Yale University
Avalon Project: Charter for the Province of Pennsylvania 1681
The complete text of the original land grant given to William Penn to settle Pennsylvania.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Utopian Promise: William Penn
Quaker and son of the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn's utopian dreams for America were compiled into a large collection highlighting his views of American ideals of politics. Click on "William Penn Activities" for related resources.
Other
Religious Society of Friends: Willliam Penn: First Great Champion for Liberty
Abridged biography of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania responsible for establishing the notion of freedom of conscience in America.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Pennsylvania Colony: The Holy Experiment [Pdf]
In this lesson, 5th graders learn about the people who founded the Pennsylvania colony and the role that religion played in shaping it. Includes background information for the teacher. Students explore primary resource readings on the...
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: American Indians and English Settlers in Colonial America
In this instructional activity, 5th graders examine the relations between Indians and the settlers in the 1600s and 1700s. Background information for teachers is included. Students will work in groups to look at three different colonies...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: William Penn
The Library of Congress presents this brief biography of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. Provides photographs of his home and church, as well as a portrait of this famous Quaker.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Frame of Government of Pennsylvania May 5, 1682
Read the actual text of William Penn's "Frame of Government" establishing the basis for self-governing in the colony of Pennsylvania. Outlines the responsibilities and civic duties of government officials and citizens.
Digital History
Digital History: The Middle Colonies: William Penn's Holy Commonwealth
The Quakers were persecuted in England and in many English colonies. Read about William Penn's establishment of the colony of Pennsylvania where Quakers and others could live with religious liberty.
Other
State Museum of Pennsylvania: The William Penn Treaty Collection
An online exhibit featuring a collection of historical articles and pictorial images from the founding of Pennsylvania.
Other
Pennsylvania General Assembly: The Quaker Province: 1681 1776
This resource presents an essay that describes the founding of Pennsylvania as a refuge for Quakers.
Other
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission: William Penn
This resource presents a biographical essay about William Penn that highlights his role in the establishment of Pennsylvania.
Other
Pennsbury Manor: William Penn
This resource includes a biography of William Penn, as well as links to other information regarding his life and the founding of Pennsylvania.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Middle Colonies: Quakers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
A good look at the philosophy of the Quakers who colonized William Penn's religious refuge in the colony of Pennsylvania. Read about Penn's liberal views about government, religious freedom, and relations with Native Americans.
Other
Introduction to Historical Maps of Pennsylvania
This site discusses the beginnings of Pennsylvania and mentions the selling of West part of the colony by Lord John Berkeley.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Middle Colonies: City of Brotherly Love Philadelphia
Philadelphia was the colony of Pennsylvania forsome time. Read about what William Penn's vision was for the city and why the city became so important.