City Incorporated March 16, 1748, Celebrating 275 years in 2023
The City of Reading will celebrate its official ‘bicenterquasquigenary’ – or 275th anniversary – on March 16, 2023. Festivities kick off in March with events planned throughout the week and continuing over the course of the year. Delegations from Sister Cities Reading, England and Reutlingen, Germany will be invited to visit during the anniversary week, as well.
On Wednesday March 15th a fundraiser will be held at the Reading Public Museum with proceeds from ticket sales going toward block parties taking place summer 2023. This gala will be a unique opportunity to visit the museum at night, see pieces from the permanent collection displayed specially for this event, and meet dignitaries from Sister Cities.
On Thursday March 16 there will be a ceremony at City Hall which will be live streamed for the public and Community Birthday Parties in the afternoon held at locations across the city.
Other plans for the year include an Anniversary Parade on May 27th, Block Parties, History Lectures, a Commemorative Book and Public Art including a temporary mural of pieces made by Reading residents. More announcements will be forthcoming.
In addition to city organized events, community groups and organizations across the city will be participating in the festivities as well including:
Fightin’ Phils
BCTV
The Ringgold Band
Conrad Weiser Homestead
Berks Community Murals
Reading Public Museum
Albright College
TLC Fore
Goggleworks
Reading School District
Rotary Club
Reading Royals
Doubletree
Muhlenberg Greene Architects
Literary Council
Genesius Theatre
Berks History Center
Reading Public Library
Widoktadwen Center for Public Knowledge
Berks County’s Etchberger Veteran Center
Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center
Reading was officially incorporated as a municipality on March 16, 1748. Thomas and Richard Penn, the sons of William Penn, mapped out the first city streets (now the downtown). Reading’s geographical growth continued through the early 20th Century. The city, established as an industrial powerhouse in the mid-19th Century, was home to the Reading Railroad, once the largest corporation in the world, and remains home to Carpenter Technology Corp., a Fortune 500 company. The century-old Pagoda on Mt. Penn serves as the area’s landmark. The city has been home to a number of literary and cultural figures, as well as two minor leagues sports franchises and the 109-year-old Reading Symphony Orchestra. With a population of 95,112 (Census of 2020), Reading is now the Commonwealth’s fourth largest city and is a shining example of the nation’s melting pot, with more than 45 nationalities represented.
Throughout 2023, in observation of Reading’s 275th anniversary, we will be celebrating its amazing history and its wonderful diversity. You can visit https://www.readingpa.gov/visitors/275 to learn more, donate, and stay up to date with events.
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