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Berks History exhibit pops up in downtown Reading

by Berks History Center

Aug 26, 2019

READING, PA – An exhibit of just a few of the items that were manufactured in Berks County is on display in downtown Reading to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Berks History Center.

The exhibit – including items such as a vintage Luden’s cough drop box and a bottle of Birdsboro-brand ginger ale – is available for viewing at Berks County Community Foundation, 237 Court St., on non-holiday weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This limited “pop-up” exhibit is just a taste of the historic offerings that are available just one mile north at the Berks History Center Museum & Research Library, 940 Centre Ave.

“Berks County has been a leader in industry and manufacturing for more than two centuries. This display features just a small sampling of the many products produced in Berks County,” says BHC Curator, Bradley K. Smith. “Local companies built bicycles and locomotives, fashioned stockings and hard-ware, brewed beer and baked pretzels. Our products commanded global markets, and Berks County became an important transportation hub for shipping these goods abroad.”

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the History Center and the 25th anniversary of the Community Foundation.

The Berks History Center is a nonprofit educational organization that serves to engage and excite our community by interpreting its unique past to understand the present and inspire the future.

Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing and distributing charitable funds aimed at improving the quality of life in Berks County.

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