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Celebrate Pennsylvania’s rich history: Free entry to museums and landmarks on Charter Day

By Ashley Adams

March 5, 2025

William Penn was granted a charter from England’s King Charles II to create the state of Pennsylvania. To celebrate the 344-year old charter, many state sites are offering free admission on Sunday.

In March 1681, Pennsylvania was created when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn. The charter is often referred to as Pennsylvania’s birth certificate.

To celebrate the 344-year old charter, and the creation of the commonwealth, more than a dozen of the historic sites and museums along the state’s Trails of History will offer free admission on Sunday. In addition, the 1681 charter, written on parchment using iron gall ink, will be on display from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Pennsylvania State Archives facility on Sixth Street in Harrisburg.

The following historic sites and museums are offering free admission on Sunday. Check their websites for operating hours and other details:

Author

  • Ashley Adams

    In her 16 years in the communications industry, Ashley Adams has worn many hats, including news reporter, public relations writer, marketing specialist, copy editor and technical writer. Ashley grew up in Berks County and has since returned to her roots to raise her three children.

CATEGORIES: LOCAL HISTORY

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