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2010 INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
We offer a series of programs and workshops for all ages starting in May through December. These program 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, May 1
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.
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 2nd
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Going Green in Berks |
2:00 p.m. |
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The Berks County Conservancy is taking the lead to teach us all how to become a bit “greener” at home, work and play. If you are interested in learning about the many opportunities available to you right here in Berks County, you will want to attend this new program. Tips will be provided on being green; local green conservation projects; and things that the Berks Conservancy works hard to do everyday to provide for a green and healthy community. Visit www.greenberks.com for more info.
Sunday, May 9th
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Let's Go Covered Bridging |
2:00 p.m. |
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Local covered bridge historian Fred Moll presents a new Power Point program for 2010 about covered "bridging", how covered bridges differ from one another and things to look for when visitng a covered bridge.
| Animals of the Night |
10-11:00 a.m. |
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You may not see them often, but nocturnal animals live all around us! Skunks, bats, opossums are just some of the local critters that become busiest at night. Join us as we look into the special adaptations that make these animals of the night so incredible.
$4.00 – Pre-School Ages - Registration & Payment Deadline May 7th.
Sunday, May 16th
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The History of Antietam Lake |
2:00 p.m. |
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The history and stories of the County Park systems newest park will be shared by Boots “Beulah” Fehr and Debbie Moore, both members of the Friends of Antietam Lake and staunch supporters. The beginning of the lake, historical photographs and the efforts it took to save it by many people will be shared.
Sunday, May 23rd
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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.
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Saturday, June 12
| 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 13th
| 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!
Saturday, June 19th
| All About Quilting |
10:00 a.m. |
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This Quilting Workshop with Beth Shugar will focus on how to quilt a pre-printed fabric. Your final project can be made into a decorative potholder or small mat. This is a class for beginners.
Class limit:10. Cost: $5.00 for materials. Registration and Payment by: June 12.
Sunday, June 20th
| The Main Line Canal and The Allegheny Portage Railroad |
2:00 p.m. |
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Join Canal Historian Glenn Wenrich as he discusses the Allegheny Portage Railroad, which was considered by many to be the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ when it was completed in 1834. This wonder of transportation provided the over the mountain link between two divisions of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, and opened up the west to settlement and commerce via a water route. It operated for only 20 years, but contributed much to the success of the Canal Era in America. Various chars and a scale model of the specialized canal boats used by this system will be shown.
Tuesday, June 22nd
| Science Adventure |
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
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Sign up your junior scientists for a morning of discovery and experimentation! Retired science professors and Heritage Center volunteers, Stanley Furrow and Ron Romig will tell them all about insects and their differences and utilize liquid nitrogen to create a special frozen treat! For ages 6-12.Call to reserve a spot.
Class limit:20. Cost: $6.00 for materials. Registration and Payment by: June 11.
| Center God's Eye Handle Basket |
12-4:00 p.m. |
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This unique handle adds a special touch to this hand woven basket. Please bring 10 spring clothes pins, bucket, old pair of scissors, small flat head screw diver, ruler or measuring tape and a towel.
Cost: $25.00 Registration and Payment (payable to instructor) due by: June 20.
Tuesday, June 29th
| Rolypolyology 101 |
9:30 a.m. |
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Possum Patty Catucci will lead us on a walk in the woods. Can you find an amazing creature that is named after an armadillo, lives under logs, and breathes through gills? A pill bug is only one of the fascinating creatures called decomposers that are a vital part of our ecosystem.
Ages 4-8 – Class sized limited to 15 - Registration by: June 25.
Saturday, July 10th
| Old Time Toys |
6:30-7:30 p.m. |
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Join naturalist “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District to experience whimmy diddle gee haws, stilts, moonwinders, and much more that our great grandparents played with when they were young. Learn about the history of toys and play too!
Tuesday, July 13th
| Trail Signs Ahead |
9:30-10:30 a.m. |
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Turn your voice off and turn on the fun with Possum Patty Catucci. While hiking the trail, strolling along the stream, or even walking across the play ground you can learn American sign language for trees, birds, butterflies and many more. !
Ages 8-12 – Class sized limited to 15 - Registration by: July 9.
Wednesday, July 14th
| Mid Sunner Night stroll |
7:00 p.m. |
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Join Bob Hopkins, local ecologist and Cathy Wegener, Berks Co. Parks & Rec. Dept. on another leisurely evening stroll as they point out the interesting plants, natural and cultural features of the park. Stroll will meet at Wertz’s “Red” Bridge on the Heritage Center side.
(Raindate: Wednesday, July 21)
Friday, July 23rd
| The Ecological Indian |
7:00 p.m. |
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Dave “Big Owl” McSurdy, educator and consultant for “Native American Experiences”, takes a thoughtful look at the concept of “the ecological Indian”. Were the Indians true ecologists and stewards of the land as traditionally depicted, or did they have a less harmonious and more reckless relationship with the land? “Big Owl” will discuss this potentially controversial question. “Fact or Myth?” You decide!
Sunday, August 1st
| Cat Head Basket |
12-4:00 p.m. |
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This basket is called a “cat head” because, when turned upside down, its shape bears a striking resemblance to that of a cat’s head. Please bring 10 spring clothes pins, bucket, old pair of scissors, small flathead screw driver, ruler or measuring tape, and a towel. Instructor: Vicky Heffner
Cost: $25.00 Registration and Payment (to instructor) due by July 25.
Tuesday, August 3rd
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.
Tuesday, August 10th
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Roots & Shoots |
9:30-10:30 a.m. |
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Take a walk with Possum Patty. Will you find a plant from which Tomas Edison made rubber? A plant you can used to make a spoon? some string? A plant used for magic? For telling the weather?
Ages 8-12 – Class sized limited to 15 - Registration by: August 6.
Saturday, August 14th
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Sneak a Peek at the Creek |
2-3:00 p.m. |
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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 on a hot summer day, and learn about water—a very valuable natural resource. Led by naturalist “Porcupine Pat” Mc Kinney of the Schuylkill Conservation District. Open to children from ages 6+ and adults too!
All participants must wear clothes or swimsuits that can get wet and muddy.
Water shoes/footwear required.
Saturday, August 14th
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.
Sunday, August 15th
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Love of Lavender |
2:00 p.m. |
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Herbalist Marion Hull will talk about the fragrance and beauty of this member of the mint family. We will discuss the history, cultivation and uses of this admirable plant, with special attention to its use in potpourri and crafts. Each participant will make a small “nosegay” or bouquet, and go home with a sample of potpourri. Suitable for young persons and adults.
Cost: $6.50/person. Reservations and Payment by: August 8.
Friday, August 20th
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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.
Saturday, August 21st
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A Stitch in Time-Cross Stitch Sampler |
10:00 a.m. |
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This workshop for beginners of all ages, taught by Beth Shugar, will show participants how to follow a counted cross stitch design. The project will be a small (5” x 7”) sampler that could be framed.
Class limit: 8 Cost: $5.00 for materials. Registration and Payment by: August 15.
Saturday, August 21st
| Summer Wildflower Walk |
2-3:00 p.m. |
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Please note - Time was listed incorrectly - The correct time is 2-3:00 p.m.
We're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Join naturalist “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District to find out about what really causes our allergies (hint-not goldenrod) and enjoy the beauty and old time folklore of summer wildflowers.
Sunday, August 22nd
| Rose O'Neill: The Girl Who Loved to Draw |
2:00 p.m. |
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Rose O’Neill was a woman who was ahead of her time! Born in 1874 in Wilkes- Barre, and moved west at the age of three, she was America’s first woman comic artist, the creator of the Kewpie Doll, a very successful illustrator and business woman, and was an activist for the right of women to vote. She brought to young children illustrated stories from Roman Mythology, Irish Folk Tales, and most of all, her own vivid imagination. This program, presented by Linda Brewster, will bring Rose O’Neill’s many accomplishments to light!
Sunday, August 29th
| The Joller Story-Life in a Company Coal Mine & Village |
2-3:30 p.m. |
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Steve Runkle of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission presents the story of the Miller family who owned, developed, and operated the company coal mine and village of Joller in Huntingdon County, PA. When coal was discovered on the Joller tract, the Miller family, who had a lumber business, developed drift mines on three separate coal veins. Life in the mines and the Joller company village are depicted, as well as Joller’s successful mine reclaiming project. An audio of coal mining songs is played as an introduction to this presentation.
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Saturday, September 11th
| Make Your Own Kite - Workshop |
1-4:00 p.m. |
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A terrific opportunity for kite enthusiasts of all ages! Carl Leisey, our own Berks County kite flying and building expert will instruct you on making either a 38" Butterfly or 40" Eagle kite - both made with bamboo and silk - and you'll be painting your own kite!
Registration with payment deadline is 9/8/10.
Make checks payable to Carl Leisey.
Sunday, September 12th
| Fall Antietam Recreational Hike |
10 a.m. -12:00 p.m. |
Antietam Lake-Parking Lot on Angora Rd. |
Today’s hike led by Parks volunteer Gary Shugar will follow the Antietam Creek to the north of the lake. The lake and three settling basins will be seen and history of the area will be shared. The hike is about 3 miles long. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a drink if you like.
Saturday, September 18th
Join us for a bike ride along the Union Canal Towpath. We will ride toward Blue Marsh Lake to Reber's Bridge Rd, along the Tulpehocken Creek with various stops along the way. Bring your bike, water and enjoy a leisurely 4-mile ride.
For adults and children of all ages who are able to ride a bike.
Sunday, September 26th
| Solar Observations |
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. Ran or shine they will be here to present an informative lecture and view of sunspots and other features.
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Saturday, October 9th
| Indian Stories and Dance by the Campfire |
6-7:00 p.m. |
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With the cooperation of blue skies and the wind, 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 children 3 and up. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Sunday, October 10th
| Antietam Nature Walk w/ Berks Co. Conservancy |
2:00 p.m. |
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Come explore the new trail from Mt. Penn to the County owned Antietam Lake with the Berks County Conservancy. This moderate to strenuous educational hike will explore the Mt Penn Gravity Railroad historic sites and Antietam Lake. You will also learn about the Conservancy’s efforts to sign and connect these and many other Greater Reading trails. Meet at Egleman’s Park on Hill Road. About 7 miles round trip.
Sunday, October 17th
| Orienteering at Mt. Penn Pagoda |
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. Memers of the DVOA offer an introduction to Orienteering, and then will take you on an actual trail experience using your map. It's not just a compass anymore! For all ages.
Cost: $6.00 - Registration with payment deadline is 10/13/10
Sunday, October 17th
| Life Along the Canal at the Leesport Lock House |
2:00 p.m. |
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Join Beverly Miller and Ryan Strause of the Leesport Lock House Foundation as they present an interesting program about the local history and lore surrounding the Leesport Lock House and life along the Schuylkill Navigation Canal.
Sunday, October 23rd
| Enchanted Halloween Trail |
6:30-8:00 p.m. |
Antietam Lake - Nature Ctr |
Non-scary Halloween program. Guided trail walks (every 15 minutes) to fun-filled, educational stops along the way, ending with a bonfire and refreshments.
Great program for young children and their families! Costumes and flashlights are optional. Parking available off Angora Rd.
Cost: $5.00 -
Registration with payment deadline is 10-18-10.
Sunday, October 24th
| Berks County Birds of Prey |
2:00 p.m. |
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Naturalist Rich Bonnet gives us a close up look at the nesting habits of the Raven, Red Tail and Cooper Hawk & Ravens, all high tree nesters. Then we all come down to earth and get close with nesting Black & Turkey Vultures in their dens, since they are sometimes confused for Hawks. The Owls come next, Screech, Barn, Great Horn, and Saw Whet. All of these intimate photographs were shot in Berks County.
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 12th
| "Colonial Candlelight Holiday Reception" |
1-6:00 p.m. |
| 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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