Steve “Shecky” Perlman recalls as a second-grader at Spruance Elementary School being one of three students earning prizes as part of an American history quiz.
The youngster had his eyes on a certain prize, but he had the third pick.
“There was a history book still there, and I grabbed it,” he said.
Perlman later attended Fels Jr. High and Northeast and earned an undergraduate degree and a master’s in American History from Temple.
A Castor Gardens resident, he worked 42 years for the government, including 25 as a historical interpreter for the National Park Service at Independence National Historical Park.
Today, he is part of the nonprofit Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s History Makers program. History Makers regale visitors with a first-hand account of their times. They are not allowed to break character, such as using a cell phone.
They are Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s costumed historic interpreters who rehearse and train at the “Benstitute” in preparation for an authentic, accurate, welcoming and interactive experience, portraying real people from Philadelphia’s history.
Perlman has been a History Maker since 2006 and at first portrayed John Adams, but now more often can be seen as Benjamin Franklin. He works three days a week, five hours per shift, along with special events, talking about events that happened from 1776-80. The work is from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Perlman loves the work.
“I really enjoy this,” he said. “I’m a student of American history. I’ve always loved American history. I’m meeting people from all over the world. They’re from everywhere.”
Tourists, he said, enjoy seeing the History Makers.
“I’ve seen surprised faces on teenagers and younger children,” he said. “It’s nice to be reminded how much America is loved. People all over the world love America.”
Perlman interacts with people, offering a “Good day” greeting, and is asked to pose for a lot of pictures. When a mom and daughter mentioned they were from Massachusetts, “Dr. Franklin” replied, “Where I was born.”
Perlman makes a great Benjamin Franklin with his period clothing, glasses, hair and cane. Even when not in costume, he resembles the famed intellectual and founding father who was the nation’s first postmaster general. In fact, he recalls someone saying at a wedding, “What’s Ben Franklin doing here?”
That’s not to say everyone recognizes Ben Franklin. Perlman said he’s been mistaken for George Washington and even Abraham Lincoln.
Perlman is eager to work during the summer of 2026, when Philadelphia will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“It’s going to be very exciting,” he said. “I’m waiting for that.” ••
For more information, call 215-629-4026 or visit historicphiladelphia.org.
