*This program will be held at the Pennsylvania Military Museum, 51 Boal Avenue, Boalsburg, PA,16827 A protest of the taxation of distilled spirts, with the goal of raising revenue to pay down the war-debt from the Revolutionary War, resulted in the calling-up of troops to suppress a violent uprising. Join historian Mr. Bradley Smith, Archivist […]

Kannscht du Deitsch schwetze? Bradley Smith, Archivist at the Berks History Center, will present an eight-week course that introduces participants to the language and culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch.   This beginner course will provide participants with instruction related to pronunciation, vocabulary, and common phrases, and lead discussions related to Pennsylvania Dutch culture and history. […]

Discover Hidden Barn Treasures in Historic Oley Valley! During this enriching program, Greg Huber (the Sherlock Holmes of Pennsylvania barns), will share his wealth of knowledge about various Oley Valley barns, their construction, builders, and mysterious etchings. Part VII includes barns that have not been featured on previous tours. Similar to our Spring 2022 tour, no […]

Explore the outdoors with BHC trustees Corrie Crupi-Zana and Rick Polityka, along with BHC member and guide, Paul Schuman, as they lead participants on a moderate three-mile hike ascending Mt. Penn and share their historical expertise of the mountain and the well-known Reading landmark of Kuechler's Roost. The William Penn Fire Tower will be open […]

Berks History Center, in collaboration with the Berks Photographic Society (BPS), are pleased to present a second phase opening and display to the original exhibit, A Snapshot in Time: The Photography Collection of Dr. William A. Haman. The original exhibit, which opened in April 2022, celebrates the photographic mastery of Reading’s Dr. William A. Haman (1861-1942) through […]

Berks History Center invites you, your family, and friends to participate in our Fall 2022 Road Ramble on Saturday, October 22nd! Previous Road Rambles have attracted more than 100 participants. Come join the fun for this full-day multi-generational adventure. The Road Ramble is a self-guided driving tour which allows the Berks History Center to return […]

Bradley Smith, Archivist at the Berks History Center, will present a virtual eight-week course that introduces participants to the language and culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch.   This beginner course will provide participants with instruction related to pronunciation, vocabulary, and common phrases, and include discussions related to Pennsylvania Dutch culture and history. We are looking forward […]

On December 12, 1922, fourteen individuals of musical background petitioned the Berks County Court of Common Pleas for the incorporation of a new town band. Two months later, on February 5, 1923, the Wyomissing Band, Inc. of Wyomissing, PA was founded. For the past 100 years, the band has provided an outlet for musicians to […]

Join BHC Education Curator, Vicky Heffner, to chat about the history of fastnachts and the steps she follows to prepare this unique culinary treat using her great-grandmother's recipe. Participants can visit the BHC anytime between 10 AM and 1 PM to taste fastnachts, enjoy coffee or tea, learn, and relax. Each participant will also receive a […]