Pennsbury Manor’s exhibit, “William Penn: The Seed of a Nation,” was selected by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History awards committee to receive the 2011 Award of Merit. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards is the nation’s most prestigious competition for recognition of achievement in state and local history.
Upon receiving word from the AASLH, Mr. Douglas A. Miller, Historic Site Administrator at Pennsbury Manor stated, “I was thrilled. The exhibit is a tribute to the staff involved as well as our contractors. It does an excellent job of orienting people to William Penn and his contributions.”
“The Seed of a Nation” supplements the educational purposes of Pennsbury Manor and gives visitors a chance to learn more about William Penn’s life beyond what is covered in the Pennsbury tours, programs, and special events. “The Seed of a Nation” presents objects excavated from the foundations of William Penn’s original summer house and kitchen house during the archeological digs conducted at Pennsbury in the 1930s.
In addition to these artifacts, the exhibit includes a copy of the Charter of Pennsylvania, dioramas featuring life-sized models of early Pennsylvanians who lived and worked at Pennsbury Manor, and a number of fun and interesting activities, including a puzzle set that matches modern principles to the founding ideals set forth by William Penn. The exhibit explores the symbolic legacy William Penn has left behind, his face and name being used in art, politics, religion, business, and advertising as an iconic representation of trust and integrity.
Visitors themselves are given the chance to experiment with Penn’s iconic images in hypothetical marketing campaigns in the interactive activity “Spin Clinic.” Access to the exhibit is part of general admission to Pennsbury Manor: $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens (age 65+), $4 for children (3-17), and children three and under are free. The museum is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sundays from noon – 5:00pm. Free parking is also included with admission.
Information is available at 215-946-0400 or www.pennsburymanor.org. Individuals with disabilities who need special assistance should call in advance to discuss their needs.
