Charter Day 2026

Celebrate the start of spring at Brandywine Battlefield Park. This free event opens Brandywine Battlefield Park’s spring season and marks the anniversary of Pennsylvania’s founding. Guests can meet historical interpreters, explore the museum, watch a short film about the Battle of Brandywine, and join guided tours of the historic houses.

Reenactors, guides, and presentations explore early life in Pennsylvania.
Educational programs and activities for all ages.
And, of course, Birthday Cake is served!

This program is our first event of the season. This is by far our largest Living History Event of the Year. Also, this year we are using this day to start our celebration of 250 America. At 12 noon, we will be having a period Divine Service. There will be three French and Indian War units in attendance as well as two Revolutionary War American units.

At 1:30 pm there will be a brief discussion of each military unit’s history. There will also be a display by Ye Olde Colonial Angler of 1770, in the Visitors Center. Weather permitting there will be a demonstration of drills and firing by the 18th Century groups. Please come and check out our various books and Redware items and enjoy the day with us. Event ends at 4 pm with the troops getting their daily rum ration. We hope to see you there!

At Cornwall Iron Furnace, trained guides will be stationed throughout the historic buildings to
share stories of the Furnace’s operations, workers, and museum collections. Guests are encouraged
to dress warmly, as the buildings can be quite chilly this time of year.
FREE guided tours of the historic site from noon to 4:00 p.m

We are getting excited to kick off our 2026 season with you! Pennsylvania’s Birthday is our only FREE event of the year. As part of this living history event, visitors are invited to visit our apothecary display in the parlor of the Boone House. Hear from one of knowledgeable interpreters about the importance of the apothecary in the eighteenth century and view various period medical instruments and tools. The apothecary was the country doctor, pharmacist, dentist, and barber – just imagine! The apothecary display will also include a variety of surgeon’s tools. Plus, see some new items from our volunteer shown for the first time this year. We hope to see you on March 8th from 12-4pm.

Celebrate Pennsylvania's 345th "birthday" at Drake Well Museum and Park with FREE admission!! Visitors receive a birthday cupcake (while supplies last)!

Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to Eckley Miners’ Village on Sunday, March 8, as we observe Charter Day.

Check out the museum, take a guided tour of the village, and/or join us for two heritage talks – Traditional Folk Ballads and Stories of the Anthracite Coal Region, and Pieces of Your Past, a special presentation on memory and placemaking. More information coming soon.

Join the Friends of Graeme Park as we celebrate the founding of Pennsylvania with a free tour of the Keith House and FREE CUPCAKES (until we run out). This annual statewide event commemorates the granting of the Pennsylvania Charter to William Penn. Tours will be self-guided with a docent in each room to answer questions and tell you a bit of the history. The house opens at noon and last admission will be at 3 pm. Don’t forget we “spring forward” today too.

Open 1pm - 3pm
Enjoy self-guided tours of Hope Lodge and many of the historic sites and museums along the Pennsylvania Trails of History.

Free Entry: Complimentary admission to the museum grounds
Living History Demonstrations: Blacksmithing, weaving, cooking, tinsmithing, and more
Family-Friendly Activities: Scavenger hunts and interactive experiences for kids
Cultural Immersion: Explore historic buildings and engage with costumed interpreters
Historic Context: Charter Day coincides with statewide celebrations of Pennsylvania’s founding

12PM-4PM: Check-in is required at the Visitor Center before entering the museum grounds.

Join us in celebrating Pennsylvania’s birthday at the home of its founder, William Penn!

Take a tour of the Manor House, observe colonial craftspeople as they demonstrate the art of blacksmithing, woodworking and spinning, watch history come to life with a performance by our Living History Theater troupe, and visit with the animals. And, meet other local history organizations to learn more about their plans for America’s 250th.

This event is FREE to the public. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to a local food bank.

Celebrate King Charles II granting William Penn the charter to establish the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with Free Admission to the museum! Enjoy a craft activity in our Program Room. Apple fritter making demonstration & tasting in the museum’s Mess Hall from 11:30am until supplies are gone.

At 1pm join Museum Educator Jennifer Haines for Women “Man” Fire Towers talk to explore the lives and work of remarkable women who actively played roles in protecting Pennsylvania’s forests from fire.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania invites visitors to explore its premier collection of historic trains with free admission in observance of Charter Day on Sunday, March 8.

The Somerset Historical Center will be participating in the celebration with FREE Admission to the site, including the Pennsylvania Maple Museum and Maple Sugar Camp Pennsylvania's Birthday coincides this year with the Somerset County Maple Taste and Tour, where the Somerset Historical Center is just one of 25 stops in the area, and a visit by the Pennsylvania Hardwoods "WoodMobile".

The State Museum will offer free admission Sunday, March 8 from 12noon – 4:30pm. Guests will explore colonial life, learn about William Penn and the Charter, and visit hands-on stations throughout the Museum.

Limited-Timed Curiosity Connection tickets will be available, on a first come first serve basis for our guests with children 5 and younger.*