Enriching Education - Benjamin Franklin and Franklin TN

The seed of an idea held for years by longtime Franklin, TN resident Pamela Lewis has finally taken root! Entrepreneur Lewis, who has spent decades working behind the scenes with high-profile projects like MTV and Garth Brooks, is unaccustomed to the spotlight but felt time was of the essence to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary.

Lewis is a former Franklin Alderman, preservationist, philanthropist, historian, and art enthusiast who often wondered why there wasn’t anything linking her city to its namesake, the enigmatic polymath Benjamin Franklin.

To connect the dots... this historic city, located just south of Nashville, was named Franklin in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Early settler Abram Maury, Jr. (Maury County) initially proposed the name “Marthasville” in honor of his wife, Martha, but she humbly suggested instead to name for Franklin, who was already a household name. Martha argued that Ben was a colleague and co-patriot of Dr. Hugh Williamson (Williamson County), who had also befriended Maury, thereby establishing a fitting connection.

Founded in 1799 – just nine years after Franklin’s death – Franklin, TN is the second-oldest city in the United States named for this Founding Father, famed publisher, and inventor, and also is the largest city by population to bear his name.

In early 2025, Lewis learned from her friend, historian Mary Pearce, that the city and the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) were discussing plans for America’s 250th anniversary, including the possibility of finally erecting a statue honoring Benjamin Franklin, the city’s namesake. This was a tipping point. Lewis quickly joined the effort, brainstorming ideas with the DAR and others, urging them to seek a sculptor capable of creating a detailed statue that would reflect the community while properly honoring Franklin.

Lewis did not stop there. Building on the renewed focus on Benjamin Franklin’s legacy at the Williamson County Archives and Museum campus, she expanded the effort by creating two books about Benjamin Franklin – one written for readers of all ages and another for children.

The all-ages title, Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Rockstar, is a hip, engaging collection of facts and anecdotes about Franklin, interspersed with quotes from other famed and historic figures, with an emphasis on fun. The book was published by Traitmarker Media, with editor Robbie Grayson III working closely with Lewis.

The children’s book, Ben Franklin Visits Franklin for a Day, is a warm and whimsical story featuring original illustrations by Isabella McKaskill, who grew up in Franklin after being adopted from India by her parents. McKaskill, who now lives in nearby Spring Hill, Tennessee, with her husband and two children, created 60 original sepia-toned llustrations for the book.

A joint proclamation between the city and county declaring January 17 “Ben Franklin Day” can be viewed here.

“We made a little history at 10 am on January 17, 2026,” says Lewis. “It was so gratifying to look out and see so many supportive and enthusiastic people. This was definitely one of the happiest days of my life. May we continue to make history in the best of ways, sharing unity, a sense of community, and what positive legacies we can create together.”

Both books are available nationwide through online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as locally at Landmark Booksellers, 114 E. Main St., Franklin, TN 37064, and Denise Carolyn Boutique, 706 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064. For wholesale or stocking inquiries, please contact the email address below.