News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Datebook: June 15 - Benjamin Franklin Flies a Kite 260 Years Ago

It's the famous experiment we all learned about in grade school. Benjamin Franklin was just crazy enough to step outside and fly a kite in a thunderstorm, and in doing so, proved that lightning was electricity. It is believed to be (commonly accepted to be) this date in 1752. 

He and his son attached a key to the kite and let it fly. He noticed the loose fibers on the string stretch out and brought his hand out to the presumably conductive key, which produced a spark. Shockingly, he wasn't the first to do the experiment, a researcher in France and another in Russia had beaten him to the punch. Having been repeatedly electrocuted, it may be no coincidence that Franklin also developed the flexible urinary catheter.

 

It’s Friday, June 15

Tomorrow is the final day of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen exhibit at the Yeiser Art Center in Paducah.  The show includes two- and three-dimensional works by juried members of the guild.  The Yeiser’s at the north end of Markethouse Square, open today and tomorrow from 10 to 4.

Graves County Middle School softball tryouts will be held this Monday and Tuesday from 5 to 7 at Lady Eagle Field.  Any interested incoming seventh or eighth grade girl may attend and should bring a glove, bat, cleats, and any other equipment.

Next weekend is the opening of a original show titled “The Living News 2.0 Supersized for Maximum Strength.”  It’s a comedic look at happenings in the news today, produced by Twilight Theater Productions. Dinner begins at 6:30 and the show starts at 8 Friday and Saturday at Kenlake State Resort Park in Aurora.  Make reservations by Wednesday by calling 270-436-2399.

Submit your community events at wkms.org.  Thanks for listening.

Kala Dunn is a native of Princeton, Ky. She’s a 2006 graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy with a concentration in flute performance and a 2010 graduate of Murray State University with a B.M. in piano performance. She lives in Hamlin, Ky.
Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
Related Content