A LITTLE ABOUT ME

My name is Charles Molenda.  I have been involved in reenactments for approximately 30 years.  History has always been an interest to me.  Not content with just reading about history, reenactments were a way to obtain hands on skills and a chance to really go into depth as to the way people thought, worked and lived. 

Over 24 years ago, my wife mentioned that I looked like Benjamin Franklin.  Little did I know that that simple statement would take me down such an interesting path.  The more I read about that incredible man, the more I wanted to know.  The years have taken me through more research than I ever imagined.  Many books, many hours of research and here I am.  It has been my goal to teach as many people as I can what Mr. Franklin has done for the American people and for the world.  He was such a key instrument in the making of this country.  Not just what was done in France at the time of the Revolution, but household items and common institutions that we still use today. 

I have had the great pleasure of passing information on to students in elementary, middle and high schools and adult college courses.  I have spoken to historical society’s, genealogical groups, and library sessions; at reenactments and community groups.  Anyone who will listen becomes my audience. 

I portray Mr. Franklin in the first person.  From the first step at a site, I am Benjamin.  I do not come out of character until I leave.  This is amazing to some, and a challenge to others, who try to get me out of character.  I feel I present him as I see him.  A simple man with many layers.  A wise man, with a wicked sense of humor.  An intelligent man, always seeking simple solutions.  His many writings have given us a picture of an incredible individual.  However, today’s average person only sees him as man who flew a kite.  I would like to change that perception. 

The big plus.  I really do look like him.  As stated by thousands. 

  Like Benjamin, I am a very simple and humble man.  But here are a few of my accomplishments and failures.

I am not a college professor.  But, like Benjamin, I am an avid reader and researcher.  My particular interest has always been history, all time periods, but primarily our American Revolution and the people involved.  If it helps to increase your faith in my credentials, many people have mistaken me for a history professor.   

I am involved with the Boy Scouts of America, and have been for over 35 years.  I am the Committee Chair for a Troop, I have been District Program Chair, I am the Three Fires Council BSA. Quartermaster, a District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver recipient, Wood badge trained and have a Doctorate and Fellows in Boy Scouting’s Lord Baden Powell University.  With all this and a buck, I can get a get a cup of coffee at a cheap restaurant. 

I am a member of  Veterans of  Foreign Wars and Dundee Masonic Lodge. 

I am a member of the local Republican Steering Committee.  

I have been an attending member of the same church, Grace Baptist, for over 40 years.   

None of these things make me a better speaker for Benjamin Franklin, but Benjamin and I do share the desire to be involved and an active participant in our communities.  

Your humble servant,

Chuck Molenda