The Berks County Parks & Recreation Department announced the completion of a project to install interpretive wayfinding signs at the Berks County Heritage Center, Red Bridge Road, Bern Township. These signs provide visitors the opportunity to walk to nine different sites around the park and learn a bit more about the history of the feature in front of them.
Utilizing historic photos in the Berks County Heritage Center archives collection, signs for the Gruber Wagon Works, Deppen Cemetery, Wertz’s ‘Red’ Bridge, Melcher Grist Mill, Reeser Farm House, Mildred the Houseboat, Hiester Canal Center, the Salad and Herb Garden and a Welcome sign at the parking lot and Distelfink sculpture, were created to tell the story of the area.
The project was made possible with funding from the Mildred ‘Gruber’ Arnold Trust Fund. According to William Semmel, retired Parks & Recreation Department Director and trustee of the Arnold estate, Mildred’s desire was to make the history of the area and the features of the Heritage Center more accessible to visitors, regardless of whether or not they were with a tour guide.
Mr. Semmel worked with Cathy Wegener, Superintendent of Interpretive Services and the exhibit design firm of Exhibit Graphic Interiors, Hummelstown, in the creation and development of the nine signs.
For more information on this project or the Parks and Recreation Department, please contact the Heritage Center office, 610-374-8839 or visit www.countyofberks.com.
