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Charter Day's - Free Admission at Historical Sites

In 1681, England’s King Charles II used a charter to grant the land that is now Pennsylvania to founder William Penn.  It is often referred to as the “Penn Charter” or “Pennsylvania’s birth certificate.” Sunday, March 10 is the 332nd birthday of Pennsylvania.

On Charter Day, many of Pennsylvania’s Trails of History sites offer “free admission” in celebration of Pennsylvania’s birthday. Throughout the year, these sites offer special activities and exhibits.  Below is a list of those offering free admission on March 10, 2013:

North West Region

  • Drake Well Museum
  • Erie Maritime Museum

North Central Region

  • Pennsylvania Military Museum

North East Region

  • PA Anthracite Heritage Museum
  • Eckley's Miner Village

South West Region

  • Bushy Run Battlefield
  • Fort Pitt Museum
  • Old Economy Village

South Central Region

  • Joseph Priestley House

South East Region

Hershey - Lancaster - Reading Area

  • State Museum
  • Cornwall Iron Furnace
  • Ephrata Cloister
  • Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
  • Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
  • Conrad Weiser Homestead
  • Daniel Boone Homestead

Philadelphia Countryside

  • Brandywine Battlefield Park
  • Graeme Park
  • Washington Crossing Historic Park
  • Pennsbury Manor

The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, will display the original Penn Charter for one week beginning March 10, 2013. The Museum also offers exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary era, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the Commonwealth’s vast industrial age.

In Pennsylvania, all roads lead to history. To help find your path, Pennsylvania’s Trails of History lead you through our nation’s farming, industrial, military and community roots. Explore one site at a time, travel an entire trail, or create your own roadtrip to Pennsylvania and our nation’s past.  To learn more about Pennsylvania’s Trails of History, click here or follow the PA Trailheads blog.