FHSU University Relations

Authentic historical documents written by one of America’s greatest founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, will bring 300 Ellis County fifth-graders to Fort Hays State University on Monday, Sept. 15.

A charitable donation to FHSU from an alumnus, Dr. Cecil Currey — two handwritten letters from Benjamin Franklin and two original pages of the Pennsylvania Gazette — has been the center of an annual educational event for the past eight years. Each year, college students from the Department of Teacher Education organize activities related to the papers.

“The activities center around Ben Franklin, his inventions, his era and his contributions to the founding nation,” said Sue Boldra, instructor of teacher education. “One of the stations is a scavenger hunt through the original Ben Franklin papers and one station is conducted by the library staff.”

Fifth-graders will enjoy a snack at the “Tea Party,” set up and served by the local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. McDonald’s of Hays, owners Rick and Gail Kuehl, will provide drinks.

The American Democracy Project, Forsyth Library and Boldra’s Social Studies Methods class, host Ben Franklin Papers each year.

Volunteers are needed from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and from 12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up by calling the American Democracy Project at (785) 628-5399 or by email at [email protected].