Berks County Museum Council
The member organizations of the Berks County Museum Council invite you to explore an incredibly wide range of historical sites and sources. You’ll find technology, art, and the unique history of the people and places of this diverse area, all in the beautiful and historic setting of Berks County Pennsylvania.
Historical
Berks County is rich in local, national and world history… Come and explore the incredible artifacts and works of art from the last three centuries on exhibit at the Reading Public Museum… Trace your family’s history at the Berks County Genealogical Society… Visit an early American iron plantation at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.
Albany Township Historical Society
The mission of the Albany Township Historical Society is to honor, collect, preserve and interpret the rich cultural heritage of the Township. Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7:30 PM. at the Albany Township Elementary School in Kempton.
PO Box 95 Kempton, PA 19529. 610-562-0123 or 610-756-6144 www.albanyths.org
Amity Heritage Society
The Amity Heritage Society provides several services including genealogical research, photographic reproductions, and research of historical homes and structures in the area that they serve. Bi-monthly are held on the third Sunday of the month at 1 PM. Open every Thursday from 7-9PM with library and history meeting every Thursday.
PO Box 151 Earlville, PA 19519. 610-582-2080. http://www.amityheritagesociety.com/
Andulhea Heritage Society
Quarterly meetings are held at the Altalaha Church at 6:30 PM. Library open by appointment.
PO Box 176 Rehresburg, PA 19550. 717-933-5792. Email: andulhea@hotmail.com
The Berks County Genealogical Society
The Berks County Genealogical Society collects and disseminates data to professional and amateur genealogists and family historians. The collection contains over 10,000 books, films, civil, church and military records. The library is open Monday - Friday 11AM - 4PM, Saturday Saturday 1PM-5PM and Sunday Noon-4PM. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Fourth Floor-Room 413, 201 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601. 610-921-4970. http://www.berksgenes.org
Eastern Veterinary Historical Society
The mission of the Eastern Veterinary historical society is to showcase the rich heritage of veterinary medicine and to promote public awareness of the profession by procuring, preserving, and providing artifacts and oral histories for research and exhibition.
1003 Main Street, Route 724 Birdsboro, PA 19508. 610-489-1229 http://www.evhs.org/
Central Pennsylvania African American Museum
The mission of the museum is to establish, preserve and maintain a collection of objects, artifacts, arts, papers, books, photographs, etc. that document and describe the history and culture of African Americans in the new World, with an emphasis on our local and regional (Reading, Berks and surrounding counties) African American history and culture, and to create an appropriate environment for exhibition of the collection, to foster understanding of the history and culture of Africans in the New World, and to encourage education and research. The mission of the museum also includes the preservation of the Underground Railroad located on the lower level of the Old Bethel A.M.E. Church in Reading, Pennsylvania. Monthly meetings held on the third Tuesday of every month at 6PM. 119 North 19th Street, Reading, PA 19601. http://www.cpafricanamericanmuseum.org/
Fleetwood Area Historical Society
Exhibits of local interest including Fleetwood Metal Body Co. Meetings held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7PM. Monday and Friday 9-12, 2nd Sunday of each month 1-4. 110 West Arch Street, Suite 212, Fleetwood, PA 19522. 610-944-9983. http://www.fleetwoodpa.org/
Heidelberg Heritage Society
Local history is preserved in a 1797 tavern containing a museum and research library. For free tour, special event or membership information call 610-678-6202. 182 West Penn Ave., Wernersville, PA 19565.
The Historical Society of Berks County
The three floors of exhibit galleries at the Historical Society of Berks County feature Pennsylvania German collections, fine arts, transportation, toys, decorative arts and artifacts related to all aspects of County history. A hands-on history room is open to children. Two galleries feature changing exhibitions. The Museum and library are open Tues.-Sat. 9-4. Admission. 940 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19601. 610-375-4375. http://www.berkshistory.org/
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserves an industry and lifestyle now nearly forgotten. It is one of the finest examples of an early American “iron plantation”, the forerunner of today’s iron and steel industries. Open Daily (Call for holiday closings) 9-5. Seasonal living history and special events. 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520. 610-582-8773. www.nps.gov/hofu.
Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center
Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center is located in Kutztown. It consists of a 42 acre farm with several buildings which show the life of the Pennsylvania Germans in the 18th and 19th centuries. 610-683-1330. www.kutztown.edu/community/pgchc
The Reading Public Museum
The Reading Public Museum, established in 1904, is home to one of the greatest collections of art and science of any regional museum. Artifacts from around the globe are included in its comprehensive collections. Works of art from the last three centuries are on constant exhibit. The newly installed natural Science gallery highlights rare insects, minerals, animals as well as state-of-the-art technology. Planetarium shows run every Sunday. Open Tues.-Sat. 11-5, Wed 11-8, Sun. 12-5 Admission. 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611. 610-371-5850 www.readingpublicmuseum.org
The Sinking Spring Historical Society
The Sinking Spring Historical Society maintains Heritage park, located in Sinking Spring adjoining the community grounds. It consists of the P&R Railroad Sinking Spring 1872 passenger station ad 1858 freight house, moved from their original location. The station museum contains materials and exhibits on local history and the history of the operating days of the buildings. Open by appointment. Contact Paul Miller 610-678-4219.
The Tri-County Heritage Society
The Tri-County Heritage Society seeks to preserve the legacy of early settlers in Southern Berks, Eastern Lancaster, and Northern Chester Counties. PO Box 534, Blue Ball, PA 17506. 610-286-7477.
Tulpehocken Settlement Historical Society
Tulpehocken Settlement Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of local History through its Museum and Library. Hours: Monday through Sunday 1-4PM except Wednesdays. Closed Saturdays November through April. 116 North Front Street, Womelsdorf, PA 19567. 610-589-2527. www.berksmuseums.org/tulpe/
Technical
Berks County is full of treasures such as the history of the Reading Company, the remarkable automobile, carriage and bicycle collections at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles and the historic aircraft at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum.
Bahr’s Mill Preservation Society
Bahr’s Mill Preservation SocietyThe National Register mill features operational belt-driven 1870’s woodworking machinery and houses the complete 4-story power train with lineshafts and wooden and metal gears. Open weekends in June, July, and August 11AM-4PM or by appointment. 84 Sawmill Road Boyertown, PA 19612. 610-369-7266. 610-369-7266 http://www.user1.netcarrier.com/~lwreber
The Berks County Heritage Center
heritage.gif (24603 bytes)The Berks County Heritage Center is an interpretive complex featuring the Gruber Wagon Works and C. Howard Hiester Canal Center. Located along the beautiful Tulpehocken Creek nature trail, the site also includes Wertz’s covered bridge, Deppen Cemetery, and Melcher’s Grist Mill. Buildings are open for guided tours May 1st through the last Sunday of October, Tues.-Sat. 10-4; Sun. 12-5, and are open summer holidays. 2201 Tulpehocken Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-374-8839
Heritage Center Website
The Boyertown Museum of Historical Vehicles
Museum of Historic VehiclesThe Boyertown Museum of Historical Vehicles has two remarkable vehicle collections: carriages, automobiles, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles built in the area and electric battery powered vehicles from around the world. Visitors learn about some of America’s earliest vehicle manufacturers, see custom bodied cars by Fleetwood, as well as some rare vehicles seen only here such as Duryea, Daniel’s and Middleby automobiles, which were built in Reading. The electric vehicles are examples which show both the early importance and recent progress of electric vehicle technology since their introduction a century ago. Open year round 9:30-4:00 except Mondays. Admission; groups welcome. Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, 85 South Walnut Street Boyertown, PA 19512. 610-367-2090. http://www.boyertownmuseum.org/
Friends of the Robesonia Furnace
Friends of the Robesonia Furnace gather, preserve and disseminate information about the history of the Robesonia Furnace and encourage preservation of the Fire Engine house, the Furnace ruins and Greens. Tours by appointment. PO Box 162, Robesonia, PA 19551. 610-693-6090.
The Mid Atlantic Air Museum
Mid Atlantic Air MuseumThe Mid Atlantic Air Museum tells the story of aviation by preserving restoring, and operating historic aircraft, including a World War II B-25 bomber. More than 25 are displayed, including rare “warbirds”, classic airliners like an Eastern Airlines Martin 4-0-4 “Silver Falcon”, and unique, one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft. Visitors may also look in on the museum restoration shop and view works in progress. Especially interesting is the rebuilding of a P-61 “Black Widow” night fighter, one of only four known to exist. Over twenty exhibits and displays help to explain the collection and Mid Atlantic aviation history. There is an aviation oriented gift shop and picnic facilities are also available. 11 Museum Drive, Reading Regional Airport, Reading, PA 19605. 610-372-7333. www.maam.org
Reading Company Technical & Historical Society
Reading Railroad historyThe Reading Company Technical & Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Reading Railroad and its predecessors. The Society has established a collection of railroad equipment, artifacts and a library containing documents, maps and photographs . . . anything once used or relating to the railroad. Restoration is carried out by volunteers. The collection is located in Leesport on Canal Street. For information on hours and tour reservations, call 610-376-5513. PO Box 15143, Reading, PA 19612-5143. www.readingrailroad.org
Preservation &Homesteads
The Daniel Boone Homestead, the Conrad Weiser Homestead, and the Leesport Lockhouse are constantly striving to preserve, restore and document our heritage in Berks County… In addition, groups like the Berks County Conservancy work to protect Berks County’s farmland and natural habitats.
Centre Park Historic District
One of Reading’s first suburbs, Center Parcs contains 840 properties of Victorian and early 20th Century architecture. Annual events include a Christmas House tour, Garden tour, Arts and Antiques Fair, which promote appreciation and preservation of the district. 705-707 North 5th Street, Reading, PA 19601. 610-375-7860. http://www.centrepark.org/
Conrad Weiser Homestead
Conrad Weiser served as diplomat, judge, community planner, soldier and Pennsylvania’s foremost Indian treaty maker. The 18th century Conrad Weiser Homestead contains his residence, springhouse and gravesite, set in a 26 acre park designed by the Olmstead brothers. Grounds and visitor center are free; a fee is charged for a guided tour. Open Wed.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. 28 Weiser Road, Womelsdorf, PA 19567. 610-589-2934. http://www.conradweiserhomestead.org/
Daniel Boone Homestead
Daniel Boone HomesteadThe site of the birth of the great American frontiersman in 1734, the Daniel Boone Homestead interprets the life of early English and German settlers in eastern Berks County. The site includes the Boone House, Blacksmith Shop, Barn, Bertolet log house, Sawmill, Visitor center, picnic area and trails. Open Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. Admission. 400 Daniel Boone Rd., Birdsboro, PA 19508. 610-582-4900. Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. www.danielboonehomestead.org
Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County
Historic Preservation TrustThe purpose of the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County is to save historic buildings threatened by destruction, whether it comes from decay, neglect, or, in some cases, progress. Today eight 18th century buildings are maintained including the Mouns Jones house, the oldest documented house in the county (1716), the 1760 White Horse Tavern, 1765 George Douglas House and 1780 Covered bridge keepers House, all in old Morlatton village, Douglassville; the John Deturck house of 1767 and Jacob Keim Homestead, and the 1783 David Hottenstein Hose near Kutztown. The buildings are open by appointment. PO Box 245, Douglassville PA 19518. 610-385-4762. Annual country fair held in September
The Leesport Lockhouse Foundation
The Leesport Lockhouse Foundation strives to preserve an important part of local canal history. The lock tender’s house, restored to the 1890-1910 time period, is a museum of the Schuylkill Canal and community of Leesport. The tours and information contact Beverly L. Miller. 610-926-5665.
Old Dry Road Farm
Old Dry Road FarmOld Dry Road Farm is a living history and educational center located on 200 acres of farmland, designed to give students the experience of living our cultural heritage. Its buildings include two original farmsteads - the early 19th century Essig farm and the 18th century Staudt - and the partially restored Brecht- Dundore- Hottenstein complex, and 18th century farm relocated here for preservation. Admission. Lessons are given that demonstrate various aspects of 18th and 19th century farm life in America. Tours and activities information may be obtained by writing to PO Box 163, Wernersville, PA 19565.