- Ralph Archbold
Ralph Archbold is a
Philadelphia -area speaker best known for his impersonation of U.S. Founding FatherBenjamin Franklin .Franklin impersonation
Archbold began impersonating Franklin in 1973 for a local summer production in
Dearborn, Michigan .cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/2003/franklin/bfreenact.html|title=All About the Benjamin|last=Stein|first=Joel|date=2003-06-29|publisher=TIME|accessdate=2008-07-07] cite news|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080704/ap_on_fe_st/odd_revolutionary_marriage;_ylt=A0WTcUPcyXFIgMoAKiEsQE4F|title=Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross actors wed in Philly|last=Todt|first=Ron|date=2008-07-04|publisher=Yahoo News|accessdate=2008-07-07] 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.cite web|url=http://www.speakersaccess.com/speaker.php?id=49|title=Ralph Archbold|publisher=21st Century Speakers|accessdate=2008-07-07] His photo appears frequently in tourist literature and brochures. He has also appeared on television, including "Today", The History Channel,cite web|url=http://www.ben1776.com/|title=Ralph Archbold as Benjamin Franklin|accessdate=2008-07-07] and "
The Colbert Report ".cite news|url=http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/features/042408-2.html|title='Truthiness' at Penn|last=Davis|first=Heather A.|date=2008-04-24|work=Penn Current|publisher=The University of Pennsylvania |accessdate=2008-07-07] He has also been featured at the Philadelphia celebration "200 Years of Benjamin Franklin's Genius", appeared for everyPresident of the United States sinceGerald Ford , and was appointed byGeorge W. Bush to a 15-member commission to oversee the celebration of Franklin's 300th birthday.cite web|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060323-4.html|title=Entertainment in Celebration of the 300th Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's Birth |date=2006-03-23|work=The Office of the First Lady|publisher=White House |accessdate=2008-07-07]Archbold, like Franklin, is balding and requires the use of
bifocals andcane . 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 playingBetsy Ross . The wedding was held in front of Independence Hall, entirely in costume, with PhiladelphiaMayor Michael Nutter officiating.cite news|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/22927669.html|title=Ben and Betsy tie the knot|last=Pompilio|first=Natalie|date=2008-07-03|publisher=Philadelphia Inquirer |accessdate=2008-07-07]References
External links
* [http://www.ben1776.com/ ben1776.com] (official website)
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