Ben Franklin stands before the British Privy Council in 1774 in a display included in the exhibit, “Ben Franklin: In Search of a Better World.” The exhibit continues through July 31 at the Heinz History Center.

PITTSBURGH — The newest Senator John Heinz History Center exhibition, “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World” explores the founding father as statesman, inventor and humorist.

“Franklin Family Fun Day” is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt and hands-on activities related to Franklin’s scientific, political and personal interests. Youngsters will have the opportunity to learn about Franklin’s many innovations and create crafts such as kites and stamps, among other things.

“Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World,” an 8,000 square-foot traveling exhibition, immerses visitors in Franklin’s world and provides new insights on many previously unknown aspects of his life, including his connections to Western Pennsylvania during Braddock’s expedition.

This exhibition features more than 150 artifacts on loan from nearly 50 lenders, including the Smithsonian Institution, Franklin Institute, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Library Company of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania, plus rarely seen objects from private family collections.

Nearly 30 hands-on interactive activities encourage visitors to discover the man behind the $100 bill and uncover the breadth and diversity of his accomplishments.

For example, visitors may not know that Franklin helped found the nation’s first hospital and fire company; he charted the Gulf Stream and was a noted environmentalist; he was an avid writer and publisher; and he even helped establish the nation’s first public lending library.

Although he completed just two years of formal education, Franklin served as unofficial spokesman for the 13 colonies in England and became deputy postmaster general for more than 20 years. He also helped found the University of Pennsylvania while earning honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale, William and Mary and Oxford University.

Exhibit highlights include:

• One of the first books Franklin printed, “Religion of Nature Delineated;”

• Franklin’s ledger book on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, which helped to establish the U.S. Post Office;

• An original copy of the 1787 U.S. Constitution, which Franklin helped to craft, plus a signed copy of Franklin’s Bible;

• Artifacts related to Franklin’s inventions, including bifocals, the Franklin stove, the armonica (glass musical instrument), and microscope, and items related to his activities in publishing, firefighting, postal service, education, diplomacy and government;

• Rarely displayed personal objects such as books, a chess set, china, furniture and coins;

• A print shop setting including some of Franklin’s 18th century printing equipment and the original sign from the Blue Ball candle-making shop owned by Franklin’s father;

• A touchable electric generator in which visitors can create static electricity to make their hair stand up and sparks fly, along with correspondence from Franklin detailing his electrical experiments; and

• A section of the exhibit dedicated to Franklin’s involvement in the French & Indian War and ties to Western Pennsylvania.

The exhibit, which is included with regular museum admission, runs through July 31 at the History Center, 1212 Smallman St. The center is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information is available at www.heinz historycenter.org.