PHILADELPHIA -- University of Pennsylvania history professor Michael W. Zuckerman will appear in the new WHYY-TV production "About Benjamin," a half-hour documentary celebrating the Benjamin Franklin tercentenary.  The program will premiere on Jan. 12 at 9 p.m. on WHYY-TV with additional airdates of Jan. 15, 18 and 29.

In the program Zuckerman is seen exploring Franklin's rocky relationship with the Penn family.

John Penn "truly thought that he was better than Franklin.  Penn was noble, and Franklin was common," Zuckerman said.  "To have this guy, by an accident of birth, think that he was superior to Franklin was a kind of haughtiness that tore Franklin up.  I think so much of his career is a vindication of the possibilities of commoners."  

Zuckerman and 15 other regional historians, artists, curators, authors and architects discuss everything from Franklin's musical and artistic inventions to his penchant for fine foods and spirits.  The documentary also connects regional tercentenary attractions with Franklin's story.

WHYY will host a free screening of "About Benjamin" on Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. in the WHYY Technology Center, 150 N. Sixth St. in Philadelphia.  A panel discussion with Zuckerman and others featured in the documentary will follow.  Additional information is available and reservations are being accepted at 215- 351-0511 or www.whyy.org.