READING, Pa. — The Ringgold Band played, and then the Berks County Liberty Bell rang 13 times.
It all happened on the same day the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly in Berks County 250 years ago.
“Two hundred fifty years ago today the Declaration of Independence was read just down the street at the Berks County Courthouse… and we’re here to celebrate that event,” said Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.
This time, the Declaration was read by descendants of Berks County Sheriff Henry Vanderslice, the man who first shared those historic words with the community.
The document was also read in Spanish and German, highlighting the many cultures that now call Berks County home.
“The news of independence didn’t spread through television, the internet or TikTok,” said Andre Castillo, Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator for America250PA. “It traveled by horseback… and in communities like Reading it began with the ringing of a bell.”
The ceremony wraps up Berks County’s America250 celebration before attention turns to Berks County’s 275th anniversary next year.
“Berks County was the first county in the entire country to adopt a resolution recognizing America 250 and establishing a committee, and the City of Reading was the first municipality in the entire country to adopt the resolution recognizing America 250,” Leinbach said.