Recognizing, Honoring, and Celebrating Ralph Archbold, also known as Philadelphia's Present Day, "Benjamin Franklin" - after 25 Years of his Award- winning, authentic Portrayal of the Most Famous Philadelphian Ever, Ben Franklin - and for his many Contributions and Unending Dedication to the City Of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Ralph Archbold has been the best portrayer of Benjamin Franklin in the world since 1973 by anyone’s measure; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Archbold has lived as the tireless, engaging personification of Franklin and a champion of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The President of the United States and the U.S. Congress have appointed Mr. Archbold to a Federal Commission to oversee the celebration of Benjamin Franklin’s 300th Birthday (January 17th, 2006); Ralph, like Ben, was also born on January 17th; and

WHEREAS, He is the official Ben Franklin for the City of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, which Ben founded, and the Franklin Institute; Ralph Archbold was also chosen to be the primary spokesman for America’s Constitutional Bicentennial Celebration; and

WHEREAS, His famous portrayal has won him appearances on: The Today Show, Good Morning America, Disney Channel and The History Channel; also, “Our Ben” has won many awards including Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly Award” and the “Council of Peers Award of Excellence,” Speaker’s Hall of Fame, just to name a few; and

WHEREAS, Over 200 years after his death, the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, famed author, inventor and one of the founding fathers lives on through the authenticity, respect and dignity that Ralph Archbold has brought to his over 10,000 audiences, conventioneers, visitors all helping to make our region a better place to live, work and visit; and

WHEREAS, Today, October 19th, 2006, will be forever remembered as, Ralph Archbold Day in Philadelphia; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it Recognize, Honor, and Celebrate Ralph Archbold, also known as “Philadelphia’s Present Day Benjamin Franklin” — after 25 Years of his Award-winning, authentic Portrayal of the most famous Philadelphian ever, Ben Franklin — and for his many Contributions and Unending Dedication to the City Of Philadelphia; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That and Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ralph Archbold further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

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