Celebrate Pennsylvania’s 343rd birthday at Trails of History sites and museums
HARRISBURG ― The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) will celebrate the Commonwealth’s 343rd birthday March 10 with free admission to many of the historic sites and museums along the Pennsylvania Trails of History and an exhibit of William Penn’s 1681 Charter at the Pennsylvania State Archives.
Participating historic sites and museums include Somerset Historical Center, 4 miles north of Somerset, at 10649 Somerset Pike, 814-445-6077. The center is a 150-acre rural history museum with exhibits, workshops, and educational programs. The center is dedicated to preserving the history of life in southwestern Pennsylvania from the region's first farmers to the present day.
"With it being Taste and Tour (Somerset County Maple Producers), that is what we focus upon. Both are free," said Mark Ware, executive director.
Pennsylvania was created when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn in March 1681. The 343-year-old charter, often referred to as Pennsylvania’s birth certificate, is written on parchment using iron gall ink. The Pennsylvania State Archives preserves the document in a high-security vault, shielding it from strong light and environmental fluctuations.
The 1681 Charter will be on display from 12-4 p.m. March 10 at the new Pennsylvania State Archives facility, 1681 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg.
The Pennsylvania Trails of History comprises museums and historic sites administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, organized along four theme-based “trails” crossing the commonwealth: Military History, Industrial Heritage, Historic Homes, and Rural Farm & Village. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset Historical Center included in birthday celebration
