Berks County officially launched its Berks 275 celebration Wednesday night, March 11, at the Miller Center at Reading Area Community College, marking the start of a yearlong commemoration leading up to the county’s 275th anniversary in 2027.
The public kickoff event featured historical presentations, musical performances, recognition of organizers and sponsors, and remarks from county officials about both the county’s past and its future.
County Commissioner Michael Rivera welcomed attendees and said the evening was intended to begin a broader countywide celebration of the people, communities and traditions that have shaped Berks County.
“Tonight isn’t just another gathering,” Rivera said. “Tonight is the beginning of a celebration honoring the people, places, traditions, and stories that have shaped our county.”
Rivera noted that Berks County was formally established on March 11, 1752, from portions of Lancaster, Chester and Philadelphia counties and was named after the historic English county of Berkshire.
“What began as a growing colonial community has become the vibrant, diverse, and resilient county we know today,” Rivera said. “For nearly three centuries, Berks County has been a place of hard work, innovation, and community pride.”
He said the celebration over the coming year will include “events, stories, celebrations, and opportunities for people of all ages to take part in honoring our past while looking ahead to our future.”
The evening opened with a video presentation about Berks County’s history, followed by the presentation of the colors by the Berks County Sheriff’s Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by 11-year-old Jordan McNeil, the national anthem sung by Desiree Torres, and an opening prayer from the Rev. Rev. Nick Camacho of West Lawn United Methodist Church.
A historical portrayal of Conrad Weiser, performed by Rich Pawling of History Alive!, highlighted the founding of Berks County and Weiser’s role in its establishment.
Speaking in character, Pauling described the yearslong effort to create the county.
“It took, are you listening, 14 years of me riding back and forth to Philadelphia,” he said. “And I would not quit.”
He told the audience the anniversary should be observed with care and inclusion.
“Remember to make sure you celebrate this event with historical accuracy,” Pawling said. “Make sure the truth is told with sensitivity towards all races and cultures. But above all, pass on to those children residing in Berks a pride built on truth.”
Local historian Charles J. Adams III followed with a humorous presentation on the origins and pronunciation of Berks and Berkshire, while Floyd Turner offered historical remarks focused on military service and the county’s longstanding sense of community.
Turner said Berks County’s story has always been shaped by the people who made it their home.
“Over the past 275 years, the county has changed a lot,” Turner said. “We have grown and expanded. And we have welcomed a lot of new families to our family.”
Rivera later returned to the stage to speak about the county’s future, saying Berks should continue to build on its strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, small business, education and quality of life.
“The future of Berks County won’t happen by accident,” Rivera said. “It will be shaped by the choices that we make today, by the partnerships we build, and by the vision we share for the generations who will come after us.”
He said he envisions Berks County becoming “one of the most attractive midsize regions to live in the Northeast,” while preserving farmland and open space and continuing to invest in young people and community leadership.
Commissioner Christian Leinbach also addressed the audience, outlining the broader vision for Berks 275 and its connection to ongoing America 250 observances. “We’re not just interested in celebrating for a year,” Leinbach said. “We want to leave a legacy.”
Leinbach said the initiative aims to highlight Berks County’s heritage while also supporting the Berks History Center and Experience Reading & Berks County through partnerships, events and public engagement.
He also previewed several upcoming events tied to the county’s broader anniversary planning, including July programs connected to America 250, a New Year’s Eve celebration later this year, and a weeklong series of events planned for March 2027.
According to organizers, the formal 275th anniversary of Berks County will be observed on March 11, 2027. Wednesday night’s event served as the public kickoff to the yearlong lead-up.
The evening concluded with a countdown ceremony officially opening the Berks 275 celebration.
Rivera said the effort is meant to include both longtime residents and newcomers.
“So whether your family has been here for generations or you are a newcomer resident who proudly calls Berks County home, you are part of this story,” Rivera said, “and this celebration belongs to all of us.”
