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25 12, 2025

The Polish Ancestry of Reading and Berks County

2025-12-25T11:07:51-04:00December 25th, 2025|Polish|1 Comment

The story of Polish Americans in Reading and Berks County begins around 1850, when the first Polish immigrants arrived seeking work in the region’s thriving iron foundries. Unlike the German settlers who had already established themselves as the dominant cultural force in Berks [...]

23 12, 2025

Christmas Traditions in Reading and Berks County in Times Past

2025-12-23T07:45:44-04:00December 23rd, 2025|Christmas|0 Comments

Berks County, Pennsylvania—with Reading as its bustling seat—has long been a stronghold of Pennsylvania Dutch (German) culture, where Christmas traditions blended Old World customs with American innovation. From the mysterious Belsnickle prowling on Christmas Eve to the thunderous "shooting in" of the New [...]

26 11, 2025

Thanksgiving in Berks County: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

2025-11-26T23:47:28-04:00November 26th, 2025|Culture|0 Comments

From Lenape harvest celebrations to Pennsylvania Dutch apple-butter parties, to modern-day mission meals, the story of Thanksgiving in Berks County reveals how generations have gathered to give thanks — each in their own extraordinary way. The Thread of Gratitude On a brisk late [...]

19 11, 2025

A Wonderland on Penn Street: The Magic of Christmas at Pomeroy’s in Reading

2025-11-19T19:18:10-04:00November 19th, 2025|Christmas|0 Comments

For generations of Reading, Pennsylvania residents, the Christmas season didn't officially begin with the first snowfall or the first carol on the radio. It began with Pomeroy's. Standing majestically at the corner of Sixth and Penn Streets, the department store was more than [...]

14 09, 2025

The Pennsylvania Dutch Heartland: Farming Culture and German Heritage That Shaped a Region

2025-09-21T09:31:06-04:00September 14th, 2025|Pennsylvania Dutch|1 Comment

Across the rolling valleys of Berks, Lancaster, and Lehigh counties, the agricultural order and devotional calm of the Pennsylvania Dutch have long given the land its shape. Barns and porches, hymns and recipes, even the turns of phrase that season everyday talk—together they [...]

11 02, 2025

The Beloved Pierogi Tradition of Reading and Berks County

2025-02-11T21:28:04-04:00February 11th, 2025|Culture, Food|1 Comment

In Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania, the time-honored custom of making pierogies holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Rooted in Eastern European immigrant traditions, pierogi-making has transcended generations, becoming a cherished family and community activity that brings people together over [...]

28 12, 2024

Count Berthold von Imhoff: The Art of St. Peter’s R.C. Church Murals

2024-12-28T16:43:36-04:00December 28th, 2024|Art, Culture, Religious|0 Comments

Count Berthold von Imhoff (1868–1939) was a renowned artist celebrated for his religious murals and paintings. Born in Mannheim, Germany, he demonstrated artistic talent from a young age, studying at various European art institutions. In 1884, he received the Art Academy Award of [...]

26 10, 2024

Reading, PA: A City of Resilience, Culture, and Pride

2024-10-26T07:52:06-04:00October 26th, 2024|Community, Culture|0 Comments

Reading, Pennsylvania, often overshadowed by larger neighboring cities, has a vibrant history, rich culture, and many reasons to be proud. Located in Berks County, Reading has grown from an industrial powerhouse to a diverse, resilient community with a wealth of achievements in the arts, [...]

14 10, 2024

October is Italian-American Heritage Month

2024-10-14T18:06:28-04:00October 14th, 2024|Culture, Italian|0 Comments

October marks the start of Italian Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the vast contributions that Italian Americans have made to the United States. From rich cultural traditions to monumental achievements in art, science, and politics, this month provides an [...]

5 10, 2024

American Pie – Pennsylvania Dutch Pie and Pastries

2024-10-05T08:42:31-04:00October 5th, 2024|Christmas, Culture, Food, Holiday|1 Comment

William Penn wooed and won people from their troubled homes in the Palatinate and Upper Rhine in the middle of the 17th century. Since then, the Pennsylvania Dutch have been known for their love of good food, their large tables, and the heartiness [...]

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