Ben Franklin's legacy as first postmaster general lives on at historic Philadelphia site

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- At 316 Market Street, visitors can still hear the rhythmic sound of hand-cancelled mail being stamped as they step inside a functioning post office that also serves as a living museum honoring Benjamin Franklin, the nation's first postmaster general.

Franklin, appointed in 1737, played a pivotal role in helping the colonies communicate during a turbulent era.

"I think they know him for the inventions and diplomat, but they don't realize him for this job," one visitor said.

That job, historians say, was essential to the colonies' survival.

"They can't rely on the British system anymore, so they turn to Franklin, and they chose him to be the postmaster general, and it is his job to make sure that the colonies can communicate with one another and the army is in touch with political leaders in Philadelphia," a guide explained.

Park Ranger Nick Guarino said Franklin's background made him a natural fit.

"Most post offices in those days were run out of a print shop. Franklin was a printer, and that was why he was a go-to choice to be a post master," he said.

Guarino added that Franklin's early work shaped what would eventually become the country's formal postal system.

"He really lays the foundation, the framework. We're not going to get a formal postal system until the Washington administration, but the seeds are planted by Franklin in this role," he said.

Today, postmasters oversee daily operations, mail processing, and customer service at local branches - responsibilities that trace back to the groundwork Franklin established.

Outside the historic site, Franklin's former home stands as a reminder of how the nation's communication network began - a concept born in Pennsylvania and now used across the country.

"I think visitors love stories like this because there are things we can still feel today," Guarino said. "It's hard for us to imagine our national community without a postal system. So it's things we still experience, and it's easy to draw those connections."

A "Firstival" celebrating Ben Franklin's role as America's first postmaster is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Franklin Court, located at 311 Market Street.

For more information on this event and other 52 Weeks of Firsts events, visit: VisitPhilly.com.