After a tradesman career of wallpaper hanging, Patrick ("Pat") McBride became a living history reenactor portraying Benjamin Franklin in 2019.
Pat has always had an interest in history as a long-time coin collector, but becoming Franklin was inspired by a suggestion from his good friend and 25-year reenactor, Dennis Boggs (who portrays Abraham Lincoln): “You know, Pat, you would make a wonderful Ben Franklin. You certainly have the personality for it!” Pat was already portly and balding, so he took the next Franklin frugality step by letting his hair grow then purchasing a tri-corner hat.
He quickly immersed himself in the 18th century by reading everything about Benjamin Franklin he could get his hands on. After a several years of reenacting, he has accumulated quite a wardrobe of colonial clothing from various vendors.
His appearances include regional and national coin shows, history centers, colonial fairs, club gatherings, and social events. He is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but is available to travel and has performed in various states.
