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(Many more to come.)
We offer a series of programs and workshops starting in February through December. These programs are free unless otherwise indicated. For more information,or to register for a workshop, please call the Berks County Heritage Center at 610-374-8839
SATURDAY, Feburary 11
| Roots to Wings - WINTER WONDERS |
10:00 a.m |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
WINTER WONDERS - An active adventure that reveals how local animals prepare for winter. Registration Deadline: 2-8-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Thursday, Feburary 16
| Roots to Wings - KEEP ON TRACKING |
10:00 a.m |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
KEEP ON TRACKING-Discover what it's like to walk in someone else's shoe (prints). Registration Deadline: 2-13-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Thursday, March 1st
| Roots to Wings - FEATHERED & FABULOUS |
10:00 a.m |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
FEATHERED AND FABULOUS-What makes a bird a bird? fly into the world of birds as we examine nests, eggs, and natural history artifacts! Registration Deadline: 2-27-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Thursday, March 15
| Roots to Wings - ANIMAL BABIES |
10:00 a.m |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
ANIMAL BABIES-Not all animal babies look like their parents when they are born. Spring is the perfect time to investigage animals and their young! Registration Deadline: 3-12-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Thursday, March 29
| Roots to Wings - TREE-MENDOUS! |
10:00 a.m. |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
TREE-MENDOUS-Discover why trees are such an important member of our community. We will head outdoors to go on a tree scavenger hunt! Registration Deadline: 3-26-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Thursday, April 5
| Roots to Wings - ANIMALS OF THE NIGHT |
10:00 a.m. |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
ANIMALS OF THE NIGHT-You may not see them often, but nocturnal animals live all around us! Join us as we look at some of the local critters that become busiest at ight. Registration Deadline: 4-2-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Thursday, April 19
| Roots to Wings - CRITTER CRAWL |
10:00 a.m. |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
CRITTER CRAWL-Buzz into the world of bees, transform into a butterfly, camouflage like a katydid. Together we will look at what makes an insect an insect and why insects are so important to us. Registration Deadline: 4-16-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Thursday, May 3
| Roots to Wings - SENSE-SATIONAL SPRING |
10:00 a.m. |
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Encourage your child's curiosity for the natural world around them with programs about nature. Hands-on activities, games and stories fill this 1-hour content-rich natural science program. Examine mounted specimens, bones, nests and more! A simple craft related to the topic of the day completes each lesson.
SENSE-SATIONAL SPRING-How does a fox use its nose to smell? Can you see the colors of a rainbow? We will head outdoors to explore the wonders of our senses. Registration Deadline: 4-30-12.
For children ages 3-5 (Adult must accompany child)
Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required
Fee is $5.00 per child
Sunday, May 6th
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Springtime in Gibraltar-Architectural Tour of the 18th Century Beidler House & Mill |
2:00 p.m. |
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Many who attend the popular Candlelight Holiday Open House in early December often ask about the history and architecture of this lovely house, built in 1783, and the mysterious grist mill ruins. Join historians Susan Speros and John Grubb as we explore the mill and house from garret to cellar, and learn about these evocative structures of times past.
Sunday, May 6th
| Solar Observations |
1:30 p.m. |
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Yes you can safely look at the sun with the special lenses and telescopes provided by members of the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society. Rain or shine they will be here to present an informative lecture and view of sunspots and other features.
Saturday, May 12th
Join members of the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society for a short presentation in the Heritage Center barn and then proceed to the parking lot at 9:00 p.m. to gaze into the heavenly night skies. Program will be held rain or shine.
Sunday, May 20th
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A Close Look at Melcher’s Grist Mill |
1-5:00 p.m. |
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Melcher’s Grist Mill, built in 1888 by Nicklos Melcher in Bally, PA sits in the hollow behind the Heritage Center farmhouse. Join our volunteers as they share their knowledge about the mill’s operation, how things worked and the unique story of the Melcher Mill.
Friday, June 8th
| Late Spring Evening Antietam Recreational Hike |
7-8:00 p.m. |
Antietam Lake Parking Lot-Angora Rd |
This historical hike led by parks volunteer Gary Shugar will cover the history of the lake area. The hike is about 3 miles long. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a drink if you like.
Saturday, June 9
| Wee Ones Walk |
10:30-11:30 a.m. |
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Naturalist “Porcupine Pat” Mc Kinney of the Schuylkill Conservation District takes children on a sensory nature walk focusing on the colors, textures, shapes, sounds and smells found in nature.For ages 3-6.
Sunday, June 10th
| Late Spring Birdwalk |
8-10:00 a.m. |
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Enjoy the full beauty of the spring season with naturalist Katrina Knight from the Baird Ornithological Club. Beginners are welcome! Be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring binoculars to spot spring warblers and other beautiful birds of spring. (Rain date is Saturday June 16)
Sunday, June 17th
| Orienteering Program |
11:00 a.m. |
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Join members of the Delaware Valley Orienteering Association, for a day in the woods. Learn how to read a map, and find your way through unknown terrain with a detailed topographic map as your guide. Members of the DVOA will give participants an introduction to Orienteering, and then go out with your map for trail experience. It’s not just compass anymore!
For all ages. Pre-Registration suggested, map fee day of program. Call 610-374-8839.
Sunday, June 24th
| Berks Fly-Tyer's Workshop |
1-4:00 p.m. |
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Members of the Berks Fly-Tyers Club tell us all they know about fly-fishing. Tips on casting and equipment selection, and you will have a chance to tie your own fly! Bring your own equipment if you have it. (No on-stream will be offered) Fun for all!
Sunday, June 24th
| Wreath Basket Workshop |
12-4:00 p.m. |
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This simple to make, unusual basket is not really a basket, rather a foam hoop with woven basket material covering it. Decorate this basket wreath as you please! Bring with you 10 spring clothes pins, old scissors, bucket, towel, flat head screw driver and measuring tape.
Instructor Vicky Heffner.
Cost: $25. Deadline for Registration and Payment: June 17.
Saturday, July 7th
| “What is Geocaching” Geocaching for Beginners |
10:00 a.m. |
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Come along on an “electronic Treasure Hunt.” This class will lead you through both fun and practical applications of GPS navigation. Learn how to pinpoint your location, mark waypoints, plot courses and create routes. At the end of the class, we'll go outdoors for hands-on experience. GPS units available, but feel free to bring your own. All ages are welcome to see how to combine your love of electronics with the great outdoors, for a healthy hike. Call 610-374-8839
Sunday, July 8th
| An Afternoon in the "Giraltar Neighborhood" of the Allegheny Aqueduct and its Canal |
2:00 p.m. |
| Long a busy industrial site with an 18th century saw mill and grist mill, the Gibraltar neighborhood of the Allegheny Aqueduct Park, with its aqueduct and canal, continued its industrial importance through the 19th into the 20th century. Spend the afternoon with canal historian Glenn Wenrich, as he tells the story of the Schuylkill Navigation Canal and this local canal neighborhood.
Also on hand in the Beidler house are the Hopewell Quilters. Come in and join in an old fashioned quilting bee.
Sunday, July 15th
| Door Basket Workshop |
12-4:00 p.m. |
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Grace your door, or organize your office with this useful creation. Bring with you 10 spring clothes pins, old scissors, bucket, towel, flat head screw driver and measuring tape. Instructor Vicky Heffner.
Cost: $25. Deadline for Registration and Payment: July 8th
| “Summer Sunset Stroll" |
6:30-7:30 p.m. |
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Join naturalist “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District in search of how nature changes from the day to night. Let’s hoot for owls and check out flowers that bloom at night and much more! All ages welcome.
Thursday, July 26th
| "The Garden on the Wall" Early American Stencils |
10-11:30a.m. |
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Students will learn about the colors and designs used to decorate the walls inside 18th century and early 19th century houses. They will learn to design, cut, and apply their own stencils.
Program for students 10 years and older.
Cost: $3.00. Limit 10 students. Register and pay by July 19.
Saturday, July 28th
| “Summer Sunset Stroll" |
6:30-7:30 p.m. |
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Join naturalist “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District in search of how nature changes from the day to night. Let’s hoot for owls and check out flowers that bloom at night and much more! All ages welcome.
Wednesday, August 1st
| Mid-Summer Night Stroll |
7:00 p.m. |
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Join local ecologist Bob Hopkins and Cathy Wegener, Berks County Parks & Rec. Dept. on a leisurely stroll to identify interesting plants, natural features and historical points of interest.
Tuesday, August 7
Juggling can be both fun and relaxing! Join members of the Reading/Berks County Jugglers Club to try your hand at this art. For all ages/levels of experience.
| Sneak a Peek at the Creek |
2-3:00 p.m. |
| Get wet and wild during this very popular program as we search the “Tully” under the covered bridge for water critters to determine the quality of the creek. A great natural way to cool off during a hot summer day and learn about water — a very valuable natural resource. Led by naturalist “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District. Open to children from ages 6+ and adults too! All participants must wear clothes of swimwear that can get wet and muddy. Shoes are a must too.
| Thomas McKee, Indian Trader in PA 1747 |
2:00 p.m. |
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Dave “Big Owl” McSurdy, educator and consultant for “Native American Experiences”, will describe the life of a trader with the Indians along Susquehanna frontier in the middle of the 18th century. Fur traded and items wanted by the Indians will be on display. What was the origin of the buck dollar? What is a jaw harp? These and other questions will be answered.
| Little Brown Bats are Back! |
7:00 p.m. |
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Dr. Karen Campbell, professor of Biology at Albright College returns to present this ever-popular slide lecture on bats from around the world and those little bats right here in Berks County. Slide presentation is followed by a walk to the Red Covered Bridge where they live!
| Indian Corn Cobs Basket Workshop |
12-4:00 p.m. |
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Another unique creation using material to weave, well, Indian Corn Cobs! Bring 10 spring clothes pins, old scissors, bucket, towel, flat head screw driver and measuring tape. Instructor Vicky Heffner.
Cost: $25. Deadline for Registration and Payment: August 12.
| Pennsylvania's Covered Bridges |
2:00 p.m. |
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Author Fred Moll will present a program detailing his newest book entitled “Pennsylvania’s Covered Bridges” which starts in the early 1800’s where PA’s rich forests provided natural material for the construction of more than 1500 covered bridges across the state. Also included in the program are images of rare railroad covered bridges.
Sunday, September 2nd
| Native American Life in the Susquehanna River Basin Region |
2:00 p.m. |
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This presentation gives an overview of Native Americans and their life in the Susquehanna River Basin Region during the 17th and 18th Centuries. The various tribes that inhabited the Region are discussed. The presentation reviews Native American physical appearance, dress, dwellings, travel, occupations, hunting and fishing techniques, warfare, government, religion, medicine, and amusements. Note: An audio recording of Iroquois songs is played as an introduction to this presentation.
| Make Your Own Kite-Workshop |
1-4:00 p.m. |
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Great Opportunity for kite enthusiasts of all ages! Carl Leisey, our own Berks County kite flying and building expert will be here to instruct you on making a 10-cell tetra hedron to fly. Please call for details on this year’s kite.
Class is limited to 15 students. Cost $8.00. Registration with payment required. (payable to Carl Leisey) Registration Deadline: September 3rd
| Improve Your Photography-It's Easier Than You Think |
2:00 p.m. |
| Rare is the person these days who does not have a digital camera or camera phone to record memories and share their experiences. This program will briefly review available photo equipment and then quickly move to tips and techniques that will help you improve your photography. Chuck full of good info and at the minimum you just might see some interesting photos. Frank Plucinsky is a retired physician who has a life-long fascination with natural history, photography, and fly fishing.
| Summer Star Party |
8:00 p.m. |
Kaercher Creek Park-Hamburg |
The Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society will present a short lecture in the lodge, followed by views of the night skies through their telescopes in the Fish Commission lot at Kaercher Creek Park. The program will be held rain or shine.
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Autumn Adventure |
10-11:00 a.m. |
Kaercher Creek Park-Hamburg | Join naturalist “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District as we explore the woods and fields of the park in search of signs of the season. Handouts will be available.
Saturday, October 13th
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Indian Stories and Dances by the Campfire |
6:00 p.m. |
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Dave Big Owl McSurdy tells nature stories of the American Indian by the campfire. Enjoy fantastic stories and learn to dance to the beat of the drum. For ages 3 and up. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Saturday, October 14th
| A Year In The Life Of A Vernal Pool |
2:00 p.m. |
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If you like frogs and salamanders, don't miss this program. This presentation covers the breeding cycle of Spotted, Jefferson & Marbled salamanders along with frogs that are dependent on Vernal Pools for their reproduction. Also emphasizes the value, threats and protection of woodland vernal pools.
Saturda
Saturday, October 27th
| Creatures of the Night Trail Walk |
5-8:00 p.m. |
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Walk with us through the forest where you will encounter “Creatures of the Night” in a non-scary program for younger kids. Volunteers will personify these animals, separating the myths and facts in this fun educational Halloween hike for kids and their families. Guided walks leave every 15 minutes.
Pre-registration recommended, $5.00 per person. Costumes are optional.
Parking available off Angora Road. Call 610-374-8839.
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Sunday, October 28th
| "Remember Me" the Gravestone Iconography of the Early Pennsylvania Germans |
2:00 p.m. |
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Early Pennsylvania German gravestone imagery reflects the popularity of folk symbols in their material culture, such as flowers, stars, the sun and the moon. Each symbol had a special meaning, and with gravestones religious meaning and how these early German settlers perceived death. Historian Michelle Lynch will present a power point program, featuring the photography of David Hafer, of vivid and beautiful examples of 18th and early 19th century tombstones from Berks and five surrounding counties.
Sunday, November 25th
| Orienteering Program |
11:00 a.m. |
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Early Pennsylvania German gravestone imagery reflects the popularity of folk symbols in their material culture, such as flowers, stars, the sun and the moon. Each symbol had a special meaning, and with gravestones religious meaning and how these early German settlers perceived death. Historian Michelle Lynch will present a power point program, featuring the photography of David Hafer, of vivid and beautiful examples of 18th and early 19th century tombstones from Berks and five surrounding counties.
Sunday, October 16th
| Solar Observation |
2:00 p.m. |
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Yes you can safely look at the sun with the special lenses and telescopes provided by members of the Berks County Amateur Astronomical Society. Rain or shine they will be here to present an informative lecture and view of sunspots and other features.
Sunday, October 16th
| Sunday at Antietam Lake Park: Nocturnal & Crepuscular Creatures |
4-6:00 p.m. |
| Kids will take a walk and learn about these animals that are most active in the evening hours. Children’s craft following the walk. Program for younger children and their parents. Free program, pre-registration required.
Saturday, November 5th
| Cotton-Wrapped Christmas Tree-Workshop |
10-11:30 a.m. |
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Learn how to make a cotton-wrapped tree, hear some history of the Christmas tree, and share in your own traditions. We will wrap a branch similar to the cotton trees that were seen in the area in the 1940’s.
Cost: $6.00 - Registration and Payment due by: Oct. 26th.
Saturday & Sunday, November 21st & 22nd
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"Holiday Open House & Craft Show" |
Saturday- 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sunday- 12:00-4:00 p.m. |
| Crafts, baked goods, and a cup of hot cider will be sure to get you in the holiday mood. Turn at the Rt. 61 traffic light and Turkey Hill Market in Leesport onto Wall St., 2 blocks to the Lock House on your right. Call 610-926-5665 for more information.
Saturday, December 10th
| "Colonial Candlelight Holiday Reception" |
1-6:00 p.m. |
Beidler House, Gibraltar | Experience a colonial era German Christmas as did early German settler Conrad Beidler and his family. Featured are musicians playing early Christmas music, German holiday delicacies and traditional fresh greens adorning mantel, hall and staircase.
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