On Being Ben Franklin

Today marks the 300 anniversary of the birth of one of America's greatest founding fathers. Benjamin Franklin was born on Milk Street in Boston on January 17th, 1706.

While Philadelphia has claimed the official celebration of Franklin's tri-centennial, Boston has done little to celebrate the occasion.

In Somerville, actor Burdette Parks is marking the date. His one-man show, "Benjamin Franklin: Printer, Etc." brings to life one of the most accomplished native sons of Boston, as Franklin reflects back on his years at the age of 82.

Parks has been researching Franklin and playing him on stage since the 1980's.