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Allegheny Aqueduct Historical Park
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The Allegheny Aqueduct was built by the Schuylkill Navigation Company in 1824 under the direction of Engineer Ephriam Beech. This "bridge for boats" was needed because the Allegheny Creek could not be incorporated into the canal system. The Schuylkill Canal, a slackwater navigation system, began at Mill Creek, Schuylkill County, and traveled to its destination in Philadelphia; both the canal and the aqueduct ceased to be used as a transportation system in 1931. The aqueduct is a massive 112 1/2 foot structure consisting of five red sandstone and brownstone arches done with the "keystone" theme. In the 1830’s, bricks were added underneath the arches to prevent leakage. The canal was originally lined with clay, but in 1870 a concrete liner was formed into the top of the aqueduct, and metal spikes that protruded from the concrete were used to hold timber planking that prevented the canal boats from scraping on the concrete.
Old River Road
Gibraltar PA 19508 |
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Located adjacent to the aqueduct, the Beidler House was built in 1783 by Conrad Beidler to serve as a home for the operator of the nearby mill. The Beidler House is open to the public for an "Open House" in the Spring for an Interpretive Program about the history of the house, mill and aqueduct conducted by costumed guides. The Beidler House is also open in December for a "Colonial Candlelight Holiday Reception".
Old River Road
Gibraltar PA 19508 |
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Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
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Discover rare and handsome vehicles you have never seen before and won't find anywhere else. Trace the history-making evolution of road transportation into tomorrow's high tech solutions; investigate engines, steering, lighting, and brake developments. See vehicles of all types: gas, steam, electric, horse drawn, high wheelers, safety bicycles and motorcycles. Enjoy the 100 beautiful color plates in the Gallery of the American Automobile by Clarence Hornung. Learn about the electric powered cars of tomorrow in an exhibit of more than one hundred years of EV development. Explore the region's vehicle building history. The names of "Fleetwood", "Duryea", "Daniels", and other early automotive giants will become a part of your lexicon. Shop for books, auto items and gifts in the Museum Store.
85 South Walnut Street
Boyertown PA 19512 |
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Centre Park Historic District
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The Centre Park Historic District was
established in 1982 by City ordinance.
For the last 27 years, this all-volunteer,
non-profit neighborhood group has worked
to promote historic preservation and ensure
a high quality of life in the District.
The District, one of Reading's first suburbs,
is located just north of the downtown area.
It consists of approximately 840 properties
of mainly Victorian and Queen Ann architecture.
707 N. 5th Street
Reading PA 19601 |
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The Conrad Weiser Homestead is a Pennsylvania state historic site located in Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pennsylvania which interprets the life of Conrad Weiser. Weiser was an 18th century German immigrant who served as an Indian interpreter and who helped coordinate Pennsylvania's Indian policy. He played a major role in the history of colonial Pennsylvania. The Conrad Weiser Homestead is located on Rt. 422, within easy driving distance of Philadelphia, Lancaster, Hershey and Harrisburg. Come and enjoy this rural countryside dotted with the surviving period stone houses and traditional farms. The Conrad Weiser Homestead includes period buildings, and a new orientation exhibit, on a 26-acre Olmsted-designed landscaped park.
28 Weiser Lane
Womelsdorf PA 19567 |
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The Daniel Boone Homestead, located near Reading, Pennsylvania, is a state historic site which preserves a number of historic structures. The Homestead offers many historic programs and exhibits, preserves 579 acres of open space, and provides passive recreational areas.
Daniel Boone's parents first settled the site in 1730 and the region was populated by many diverse people - English, Welsh, Scots-Irish, Germans, Swedes, Huguenots and Lenape Indians. Daniel was born here in 1734 and spent his first 16 years here before his family migrated to North Carolina.
Today the site tells the story of Daniel's youth and the saga of the region's 18th century settlers by contrasting their lives and cultures. This region left a lasting impact on Daniel Boone's life, and on the history of Pennsylvania.
400 Daniel Boone Road
Birdsboro PA 19508 |
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One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.
At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, special programs, and on-going research opportunities.
632 W. Main Street
Ephrata PA 17522 |
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The Gruber Wagon Works survives as one of the most complete examples of an integrated rural manufactory of its kind in the nation. Erected in 1882 by Franklin H. Gruber, the wagon works evolved from a single craftsman shop, having a variety of specialized hand tools, into a family-operated business which employed up to 20 men who utilized mass-production methods. Unlike a modern assembly process, wagon parts were transported back and forth between various rooms in order to complete a segment of the work.
Wagon wheels were constructed in the bench shop, and wooden parts of the wagon were made from patterns in the wood shop. Wheels were "tired" and wagons were "ironed" and assembled in the blacksmith shop. The distinctive striping and scrollwork were applied by hand in the paint shop.
During the winter of 1976-77, the Gruber Wagon Works was moved by the Army Corps of Engineers from its original location near Mt. Pleasant. In 1978, the Gruber Wagon Works was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the United States Government, commemorating its historic significance as an industry from a bygone era of American craftsman.
Gruber Wagon Works
Bern PA 19605 |
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Nestled in an area rich with iron ore, abundant woodland for charcoal, limestone, and waterways to provide power, lies Joanna Furnace -- a historic remnant of Berks County's thriving early iron industry.
Route 10 North
Morgantown PA 19523 |
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Historical Society of Berks County
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The mission of the Historical Society of Berks County is to focus attention on the unique local history, the vast material culture, and the diverse cultural heritage of Berks County by preserving, archiving, and promoting this material to instill in citizens of all ages and ethnic groups an awareness of this growing treasure trove of information.
940 Centre Ave
Reading PA 19601 |
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Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
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The Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American industrial landscape from natural resource extraction to enlightened conservation. Operating from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other "iron plantations" laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson PA 19520 |
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Kutztown Area Historical Society
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The Kutztown Area Historical Society museum showcases many artifacts and photographs from the Kutztown area. Their non-circulating library holds many historical publications and is a great source for local historians. The building is also used for activities throughout the year. The most popular event is the Annual Holiday Festival, which is held on the second weekend in November. Regularly scheduled activities include Monthly Program Specials (third Wednesdays) and the Ten O'Clock Scholars program in April. The Society also sponsors other special events such as quilt and art shows, open houses, trick-or-treat nights, and special exhibitions relating to specific aspects of local and regional history. Tours of the building can be taken, and library research arranged, during any of our events or by appointment.
Normal Avenue and Whiteoak Street
PA 19530 |
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Overlooking the city on Mount Penn is Reading's symbol, a Japanese-style pagoda visible from everywhere in town and referred to locally as "the Pagoda." It was built in 1908 as a hotel and restaurant, but was never used for that purpose. It remains a tourist attraction offering a commanding view of the city.
98 Duryea Drive
Reading PA |
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William Penn Memorial Fire Tower
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This imposing stone and reinforced concrete tower is 120 feet tall and sits atop Mt. Penn, overlooking the City of Reading and its surroundings. The tower is situated in a park setting on Skyline Drive, one mile from Reading's landmark Pagoda. From the top of the tower there is a 60 mile panoramic view. The tower is 950 feet above 5th and Penn Street, the center of the city, and 1,015 feet above the Schuylkill River, and 1239 feet above sea level.
Reading PA
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