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PA Historical & Museum Commission Celebrates Pennsylvania’s 340th Birthday on Charter Day, Sunday, March 7

02/23/2021

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) will celebrate the commonwealth’s 340th birthday on Charter Day, Sunday, March 7, with a virtual display of William Penn’s original 1681 charter and other programming from the Pennsylvania State ArchivesState Museum of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Trails of History.

Pennsylvania was created when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn in 1681. Once each year, the Pennsylvania State Archives exhibits the original document for a limited time. The 340-year-old Charter is written on parchment using iron gall ink. The State Archives preserves the document in a high-security vault, shielding it from strong light and environmental fluctuations.

Beginning Sunday, March 7 and continuing through Friday, March 12, virtual visitors to the Charter Day 2021 landing page will be able to view the charter and find out more about how the Charter ended up at PHMC and how we care for it.  In addition, they can “tour” the Violet Oakley murals of William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founder, featured in the Governor’s Reception Room at the Capitol, explore colonial-era documents or “virtually” page through more than 45 years of Pennsylvania Heritage magazine for articles exploring all aspects of Pennsylvania’s 340-year history and much more.

Sites and museums along Pennsylvania’s Trails of History will offer online programs throughout the week.  Several sites will come together on Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 PM for a special Zoom webinar as they present and discuss objects from their collections that relate to the aptly chosen theme of "birthdays and other celebrations." Advance registration is required.

Participating sites include Cornwall Iron FurnaceEckley Miners VillageEphrata CloisterErie Maritime Museum, Hope LodgeJoseph Priestley HouseLandis Valley Village and Farm MuseumPennsbury ManorPennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Pennsylvania Military Museum and The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Throughout the week PHMC will highlight featured programs via on FacebookTwitterInstagram or LinkedIn.  Start following now so you don’t miss a thing. 

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more online.

MEDIA CONTACT: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639



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