When I set out for a casual day on Penn’s Landing with my husband, I didn’t expect to have a full-circle moment with one of America’s founding fathers. But then again, life is weird. And so am I.
There he was: Ben Franklin himself. Or at least… a man dressed very convincingly like him, complete with powdered wig, ruffled cuffs, and the kind of historical accuracy that could win a duel (or at least a very specific trivia night). Naturally, I was curious. Who is this man? Who hires a Ben Franklin impersonator? And how do I make him tell me everything without breaking character?
My brain immediately spiraled into one of the greatest episodes of The Office ever aired—Season 3, Episode 14: “Ben Franklin.” You know the one. Jim hires a Ben Franklin “scholar” to entertain the women at Phyllis’ bachelorette party, and chaos ensues. That’s the exact image I had in my head. So obviously, I had questions.
Meet Brian—AKA Ben Franklin (But Make It Local)
After some very persistent small talk and a lot of patience, Ben finally broke character—and that’s when things got wild. Turns out, this wasn’t just any guy in a costume. His name is Brian, and he is a real-deal, professional Ben Franklin impersonator, booked for everything from corporate events to TV appearances and even educational tours. (He’s got the résumé to prove it—check it out at benfranklinimpersonator.com).
Here’s the kicker: Brian lives in my town. His wife? Went to Ursuline Academy (shoutout to the sisterhood). His current neighbor? One of my actual teachers. What are the odds? I went from thinking “Who is this man?” to “he’s my new best friend” in under five minutes.
Honestly, We Have a Lot in Common—Except the Bifocals
As we walked along the waterfront, I learned more about Brian’s journey as Philly’s favorite founding father. He’s mastered Ben’s wit, wisdom, and yes, his wardrobe. And let’s not forget—Ben Franklin was kind of a big deal. Inventor, writer, diplomat, printer, philosopher, postmaster, electricity guy (technical term), and—iconically—champagne lover. So honestly, this was right up my alley.
Brian, like Ben, is full of stories and charm. He’s passionate about educating people on American history but also just… super fun. So fun, in fact, that before the day was over, he invited my husband and me to his house party—complete with a live band, catering, and good vibes promised. Unfortunately, we were heading out of town and couldn’t make it. But let it be known: if you’re invited to a Ben Franklin impersonator’s house party, you go.
Final Thoughts from a New Founding Friendship
I never thought I’d spend a day with a man in stockings and colonial shoes and leave thinking, “We should definitely hang out again.” But here we are.
Brian the Ben Franklin impersonator might not be flying kites in thunderstorms or drafting constitutions, but he is keeping history alive—with a side of small-world serendipity. While I didn’t make it to the party, I left with something just as unexpected: a new friend who happens to dress like a Founding Father.
And honestly? That feels very on brand for me.
