Pennsylvania’s Americana Region attracts visitors from all over the country every year to explore our beautiful outdoor spaces, one-of-a-kind museums, and world famous festivals and celebrations. However, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic resulting in stay-in-shelter orders, travel to our region looks a little different for the time being.
However, you can still safely “travel” to our area and participate in some popular virtual attractions from the comfort of your own home. We look forward to the day when we can welcome you back to experience the beauty of Berks County in person!
Reading Public Museum
The Reading Public Museum is known for its family-friendly hands-on exhibits that make learning fun! Since it was first established in 1907 by Dr. Levi W. Mengel, a teacher at Boys' High School in the Reading School District, it has grown from a small personal collection Mengel used to instruct his students to now a public museum that boasts a world-class collection of more than 300,000 objects.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about timeless artwork pieces or their collection of fascinating arms and armor, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Browse their online Exhibitions & Collections and plan for your visit when they reopen!
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Birdwatching and hiking in Berks County are popular spring and summer activities, but since Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has closed their doors and all trails to slow the spread of COVID-19, exploring the outdoors will have to be put on pause for a little while longer.
However, you can still learn about a wide array of topics with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s Stay at Home Speaker Series. Whether you’re an ameatur birdwatcher or a professional, there’s a program for everyone. Attend a virtual presentation on migration patterns, trapping and tracking, about a specific bird, plus much more. The programs are targeted for students of all ages and bird lovers alike! You can even get a birds eye view from a nest with their live webcams, coming soon!
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
From the first balloon flight, to the space age, aviation has come a long way over the years and the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum celebrates that history. Since the museum has closed for the foreseeable future, and their 30th annual World War II Weekend has been postponed, you may not be able to visit their collection of award-winning warbirds, classic airliners, and rare and unusual military and civilian aircrafts.
However, you can still tour their museum and aviation collection from home with the virtual tour on their website. The virtual tour will walk you through the building starting at the museum ramp and heading to MAAM Main Hangar and Aircraft Collections. Set flight on a journey of learning!
Berks History at Home
Dive into the history of Berks County while you’re at home with the Berks History Center’s History at Home series. The center may be currently closed due to COVID-19, but they have uploaded entertaining and informative videos, articles, and children activities for you to explore with your family.
Learn about women’s history or dive into PA Germans & Traditions brought to our area, plus many more topics. Berks County is full of rich history and fascinating stories — hear them for yourself today.
Goggleworks
Have you been working on a new hobby while you’ve been spending more time at home? Test your creative sides with free virtual art tutorials from GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Learn how to draw your favorite animal by following the simple steps laid out by After-School Arts Program teacher, Lily Cernak.
Follow along their social media pages for access to more video tutorials and crafty activities that will help you cure the boredom you may be facing at home and pick up a new hobby.
Plan Your In-Person Visit
Pennsylvania’s American Region has so much to offer and that hasn’t stopped due to travel restrictions amid COVID-19. Get into the spirit of travel and explore all there is to do in Berks County while staying safe at home. Now is the perfect time to make a list of every attraction you want to see and plan your future visit. We look forward to welcoming you back to our area soon!