Discover William Penn’s NJ Legacy at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – The founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, William Penn, was also an original proprietor of the territory that later became New Jersey. Learn about this extraordinary figure during public history advocate Erik L. Burro’s presentation “The Wisdom of William Penn” in the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 12.

The renowned historian will shed light on Penn’s life and legacy on both sides of the Delaware River, especially Penn’s Royal Charter and his involvement in the West Jersey Proprietorship. The Quaker proprietor was an early advocate of colonial unification and an inspiration for the framers of the U.S. Constitution.

For nearly 50 years, Erik Burro enacted historical interpretations of Penn for state and local elected officials, at historic commemorations, schools, colleges, corporate gatherings and conventions, in television productions, in European countries and aboard Cunard’s luxury liner Queen Elizabeth 2. Erik was showcased in Washington D.C.’s National Cathedral and was recognized by the National Platform Speakers Association.

Erik is the founder of Pennjerdel House, the Burlington, NJ public history advocacy for New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. This presentation marks Erik’s return to the branch, which hosted his programs and exhibits of New Jersey’s unique World War I sculptural monuments and the New Sweden Colony, South Jersey’s first permanent settlement. 

Please register at tinyurl.com/OclLbiPenn to attend this free program. For more information, visit or call the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, (609) 494-2480. See the full schedule of library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

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