William Penn and His Legacy


“Born into the Church of England, William Penn became a convinced member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). As a dissenter, Penn was sensitive to individual leadings in religious matters. When he founded the colony of Pennsylvania in 1682, Penn welcomed practitioners of all faiths. In 1701, Penn issued his Charter of Privileges which specified religious freedom within the colony. Penn's charter contemplates a monotheistic, Christian society in which only Christians were permitted to hold public office.” (National Park Service)

Download William Penn PDF

Resources


Primary Sources

Penn's Charter or Privileges
Penn's Frame of Government

Historic Arch Street Meetinghouse

Arch Street Meetinghouse

Return to Resource Library Home Page