Pennsbury Manor Kicks Off 75th Anniversary on Charter Day with the Original 1681 Charter and Free Admission

MORRISVILLE, Pa., Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- William Penn's Bucks County Home, Pennsbury Manor kicks off its 75th anniversary celebration during Charter Day on Sunday, March 9 with free admission from 1 to 4 p.m.

Charter Day celebrates the birthday of Pennsylvania and provides visitors with a special opportunity to view the original Charter of Pennsylvania. England's King Charles II used the charter in 1681 to grant the land that is now Pennsylvania to founder William Penn. It is sometimes referred to as the state's "birth certificate" and was Penn's personal copy.

This is the first time the Charter has left Harrisburg since 1960 and it will be on display for one week only. It is also the document's first time on display at Pennsbury Manor. It will be on public exhibit through March 16.

Pennsbury Manor is a reconstruction of William Penn's country estate overlooking the Delaware River. The reconstruction, based upon archeological investigations, written documents and research of the period, was opened to the public in 1939.

"We are excited to offer something special to our Charter Day activities here at Pennsbury Manor," says Douglas A. Miller, historic site administrator.  "Nearly 90 years ago local citizens began a movement to acquire the land and then rebuild William Penn's home. This year we celebrate not just 75 years of preservation and service but we also set a course forward for our next 75 years."

Spend the afternoon with "William Penn" and enjoy the sights and sounds of 17th-century life. Colonial craftspeople dressed in period clothing will demonstrate and discuss blacksmithing and joinery.

A variety of 17th-century foods will also be offered. Cooks will explain the process of open hearth cooking.

Visitors can take a tour of the Manor House with costumed interpreters and see a reenactment of the "Voyage of the Welcome." This journey in 1682 saw William Penn and other prospective colonists sail to Pennsylvania aboard a ship named the "Welcome."

During the Charter Day event, Pennsbury Manor will hold a food drive to benefit the Bucks County Housing Group's Penndel Food Pantry. The following types of food needed: pasta, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit and vegetables, soups and stews, canned tuna and meats, snacks for kids, juice and powdered drink mix, cereals and pancake mix.

For additional information about Pennsbury Manor visit www.pennsburymanor.org or call 215-946-0400.

Pennsbury Manor is one of 25 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History^®.

Media Contact: Howard Pollman, PHMC: 717-705-8639 
Tabitha Dardes, Pennsbury Manor: 215-946-0400

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission