Historic & Cultural Attractions

History lives in Greater Reading                          

Tracing its roots to the colonial era, Berks County is rich in history. Reading was founded by Thomas and Richard Penn, sons of William Penn, who named it for their English hometown. You can discover the area's rich history at the Historical Society of Berks County.

There are 10 registered historic sites within our county awaiting your exploration, including the Daniel Boone Homestead, the Conrad Weiser Homestead, and Hopewell Furnace, an original iron-making village.

We have a monopoly on railroad history. People may know the name from the board game, but in its heyday, Reading Company, parent of the Reading Railroad, was a multifaceted industrial giant. The whole railroad story comes alive at the Reading Company Technical and Historical Society.

Reading Regional Airport is the site of the Mid Atlantic Air Museum, whose collection includes award-winning warbirds, classic airliners, rare and unusual military and civilian aircraft, and historic exhibits.

Another historical treasure in Berks County is the American Museum of Veterinary Medicine, which has accumulated an impressive collection of instruments, equipment, medicine, textbooks, and literature from over 150 years of veterinary history. Located in Birdsboro, the collection is of interest not only to veterinarians, students, and others in the medical profession, but to historians, the agricultural community, pet owners, and the general public.

Berks County is home to a multitude of various fairs and festivals, which offer good old-fashioned fun and cultural education at the same time. The Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival is nationally known and provides visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience a simpler way of life. Reading's RiverFest is held annually on the banks of the Schuylkill River. The festival celebrates community arts and culture and honors the history and future of our river.

The century-old Pagoda atop Mount Penn overlooks the City of Reading. Affording a spectacular view of the region, this exact design of a Japanese pagoda attracts locals and visitors to Reading each year.