The City of Franklin is set to unveil a new public statue honoring its namesake, Benjamin Franklin, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Williamson County Archives and Museum.
The dedication coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States and what would have been Ben Franklin’s 320th birthday. The bronze sculpture, titled “Ben on a Bench,” depicts the Founding Father seated on a park bench (pictured above), reading the Constitution while two doves perch nearby. The work was created by renowned Colorado-based sculptor George Lundeen, whose pieces appear in collections across the U.S. and internationally, including at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School — where an earlier version of this design was commissioned in 1985.
“I wanted to have his attention caught by the two doves that land just behind him on the bench. I wanted to show him just looking over these spectacles — for which you know he invented bifocals — but looking over his spectacles at the birds,” Lundeen explained in a statement sent to reporters. But upon closer examination, admires will see that the Founding Father is not looking at the birds. “He’ll be looking over his spectacles, right at you!” the artist said.
Pamela L. Lewis, a longtime Middle Tennessee preservationist, philanthropist, historian, and founder/CEO of Nashville’s PLA Media is the woman behind the donation of the statue to Williamson County and the City of Franklin.
Since moving to Franklin in 1993, Lewis has worked to save the historic Harrison House from development. As a former Alderman-at-Large and Vice Mayor, she helped secure Harlinsdale Farm, the Eastern Flank battlefield lands, Collins Farm, and historic overlays, while also establishing the city’s Arts Commission and Tree Commission.
Lewis acquired Lundeen’s Franklin sculpture after learning it had become available and saw it as a fitting tribute. “Putting down roots in Williamson County, I have come to love and have been embraced by this community,” she said. “My life here has been a gift, and, in turn, this statue is my gift to the community.”
Positioned outside the Archives and Museum facing the historic downtown Post Office at Five Points, the placement nods to Franklin’s role as the nation’s first Postmaster General. The site will feature nighttime illumination and a walkway, creating an inviting spot for photos and reflection.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Old Glory Chapter has donated a plaque for the installation. Following the unveiling, a “birthday party” reception inside the Archives will be hosted by the DAR and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
Festivities include a colonial encampment and living history display led by re-enactor Tyler Le Marinel, with period clothing for children to try on, coloring sheets, and a military salute. Local dignitaries will attend, along with historical interpreter Tony Rollo portraying Ben Franklin. Rollo is scheduled to perform again on January 19 at the Franklin Theater.
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Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor at The Tennessee Star.
