On Sunday, March 8th from Noon to 4:30 p.m., Old Economy Village will celebrate Pennsylvania’s Charter Day.   The celebration commemorates King Charles II’s grant of land to William Penn, in 1683, which became the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  In honor of this occasion, all of the sites on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Trail of History ®, including Old Economy Village, will be open free of charge.  

Old Economy Village is a National Historic Landmark site which preserves the history of the Harmony Society.  These German Separatists lived communally and became one of America’s most successful utopian societies in the nineteenth century.  Visitors on Charter Day may visit the six-acre site and its original buildings, including the Feast Hall and 1827 Natural History Museum; the houses occupied by the Rapp family, the founders of the Society; and the Store.  Rapp House tours will be given on the hour beginning at 1PM.   The blacksmith will be working throughout the afternoon in his shop.  

The Village’s new Visitor Center contains a permanent exhibit on the Harmony Society with many original artifacts.  An orientation film, which complements the exhibit, will be shown throughout the afternoon.   The Village’s new Museum Store, operated by the Friends of Old Economy Village, will be open on the 8th, offering a variety of books on historical subjects, along with historic toys, and other items of historical interest.  

For those not able to make the Charter Day celebration, Old Economy Village is open Tuesday through Saturday:  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sundays:  Noon – 5:00 p.m.  The site is closed Mondays and holidays except Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day (call for hours.)  Please allow 2 hours for a visit.  Admission will be charged after Charter Day.  People with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation should call (724) 266-4500 in advance of their visit to discuss their needs.  Pennsylvania TDD relay service is available at (800) 654-5984.  

Old Economy Village is one of 25 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History®, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us or phone toll free 1-866-PA TRAIL. For more information on Old Economy Village visit www.oldeconomyvillage.org.