires the use of bifocals
and cane. He wears period clothing, including a frilly shirt, a vest, and shoes with buckles, making his appearance historically accurate.
. The wedding was held in front of Independence Hall, entirely in costume, with Philadelphia Mayor
Michael Nutter officiating. He has since suffered a stroke
and hopes to resume his Franklin impersonation by July 2010.
Public speaking
Public speaking is the process of speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners...
best known for his impersonation of U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Founding Father
Founding Fathers of the United States
The Founding Fathers of the United States of America were political leaders and statesmen who participated in the American Revolution by signing the United States Declaration of Independence, taking part in the American Revolutionary War, establishing the United States Constitution, or by some...
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
.
Franklin impersonation
Archbold began impersonating Franklin in 1973 for a local summer production in Dearborn, MichiganDearborn, Michigan
-Economy:Ford Motor Company has its world headquarters in Dearborn. In addition its Dearborn campus contains many research, testing, finance and some production facilities. Ford Land controls the numerous properties owned by Ford including sales and leasing to unrelated businesses such as the...
. He enjoyed the role so much he read over 200 of Franklin's books, and realized that he was born on Franklin's birthday, January 17. He began performing at schools full time, and in 1981 moved to Philadelphia to continue his impersonation in Franklin's home city where demand was higher. He currently gives frequent speeches for company meetings, and is regularly seen sitting on a park bench in Franklin Court.
He has been declared the official Benjamin Franklin for the city of Philadelphia, and has been awarded Philadelphia
Philadelphia (magazine)
Philadelphia is a regional monthly magazine published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Metrocorp....
magazine's Best of Philly Award. His photo appears frequently in tourist literature and brochures. He has also appeared on television, including Today, The History Channel, and The Colbert Report. He has also been featured at the Philadelphia celebration "200 Years of Benjamin Franklin's Genius" and in "The Franklin Pleaser," a video produced by Philadelphia sketch group Secret Pants
Secret pants
Secret Pants is a Philadelphia-based sketch comedy troupe, active since early 2004. They are the longest-running consistently active sketch comedy group in Philadelphia.-History:...
for the Philadelphia Film Festival
Philadelphia Film Festival
The Philadelphia Film Festival is held annually in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Until 2009 it was generally held during the first weeks of April....
, appeared for every President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
since Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford
Gerald Rudolph "Jerry" Ford, Jr. was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, and the 40th Vice President of the United States serving from 1973 to 1974...
, and was appointed by George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
to a 15-member commission to oversee the celebration of Franklin's 300th birthday.
Archbold, like Franklin, is balding and requires the use of bifocals
Bifocals
Bifocals are eyeglasses with two distinct optical powers. Bifocals are most commonly prescribed to people with presbyopia who also require a correction for myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism.-History:...
and cane. He wears period clothing, including a frilly shirt, a vest, and shoes with buckles, making his appearance historically accurate.
Personal life
On July 3, 2008 Archbold married Linda Wilde, a historical impersonator known for playing Betsy RossBetsy Ross
Betsy Ross is widely credited with making the first American flag. There is, however, no credible historical evidence that the story is true.-Early life:...
. The wedding was held in front of Independence Hall, entirely in costume, with Philadelphia Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
Michael Nutter officiating. He has since suffered a stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
and hopes to resume his Franklin impersonation by July 2010.
External links
- ben1776.com (official website)