Do you want to get outdoors this Spring and visit historic sites in Berks County?
Stepping Into History
The Stepping Into History program is one of our most successful ventures. Recognizing the values and interests of lifelong learners, our Stepping Into History program was created to provide seniors a pleasure-filled educational experience and an opportunity to explore historical sites to learn about the culture and history of the destination. Stepping Into History offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, walk for wellness and learn the history of the popular landmarks in our backyard.
Lerch Tavern Museum – Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 10:00am – 11:30 am
Join us for the season’s first Stepping into History tour of the year as we visit the Historic Lerch Tavern in Wernersville. Built in 1797, the building is the second oldest in town, and has served as a tavern, a general store, a private residence and several businesses. In 1976, a group of local residents formed the Heidelberg Heritage Society and purchased the deteriorating structure.
Since then, members of the group have spent countless hours restoring and furnishing the building with memorabilia from the area. A special feature of the Museum is a collection of pictures and artifacts from the famous South Mountain resorts.
Please note: the Museum exhibits are on three floors (no elevator). Our group is limited to 35 participants. There is no fee, but your donations to support the work of the Heidelberg Heritage Society is greatly appreciated.
Deerfoot Farm & Winery – Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Located behind lake Ontelaunee in Maidencreek township, Deerfoot Farm encompasses approximately 100 acres of rolling hills and woodlands. The Brown family has been farming the soil since 1947. Their fields fed generations of dairy cows, produced top quality hay for the equine industry and even grew sweet corn with a special bi-color called “Ambrosia,” requested by local markets throughout the area.
In 2010, Dan, the third generation of “Farmer Browns,” planted 1200 grapevines with no plan to start a winery. But ten years later the cozy tasting room in a converted summer kitchen boasts over two dozen national and international awards and are the only winery in PA. to win a medal at the 2019 Los Angeles wine competition.
Join us as Dan will share the history of the farm, including 200+ year old artifacts found on the property. The wine tasting shed will be open, where you can sample and purchase their award-winning wines.
There is no fee, but your donations to support the farm and winery work are greatly appreciated.
Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead – Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 10:00am – 11:30 am
Our third historic destination is the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead located on Tulpehocken Road in Wyomissing. The property includes a beautifully restored stone-built farmhouse built in the early 1700s and a Sweitzer replica barn which is now accepting reservations for special events and overnight stays.
The Homestead tells the story of the Old Order Amish Anabaptist Stoltzfus family who purchased the farm in 1771. Examples of period furnishings, clothing, farm implements, and other items can be found throughout the property.
There is some walking involved, and the home has a steep staircase to the second floor. Donations to help to maintain the property are always welcome.
Berks History Center – Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 10:00am – 11:30 am
Our last Spring tour will take us to the Berks History Center located on Centre Avenue in the Center Park Historic District of Reading. Also known as the Historical Society of Berks County, the Berks History Center has served our community since 1869 and offers three floors of exciting exhibits. Their research library houses state-of-the-art archive and serves as a valuable resource for historical and genealogical information. The Center also offers exciting events and engaging programs for fun-filled learning.
Our visit will be led by the Education Curator and center staff. Our group is limited to 40 participants and a fee of $5.00 cash in the exact amount to be paid prior to the tour. Due to the high number of participants, please plan to arrive ½ hour early for fee processing.
Join us for any or all four of our Spring Stepping Into History programs where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and seasonal scenery, meet new people and make new friends, gain strength and stamina, improve brain function and mood, all while learning about the history of our area.
Registration is required for each event you plan to attend, call Kathy Roberts: 484-388-3196.
