Posts in Local History

Celebrating The Women of Berks County

Mar. 10, 2022

We are honored to celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing some of the most influential women who called Berks County home. To usher in March for 2022, the Berks History Center will host the Second Saturday Program - First Females in Berks County: Past and Present documentary. The event is…

Explore Public Arts & the Local Mural Trail

Feb. 10, 2022

As the winter rages on across Pennsylvania’s Americana region, you can still find inspiring and passionately-made artwork that’s accessible to the public and perfect for the whole family to explore outdoors. Add some color to your day by spotting all of the delightful bear statues found throughout…

Are We There Yet? Planning the Perfect Berks County Road Trip This Summer

May 28, 2021

After over a year of being stuck indoors, who can blame you for feeling the itch to get away this summer? Even if you’re not up for a European excursion or an expensive Caribbean getaway, there is still one tried and true method of having a little fun in the sun: the classic American Road Trip…

Happy Birthday John Updike! Famed Berks County Author Would’ve Turned Eighty-Nine This Month

Mar. 16, 2021

When one thinks of the local Berks County, PA area, key concepts, like “small town,” “Americana,” and “middle-class” often spring to mind. Today, the Berks County area is known for heritage, quaintness, and simplicity. While those ideas are indeed fitting, it’s authors like John Updike, who grew up…

The Origins of Oktoberfest

By Lisa Haggerty on Sep. 23, 2020

Oktoberfests take place worldwide every year. One of the largest celebrations of its kind takes place on the east coast in our own backyard of Reading, PA. The Reading Liederkranz’s holds the oldest and most authentic Oktoberfest in all of Pennsylvania, and offers five continuous days of authentic…

The History of Everyone’s Favorite Cough Drop — Luden’s!

By Aubree Rader on Apr. 08, 2020

Cold and flu season is upon us and for relief from sore throats and painful coughs, many turn to Luden’s cough drops. For as long as we can remember, Luden’s has been a staple in many medicine cabinets and the trusted remedy parents turn to when comforting their children. But where did this…

Celebrate One Hundred Years of Women Voting in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region

By Lisa Haggerty on Mar. 03, 2020

It’s an exciting year for women everywhere because 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment – the amendment that gave American women the right to vote. To honor this momentous occasion, organizations across Pennsylvania’s Americana Region have joined forces to develop events around…

Things to Do in October in Pennsylvania's Americana Region

By Lisa Haggerty on Sep. 27, 2019

Top things to do this October in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region From tried and true annual events to exhibits and entertainment that happen to be in town, October in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region offers non-stop fun. The month begins with one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the country…

Enjoy Pretzel Day in PA's Americana Region

By Lisa Haggerty on Apr. 26, 2019

April 26th is National Pretzel Day and Pennsylvania’s Americana Region is celebrating. After all, pretzel baking began not too far from our region and the industry grew significantly in Berks County. Today, we are home to several pretzel bakers, including famous Tom Sturgis Pretzels Inc.. Did you…

What's Brewing in Pennsylvania's Americana Region

By Lisa Haggerty on Jan. 16, 2019

There are many fine craft breweries scattered throughout Pennsylvania’s Americana Region in the 21 st century. But, beer has been brewing in Reading and Berks County for a long time. Since, in fact, more than a dozen years before the United States declared independence. Historians pinpoint 1763 as…

Category: Local History