One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was a respected, leading inventor, scientist, writer, philosopher, and diplomat who also served as President of the United States in 1769. One of his major political contributions was his help in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In science, his contributions and pursuits included exploring electricity for which he created the lightning rod. He is especially noted for his experiment of flying a kite during a storm in order to provide that lightning is electricity. Benjamin Franklin also ventured into music, playing, composing, and ultimately inventing the glass harmonica.