Education
Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin had a big influence on education. He formed the American Philosophical Society in 1743 and helped establish two of Pennsylvania's oldest colleges.
The Pennsylvania Colony was serious about freedom of expression and educating all members of the colony. The Quakers opened their first school in 1683, teaching reading, writing and basic math. Another school later opened in Philadelphia teaching history, literature, and Latin.
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LibraryThe first library in America is the 'Library Company of Philadelphia.' It was founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and some of his friends. It is the oldest in the Americas.
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HospitalIn 1751, Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond created the first hospital in the Americas, calling it the 'Pennsylvania Hospital.' It is the oldest hospital in the United States to this day.
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UniversitiesThe University of Pennsylvania was built in 1740 and opened in 1751. The school was founded by Benjamin Franklin. It became the first university in the country and the first medical school.
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