Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to Present Lectures on William Penn's Legacy of Religious Tolerance

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- William Penn's forward-looking views on religious tolerance and spiritual diversity will be the focus of upcoming lectures in Philadelphia and Harrisburg sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

Some of Penn's views on religious tolerance, freedom from established religion, sacred space, and social justice were considered to be somewhat radical in the 17th century, and they were contested almost from the founding of Pennsylvania, which he called his "holy experiment." Not everyone agreed with Penn's vision, and his aspirations were not always realized. The lectures will center on the pivotal question, "Does the Holy Experiment Continue?"

The first program, "An Abundance of Sacred Places," is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Trinity Center for Urban Life, 2212 Spruce St., Philadelphia.

The second program, "Religious Pluralism and Tolerance," is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Camp Curtin United Methodist Church, 2221 N. 6th St., Harrisburg.

Both programs are free and open to the public. Reserve a seat by calling Cherie Garrett at 717-783-9933 or by emailing [email protected].

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) adopted "William Penn's Legacy: Religious and Spiritual Diversity" as its annual theme for 2011. This theme enables PHMC and its partners to examine the founder's ideals in an effort to appreciate their influence on many traditions that shape our thinking and values in the 21st century.

PHMC is the commonwealth's official history agency. More information is available at www.phmc.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Howard Pollman, +1-717-705-8639

SOURCE Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

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