In our East room, visit the diorama on the life of William Penn, watch videos, and enjoy the exhibits. In our West room, please take a seat on our 18th century benches and share in conversation and interpretation with our team of Friendly guides on William Penn's life, his faith, the "Holy Experiment", and life in colonial Philadelphia. This daring Holy Experiment was dedicated to religious liberty, equality, and peace. Pennsylvania was the most diverse, enlightened, and socially conscious place in colonial America — the "Athens of the New World". Jefferson called William Penn "The greatest lawgiver this civilization has produced." Franklin could have only realized his remarkable achievements in William Penn's City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love.

One of the largest collections of objects owned and used by William Penn is on display at the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia including a great oak chest from the Pennsbury estate, cane chair, family cradle, silk sash and toiletry set. The portrait of a young Penn in armor, before his conversion to the Quaker faith and pacifism, along with other family portraits are on exhibit. Objects from Penn’s public life, including the famed wampum belt that he received from the Lenape people at the Treaty of Shackamaxon (1683) and the Philadelphia City Charter (1701) from the City Records Department are part of the exhibition How Philly Works: Streets as Barometers of Urban Life. A family gallery guide and printed information about Penn’s life and his vision for Philadelphia are available for visitors.
Brief History of William Penn for more pictures.

The recreated country home of William Penn in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, provides a peaceful contrast to the hurry of modern American life. The construction of the original manor was an expression of Penn's belief that life in the country was more wholesome than in the worldly atmosphere of crowded cities. Pennsbury Manor is permeated with the spirit of this kindly, devout humanitarian, and it gives the visitor a sense of the unhurried grace and charm of those years when Pennsylvania was William Penn's "Holy Experiment."