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Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is throwing a birthday bash for the Commonwealth's 345th anniversary on Sunday, March 8, and all are invited. Guests will have the opportunity to get a rare glimpse of William Penn's original charter at the Pennsylvania State Archives, dive into America's 250th anniversary at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, and discover history coming to life at numerous sites along the Pennsylvania Trails of History – all with free admission.
Pennsylvania was officially founded when King Charles II gifted William Penn a charter back in 1681. This year, the Pennsylvania State Archives is pulling the original 345-year-old document – written on parchment with iron gall ink – from its high-security vault for a special public viewing. It's a chance to see history firsthand.
Here's all the birthday fun happening across the Commonwealth:
- See the Charter: William Penn's original charter will be on display between Noon and 4 pm at the Pennsylvania State Archives, located at 1681 N. Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
- Explore the "Keystone of American History" at The State Museum of Pennsylvania: Free admission to The State Museum of Pennsylvania is available from 12 noon to 4:30 pm on Sunday, March 8.
- As part of the statewide Pennsylvania 250 commemoration, curators will be stationed in the newly opened Revolutionary Things: Objects from the Collection exhibit from 1 pm to 3 pm to answer questions about the rare artifacts that shaped our nation's founding.
- Guests can also enjoy quill ink writing, colonial games, learning how to interpret Penn’s Charter, and limited timed tickets to the popular Curiosity Connection.
- Take a History Road Trip: Guests can hit the road and explore Pennsylvania's rich past with free admission to many historic sites and museums along the Pennsylvania Trails of History.
Participating historic sites and museums include:
- Brandywine Battlefield, Chadds Ford
- Conrad Weiser Homestead, Womelsdorf
- Cornwall Iron Furnace, Cornwall
- Daniel Boone Homestead, Birdsboro
- Drake Well Museum, Titusville
- Eckley Miners’ Village, Weatherly
- Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata
- Erie Maritime Museum, Erie
- Graeme Park, Horsham
- Historic Hope Lodge, Fort Washington
- Joseph Priestley House, Northumberland
- Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, Lancaster
- Pennsbury Manor, Morrisville
- Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, Scranton
- Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Ulysses
- Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg
- State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg
History for All Pennsylvanians
PHMC is committed to making Pennsylvania’s important place in history accessible throughout 2026 and beyond, meeting Pennsylvanians wherever they are. The commission will release a comprehensive virtual "PA History" lecture series providing an overview of state history, in addition to providing engaging content across social media platforms and specialized programs at the commission's historic sites and museums across the commonwealth. The State Historic Preservation office is also highlighting key stories in Pennsylvania history through four new themed historical marker trails.
About the Pennsylvania Trails of History
Explore Pennsylvania's rich history through the Pennsylvania Trails of History. These museums and historic sites, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, are organized into four thematic trails: Military History, Industrial Heritage, Historic Homes, and Rural Farm & Village. Learn more and plan your visit at Pennsylvania Trails of History.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.