Arts & Culture
The Victorian Parlor
Discover the lifestyle of Americans in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time period, the parlor was considered the most important room in the house, featuring the finest furniture and serving as the main area for receiving visitors, entertaining, and courting.
Fine Art
The Berks History Center boasts an impressive collection of fine artwork throughout its halls, showcasing depictions of Berks County’s people, organizations, and iconic landmarks. What’s more, many of the artists responsible for these masterpieces were themselves Berks County residents.
The Pennsylvania German Room
Pennsylvania Germans, also referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch, are descendants of an estimated 80,000 German-speaking immigrants who arrived in Pennsylvania by 1775. The community is renowned for its vibrant folk art, which encompasses frakturs, painted furniture, tall clocks, intricate needlework, and vivid ceramics. These pieces, adorned with traditional motifs like hearts and flowers, are a testament to the community’s affection for color, design, and playfulness.
