Morning, Lancaster!

On March 8, 1681, King Charles II granted William Penn a charter - and just like that, Pennsylvania was born!

Fast forward 345 years, and we’re still here. Still building, creating, and telling stories.

Now we all get to enjoy the Lancaster County we all know and love.

This year, Charter Day 2026 (Saturday, March 8) is being celebrated across the Commonwealth and Lancaster County is right at the heart of it.

From 12–4 PM, you can enjoy FREE admission at three of our region’s most iconic state-run historic sites. 

If you love history, trains, living traditions, music, or just a meaningful way to spend a Saturday afternoon with your family - this is one of the best free events of the season.

Here’s what I think is worth your time today. 

I pulled together the full story of charter day - from William Penn’s charter and early ideals to the founding of Lancaster County, the people who lived here first, and the chapters that shaped who we are today.

In this article, I trace the fascinating history of William Penn and the charter that created the commonwealth we all love.

Read the full deep dive: The Charter That Built a Commonwealth - The History of Pennsylvania and Lancaster County

If you’ve never stepped inside the Historic Ephrata Cloister, this Sunday is a perfect excuse.

As part of Pennsylvania’s Charter Day celebration, the Cloister will offer FREE admission from 12-4 PM - and it’s shaping up to be one of the most immersive experiences in Lancaster County.

Tucked just off Main Street in Ephrata, the Cloister feels like stepping into another century. 

Founded in the early 1700s by a small German religious community, it remains one of the most distinctive and architecturally unique historic sites in the state.

One of the highlights of the afternoon will be multiple performances by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus inside the 1741 Meetinghouse.

Performances are scheduled for 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.

Seating is limited and wristbands are required, so arriving early is a good idea.

The acoustics inside the Meetinghouse are something special. When the chorus begins to sing, the sound fills the timber-framed space in a way that feels both intimate and powerful. 

It’s an experience that connects you directly to the Cloister’s musical roots.

Click here to learn more about the Ephrata Cloister and their charter day festivities. 

If you’re planning to make a day of Charter Day this Sunday, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is one of the most hands-on stops in the county.

From 12–4 PM, admission is completely free - and the village will be alive with demonstrations and activities throughout the afternoon.

You’ll get to fully experience historic buildings and watch them come to life. 

Throughout the day, visitors can watch traditional trades in action.

They’ll get to see Blacksmithing at the forge …

Weaving and spinning demonstrations…

Tinsmithing, and much more. 

Landis Valley is especially great for families. Kids can take part in scavenger hunts and interactive activities while costumed interpreters bring the village to life, answering questions and sharing stories about everyday life in early Lancaster County.

Click here to learn more about the museum and their charter day activities. 

Don’t forget to include the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg on your Charter Day Checklist - especially if you've ever been fascinated by the power and scale of trains.

Admission is completely free from 12–4 PM.

The museum houses more than 100 historic locomotives and railcars from the era when Pennsylvania was the railroad capital of America. Massive steam engines, polished passenger cars, heavy freight equipment - all preserved under one roof.

As a regular visitor to the Railroad Museum (and the Strasburg Railroad next door), I can tell you: it's like stepping back in time. Some cars and engines are open to walk through, and once you're standing inside a century-old railcar, the history stops being abstract.

Visitors can explore the historic rail yard, read the stories behind each engine, and see how rail transportation shaped not just Pennsylvania - but the entire country.

For families, Stewart Junction offers hands-on, interactive displays that let kids engage with railroading without it feeling like a classroom.

And one of the most mesmerizing features? The HO-scale model train layout, running in motion throughout the afternoon. It's detailed, dynamic, and surprisingly easy to lose yourself watching.

If you’re already in a history mindset, there are a few other local spots worth adding to your list even if they’re not officially part of Charter Day.

The 1794 home of General Edward Hand sits on 33 scenic acres just outside Lancaster City. Tours explore Revolutionary-era life and Lancaster’s role in early American history.

If you’d rather stretch your legs, the Conestoga Trail winds through farmland, wooded hills, and historic countryside across the county. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic overlooks, covered bridges, and stretches of landscape that haven’t changed all that much in centuries.

3 - Conewago Recreation Trail

For something a little flatter and family-friendly, the Conewago Recreation Trail follows a former rail corridor - a subtle nod to Lancaster County’s transportation heritage. It’s great for walking or biking and pairs nicely with a visit to the Railroad Museum earlier in the day.

None of these are Charter Day-specific events. 

But if you’re already thinking about the county’s past, they’re meaningful ways to experience it - outdoors, at your own pace, and woven into the landscape itself.

Talk soon,

Andrew