Ep 22. Ben Franklin's Bones

In this episode of Mysteries at the Museum, host Don Wildman delves into the unknown history surrounding one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. The episode begins with Wildman exploring the streets of Philadelphia, Franklin's hometown, and visiting some of the historical sites associated with him.

Wildman then introduces viewers to the central mystery of the episode: the discovery of Franklin's bones in a London basement in 1998. The bones were believed to have been stolen from Franklin's grave site in Philadelphia by a group of grave robbers in the 19th century and sold to an anonymous buyer in London.

The rest of the episode follows Wildman as he investigates the origins of this bizarre heist and the subsequent journey of Franklin's remains. Throughout the investigation, Wildman encounters a range of historians, experts, and public figures who offer their take on the story.

One of the more compelling aspects of the episode is the way it uses historical artifacts to tell the story. Wildman examines items such as Franklin's signature glasses, the key to the famous kite and key experiment, and even letters written by Franklin himself. By bringing these objects to life, the episode helps viewers to better understand the man behind the mystery.

Another interesting element of the episode is the way it explores the tension between Franklin's public persona and his private life. While Franklin is still celebrated as a hero and leader of the American Revolution, the episode doesn't shy away from the fact that he was also a complex human being who held controversial views, particularly around slavery. By carefully examining both sides of Franklin, the episode offers a nuanced and balanced portrayal of this important historical figure.

Ultimately, the episode concludes by attempting to solve the mystery of the stolen bones. Through careful detective work, Wildman uncovers a range of potential suspects and motivations, leading up to a surprising revelation at the end.

Overall, Ben Franklin's Bones is a fascinating and engaging episode that will appeal to anyone interested in American history, true crime, or just a good old-fashioned mystery. With its combination of historical artifacts, expert interviews, and fast-paced storytelling, it is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.