READING, Pa. – Music filled the Miller Center for the Arts in Reading Wednesday night as Berks County kicked off a celebration nearly three centuries in the making.
“It’s pretty exciting, considering our country is celebrating 250,” said Reading City Councilmember Chris Miller. “So we were here 25 years before the country of the United States was even established.”
The event marks the beginning of a yearlong celebration leading up to the 275th anniversary of Berks County on March 11, 2027.
Berks County was first created in 1752, mainly through the efforts of Conrad Weiser.
During the event, a reenactor portraying Weiser even appeared on stage, adding a playful moment to the celebration as he danced along with the festivities.
Historians also shared stories about how Berks County got its name and how the region has evolved over time.
“How Barks became Berks, how Barkshire became Berkshire, how Readinga became Reading,” said historian Charles J. Adams III.
Community leaders say the celebration is also about recognizing the diverse communities that helped shape Berks County.
“The diverse community has made the county what it is today, whether it’s Latino brothers and sisters, Irish, Italian — so many different ethnic communities came into Berks County to make it what it is,” said Mike Toledo of Centro Hispano.
Organizers say it is important for younger generations to understand the county’s history and their role in shaping its future.
“We need the next generation to understand who built Berks County into what it is today and what is their role as we pass the baton,” Toledo said.
Organizers say this kickoff is only the beginning, with many community events and celebrations planned throughout the year. Some of those events will also align with the America 250 celebrations happening this summe
r.