Don't forget Charter Day on Sunday the 11th beginning at noon. This is your once a year chance for a free tour of Graeme Park (and other historic sites operated by the PHMC or their assigns) in honor of the March 4, 1681 granting of the Pennsylvania Charter by King Charles II to William Penn as the fulfillment of a debt of about 16,000 English pounds (2.1 million in today's money) owed to Penn's father.
Founded as a “Holy Experiment” Pennsylvania (named by King Charles for Penn’s father) was to be a place where Quakers could practice their religion without fear of the persecution they received in England. To attract settlers in large numbers, Penn wrote a glowing prospectus, promising religious freedom as well as material advantages, which he marketed throughout Europe in various languages. Within six months he had parceled out 300,000 acres to over 250 prospective settlers, mostly rich London Quakers. Eventually he attracted other persecuted minorities including Huguenots, Mennonites, Amish, Catholics, Lutherans, and Jews from England, France, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, and Wales.
On Charter Day you'll be able to take a free, self-guided tour of the Keith House at Graeme Park with volunteers in each room to answer questions and tell you a bit of history about the people and the architecture as well as the benefits of becoming a member of the Friends of Graeme Park and the many special programs we offer throughout the year. We'll be here from 12 noon - 4 pm, but be sure to arrive by 3 or 3:30 so that you have time to go through the house. More detailed tours of the house are offered year round on Fridays - Saturdays from 10-3 and Sundays from 12-3 for a nominal cost.
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