Join us on December 4th, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30pm to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's meetings with French agent Julien-Alexandre Achard de Bonvouloir in the second floor library of Carpenters' Hall. 

Bonvouloir, a French spy from the Normandy region, met with Ben Franklin, John Jay (who later became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court), and translator Francis Daymon, between December 18 and 27, 1775 in the second floor library of Carpenters’ Hall to discuss French support for the revolution. Bonvouloir's report sent back to France at the conclusion of these meetings contributed to France’s agreement to support the Americans in the Revolutionary War. France provided much of the gunpowder fired by American troops during the war and the French Navy’s blockade of the Chesapeake allowed our victory at Yorktown.

At this event, guests will enjoy a calvados tasting in honor of Bonvouloir’s Norman heritage, French-themed nibbles, a dramatic telling of the secret meetings, and remarks from France’s Honorary Consul to Philadelphia Marine Fraval-Vennel. We hope to see you there!