Rebecca Franco is the family programs manager at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Originally from Connecticut, she has lived and worked in the arts and culture sector of Philadelphia for more than 15 years. She recently moved to Upper Merion Township, where she lives with her husband Scott and her two children, William (9) and Emily (6).
What do you love the most about being a parent?
It’s getting the opportunity to love and raise these two unique humans and watch them grow up. It’s a blessing that I not only love my kids, but I like them as people.
What would you say is your biggest parenting “fail?”
My son’s first school had uniforms. Once a month, they would have “dress down day,” usually the last Friday of the month. One hectic morning, I glanced at the calendar, noted that it was dress down day and let my very excited 6-year-old pick out his favorite superhero T-shirt and pair of denims.
We rushed out the door, and it was not until I was at the entrance of his school that I noticed no one else was dressed down. A quick trip to the office confirmed that not only was it not dress down day, but it also wasn’t even Friday. The backup set of clothes I kept in his backpack was my only saving grace that day.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love watching kids get excited about history. When I show them an object or tell them about a person that they may not have heard of, and their eyes light up, it’s the best. If, after a visit to the museum, a family walks away wanting to explore and learn more about the people and events of the American Revolution, then I’ve done my job.
What’s one thing you hope your children learn from you and your career?
I want them to know that it’s OK for your dreams or passions to change. Your career path in life doesn’t have to be linear. What you want to do at 21 doesn’t have to be what you want to do at 41.
How do you believe your work is positively impacting youth in our community and beyond?
At the end of the (museum) exhibition, we ask people to “meet the future of the American Revolution” and reveal that it’s them. I genuinely believe that if young people see the faces and hear the stories of the diverse people involved in the creation of our country, they will care about guaranteeing that we continue this experiment in self-government.
Family Favorites
FAMILY MEAL: We are big fans of pizza in my house.
DESSERT: There is no agreement on flavor, but ice cream is the overall winner.
WAY TO SPEND A WEEKEND TOGETHER WITH YOUR FAMILY: When the weather is nice, we try to get everyone out to one of the trails in Valley Forge or Ridley Creek State Park. Otherwise, a quiet weekend with no plans where we can all hang out together and play a board game or watch a movie is a great weekend in my book.
FAMILY VACATION SPOT: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
