Historical Society of Berks County PA

The Henry Janssen Library is the center for genealogical and historical research at the Historical Society of Berks County. The Henry Janssen Library is acknowledged to be one of the best and most thoroughly indexed collections of county data in Pennsylvania.

Historical Research Service

Genealogical Research Service

Library - Museum Hours - Tuesday through Saturday - 9AM to 4PM

Library Admission for non-members

There is a $5.00 per day charge for non-members for library use.

Conditions of use (pdf)

Children under 12 are not permitted in the library.
Free, off street parking, is available.
Become a Member! For more information call 610-375-4375

The Henry Janssen Library contains a wealth of information dating back to the early 1700s. HSBC’s archival holdings have grown extensively since the founding of the Society in 1869 and include both personal and family papers as well as the records of churches, cemeteries and local businesses. Our collections are growing daily. Some items especially worth noting are:

County tax records from 1754 to 1850
Census reports from 1790 to 1920
Over 17,000 photographs
Newspapers from 1796 to the 1940s (including the run of the Reading Eagle from 1869 to 1988).
Church and Cemetery Records from 1730 to present
Numerous histories on local Berks County families

Please Note: While some of our collections might contain the items listed below, Researchers are encouraged to contact the Berks County Court House or the Pennsylvania Department of Health for the following:
Birth Certificates Marriage Certificates Death Certificates	Wills Deeds

Historical Society of Berks County
940 Centre Avenue
Reading, Pennsylvania 19601
Phone 610 375-4375 Fax 610 375-4376

To make a comment contact history@berkshistory.org

Contact our library at library@berkshistory.org

To arrange a tour of the society contact education@berkshistory.org