ST. LOUIS.- The Missouri Historical Society presents an exhibition that celebrates Benjamin Franklin’s Tercentenary, on view through September 4, 2006. In his time, Benjamin Franklin was this country’s greatest scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, diplomat, philanthropist and humanitarian – in addition to being one of the most-quoted and affable humorists. Three centuries later, the achievements and legacy of this self-taught polymath are more relevant than ever.

International Salute to a “Global Individual” - The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary presents an international traveling exhibition, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World. The exhibition has been organized to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Franklin’s birth, and will travel around the United States and to France, as befits a man who was considered a resident of the world by all who encountered him, even though most Americans - and certainly Philadelphians - are quick to claim him as a beloved native son. The exhibition will make its world premiere from December 15, 2005, through April 30, 2006, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Franklin’s adopted home town.

The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by five Philadelphia institutions with ties to Franklin. Members include the American Philosophical Society, the Franklin Institute, the Library Company of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, an Act of Congress in 2002 created the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission, a panel of fifteen outstanding Americans chosen to study and recommend programs to celebrate Franklin’s 300th birthday. The Tercentenary is supported by a lead grant of $4 million from The Pew Charitable Trusts.

“We are proud to support Benjamin Franklin’s birthday season,” said Rebecca Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts. “The Trusts’ grant is our gift to the nation to celebrate Benjamin Franklin in the 21st century, and we hope all citizens take this opportunity to truly reflect on his impact and strive to model his civic leadership.”