Explore the wonders of late 17th-century aesthetics with a visit to a reconstruction of William Penn’s Country Estate: Pennsbury Manor. Discover the role of the manor throughout history while learning about the stories of colonists, servants, Native Americans, and enslaved people who lived on the land.
Take a walk inside and see what furniture and living quarters looked like in the late 17th century. Afterward, stroll through the stables to visit resident farm animals and enjoy a botanical array of gardens featuring heritage plants. Get hands-on by watching colonial craftspeople demonstrate their skills in cooking, blacksmithing, and other Victorian-style activities. Pennsbury Manor truly brings history to life!
School Programs and Activities
Pennsbury Manor offers a variety of school programs designed to educate and engage children on the history of the manor and the impacts of William Penn throughout American History. Here are some programs and activities that will maximize the learning experience.
• William Penn’s World: Pennsbury Manor strives to highlight early American lifestyles with William Penn’s World. Explore living opportunities, open-hearth cooking, gardening, blacksmithing, and other uniquely special live interaction stations.
• Pennsbury by the Day: A customizable program, Pennsbury by the Day allows groups to rotate between five distinct locations, including two stations in 17th-century medicine and Writing with Quill Pens.
• Open-Hearth Cooking demonstrations: Students can watch interpreters prepare food using traditional 17th-century cooking methods, learning how families and servants cooked daily meals before the use of modern kitchens and appliances.
• Pennsbury People: This educational station explores the lives of the enslaved people who lived and labored at Pennsbury Manor. Students gain a necessary understanding of the communities that shaped colonial Pennsylvania and learn about experiences often overlooked in historical records.
• Animal encounters: Pennsbury Manor’s working stable areas house a variety of animals that all contributed to daily life in the 17th century. Students can observe farm animals and discover their essential tasks on a colonial manor.
• Kitchen Garden: A key aspect of 17th-century life included cooking and preparing food. As such, gardens were incredibly valuable to the Penns. The kitchen garden station allows students to engage with the gardening practices that provided food, medicine, and household resources to the estate.
• School Tours: Gain a deeper educational experience with a guided school tour. Participate in two 20-minute experimental activities that can last up to four hours.
• Preschool Programs: Younger students can develop with Pennsbury Manor’s preschool programs. Children can touch and play with sensory activities tailored to meet group needs.
• Homeschool Groups: Homeschooled families are free to join in on the historical fun by joining in on “William Penn’s World.”
• Scouting Groups: Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts are all welcome to reserve experiences at the manor. Service and Eagle Scout projects are also available for students looking to engage as a scout.
Book an unforgettable historical experience with Pennsbury Manor! School programs are available by reservation Tuesday through Friday year-round. Prices vary by program for many school tours and living history experiences. Larger customized programs, such as Pennsbury by the Day, are available for groups of up to 100 students for a set program fee. Advance registration is required for all educational experiences.
