Contributionship

The Contributionship, founded in 1752, was another innovation of inventor and statesman Ben Franklin. It was Philadelphia's oldest fire insurance company and fifth in the nation. Usually, if there was a fire in an uninsured house, the Contributionship would put out the fire and charge the victim after the fact. There are original fire marks, firemen's hats, miniature engines, lanterns and other tools of the trade are part of the first floor exhibits. The second floor is an elegant dining hall, lit by crystal chandeliers, where company functions and meetings were conducted. The museum and the second floor board rooms are open by appointment only.