From the Archives: View the College charter ahead of Founders’ Day

The original charter from the PA State Archives is now available in the Lafayette Digital Repository

On March 9, 1826, Lafayette College was officially founded and incorporated by Pennsylvania. The College charter was signed by then-Pennsylvania Gov. John Andrew Shulze. This occasion is now celebrated each year as Founders’ Day, and in 2026, the College will celebrate its Bicentennial. The original charter is held at the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg. This photo is a reproduction of the original charter in Harrisburg.