Philadelphia's most famous founding father has his name all over town, from Franklin Field to the Ben Franklin Parkway to the Franklin Building on Penn's campus. And now, officials are debating the possibility of a Ben Franklin Station.
With city and campus set to mark the 300th birthday of Penn's founder next week, Philadelphia residents await a decision on whether the 30th Street Train Station, located on Market Street, will be renamed after the American Renaissance man.
"Ben Franklin would be flattered to have yet another surprise for his 300th birthday," said Rosalind Remer, executive director of the Ben Franklin Tercentenary, which is organizing city-wide celebrations for the occasion.
In a letter leaked to The Philadelphia Inquirer last month, the president of the Philadelphia-based Pew Charitable Trusts, Rebecca Rimel, asked transit agency Amtrak, which owns the station, to rename it for Franklin in honor of his birthday.
Rimel also said in her letter that the Pew Charitable Trusts would consider funding the renaming project for the station, which was completed in the 1930s.
Rimel told Amtrak Chairman David Laney in late August that a renaming would boost publicity for Philadelphia as well as honor one of the city's most important figures.
As enthusiastic as Penn officials are about the numerous events the University has planned for Franklin's birthday, Penn Secretary Leslie Kruhly said the University will not take a stance on the matter.
Some students, however, think the name change could boost the city's image.
"I agree with the [idea] to rename the station," fifth-year Engineering graduate student Young Kim said, "He's kind of the guy in American history, so I definitely think it's worth it."
Will Green, a College freshman, says he wouldn't mind the switch.
"A lot of things are named after [Franklin], but I don't see the harm in this," Green said.
Amtrak representatives say they are considering the option but no definitive decision is planned.
While Pew Charitable Trusts spokespeople declined to comment on the progress of talks between their organization and Amtrak, they said in a statement that they are "exploring" the proposal with the transit agency.
"Franklin is one of our best ambassadors, and his association with this gateway to our great city would be a fitting tribute and strengthen the growing interest in Philadelphia and the birthplace of our democracy," the statement said.
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