To collect, preserve, and foster an appreciation for the historically important physical culture of our county, and, further, it is to promote in present-day citizens of all ages an interest and knowledge of past events, people and cultural heritage in order to instill a sense of pride in local history which may act as a foundation for future successes.

Description:
The purposes for which this corporation is formed are to promote the discovery, collection, preservation and publication of the history, historical records and data relating to the City of Reading and County of Berks: the collection and preservation of books, newspapers, maps, genealogies, portraits, paintings, relics, engravings, manuscripts, letters, journals and any or all materials which may establish or illustrate such history, the growth and progress of population, wealth, education, agriculture, arts, manufactures and commerce of said city and county.

History:
The Historical Society of Berks County was incorporated in 1869. It first established a library, sponsored programs and published research papers. In 1898 they were granted a room in the courthouse by the Commissioners and in 1904 purchased their own building. The County Commissioners recognized the Society as the official county society and this recognition continues to this day. The present headquarters were built in 1928. Through the years it has offered a variety of school programs and public services, exhibitions and publications. During the last decade a hands-on history room and student historian clubs have been established to involve the children.The publication program has included the quarterly "Historical Review of Berks County" since 1936, "The Passing Scene", now in its 12th volume, and many books and catalogues related to special exhibits and local history.The library has developed its own computer finding system which now has two million names listed from the many records. The monthly television program is the most popular program on BCTV and is repeated each month at least three times. Changing exhibits are presented each year along with three floors of permanent exhibits. A new facility, the Hendel Mansion, was acquired in 2000 for small group meetings but primarily for storage on three floors. The library/archives wing was built in 1988. Membership in the Society numbers 3,000 members.

Contact people:

Sime Bertolet, Director, (610) 375-4375 George Meiser, President, (610) 779-6170, (email) Barbara Brophy, Director Of The Library And Archives, (610) 375-4375, (email)

Office fax number: (610) 375-4376

Address:

940 Centre Ave. Reading, PA 19601 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.berkshistory.org

Directions:

Route 61 becomes Centre Ave. when it enters the city of Reading.   Nearest Bus Stop: directly in front of the building, 1 minute walk