Pre-Registraton through Goggleworks

Join artist Fran Parzanese as she guides participants through composing artwork in situ on the Berks County Heritage Center grounds ​.  Register at goggleworks.org​

FREE and open to the public.​

Cornwall Iron Furnace Historic Site Administrator and Berks County Parks & Recreation Department Park Board member, Michael Emery, will discuss tombstones primarily located in Lancaster, Berks, and Lebanon counties from both a historical and architectural viewpoint. Emery will highlight elements of Pennsylvania German folk art often used on early gravestones, as well as how the material used to make them have changed overtime. Emery has lectured on, and studied Pennsylvania German gravestones for more than 25 years. 

FREE.​  Pre-Registration Required.

Bigfoot fanatics and skeptics alike are invited to learn more about the legend of sasquatch from members of the Bigfoot Research Organization of Pennsylvania. See how tracks are cast, learn about the equipment bigfoot hunters use in the field, and hear first person accounts from researchers. Pre-registration required, to register contact lgauker@countyofberks.com​ or call 610-374-2944 ext 2611.

FREE and open to the public.​

Join Lynn Otto as he shares the story of the Forbes Campaign of 1758 and its lasting impact on colonial Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War. 

Pre-Registration is Suggested.

Hike with Parks’ staff through crisp fall trails at Antietam Lake Park as we see the forest for the trees and enjoy learning about forest ecology and the importance of our native trees. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Pre-registration is suggested, contact lgauker@countyofberks.com to register ​

Pre-Registration is Required - Cost $10 Per Person

Preserve the beauty of the natural world in cast resin with this two-hour workshop that will guide participants through casting and creating a wearable piece of jewelry from found natural objects. 

Pre-registration is required, contact lgauker@countyofberks.com​ to register. ​

Cost: $10 per person

FREE Parking and Admission.

Starting Friday, December 2 park visitors can walk around the beautiful grounds of Gring’s Mill park, to view our spectacular light display highlighting the historic buildings and landscaping around the park. “Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill” will be open Fridays through Sundays, December 2 to December 18, in addition from Monday December 19 to Friday December 23. On all dates the park will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm. with Free parking and admission. 

After enjoying the walk-through light display, visitors can enjoy food and beverages from local food trucks, a fire pit to warm up beside, and live music in the heated outdoor pavilion each night from 5:45 to 8:15 pm. Santa will make appearances throughout the month to the delight of every child. Kids of all ages will love visiting our model train display in the former generator station building on the bridge. Here is a full list of the live entertainment scheduled for “Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill”:

Friday, 2nd: Maggie Spike 

Saturday, 3rd: Holiday Craft Market, 12-4pm**, TBA 

Sunday, 4th: TBA 

Friday, 9th: Mount Laurel Brass 

Saturday, 10th: Kids’ Holiday Craft Workshop:10am-12pm @ HC**, Matt Miskie 

Sunday, 11th: TBA 

Friday, 16th: Ken Gehret 

Saturday, 17th: Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band 

Sunday, 18th: Brass Menagerie 

Monday, 19th: TBA 

Tuesday, 20th: TBA 

Wednesday, 21st:TBA 

Thursday, 22nd: Crow Hill 

Friday, 23rd: Dave Kline ​

Pre-Registration Required - Cost $5 Per Child

Join Parks staff in a parks-themed workshop where kids can make crafts in anticipation of the holiday season. Enjoy a winter walk to gather materials to use and get crafty as we make gifts for friends and loved ones alike. 

Pre-registration required, contact lgauker@countyofberks.com​ to register. ​