The Attractions and Cultural Venues of Reading

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

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As the fifth-largest city in Pennsylvania, it is no great surprise that the area has become intertwined with a considerable history and a present press for a better future. Between steps made to improve the economy and living conditions for the nearly 90,000 in the city of Reading, much of these efforts have to do with overcoming hardships through promoting greater reliance on local jobs, industry, and trades. In recent years, Reading and its surrounding communities have reached a point where more time and effort could get poured back into cultural centers, the arts, and live entertainment. The result has been an artistic renaissance for Berks County, and many structures play a role in this.

Historical Significance of Reading 

While most would believe much of the history surrounding Reading is tied up in the namesake railroad line that once passed through the area, more has defined the city over the centuries since its founding in 1748. At this point, Reading would rely most on its iron production and mining, happily supplying George Washington's troops through the American Revolution with supplies like rifles, cannons, and ammunition. The town of Reading would play a critical role as a supply depot for Continental soldiers during this conflict.

Reading has always been an example of the adage 'feast or famine.' During the first few decades of the 1900s, the city would grow immensely, showering in the city's industrial ventures' successes in the Brass Era. In 1940, the nearly 120,000 residents would begin to shrink substantially as once-profitable industries began to disappear. In recent decades, the population has finally turned back to growth, after losing more than 40,000 residents to the peak of the 1930 Reading population at one point in the 1980 census.

Attractions and Cultural Allure

The upturn in population and potential ventures returning to the city means that the economy can again support the boom of artistry, creation, and entertainment. There are multiple venues and structures vital to these efforts and their display. As a visitor or a long-time resident of the Reading area, knowing where to learn about its history and its current artistic exhibitions helps support these projects and individuals. Here are some of the most widely recognized art, education, cultural, and historical centers in the Greater Reading area.

Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

This museum is unique to the area, as it features restored warplanes and one-of-a-kind aviation vehicles for viewing audiences. There are more than 50 planes and aircraft available to view and tour in the museum. Many of these crafts are restored to flying condition and take part in national World War II events showcasing top vehicles from that era.

GoggleWorks Art Gallery

With a unique venue to create and experience art, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts has a clear mission of transforming lives through introducing and implementing art forms. One of the facility's focuses is the education of those that visit, and that is why there are eight studio areas devoted exclusively to teaching. While this is a historic location recognized nationally in 2006, the availability of art mediums and educational opportunities never wanes. GoggleWorks has exhibition galleries for local artists, a theatre, a restaurant, and more than 200 artists working in the building. Admission is always free, excluding special events.

Reading Public Museum

As much of this building is fixated on the history of Reading and Berks County, it is also worthwhile to note that beyond the artifacts and exhibits of early German settlers and Native American tribes, there is much more to explore. The building features an extensive natural history area with more than 25,000 specimens, an art gallery boasting more than 700 oil paintings by artists worldwide, and priceless collections of more than 11,000 first-class specimens of Native American culture.

Colleges and Universities 

In total, there are four colleges and universities in the immediate area of Reading, which can dramatically add to the potential artistic upturn in the region and fairs and festivals. These schools can offer their students varying focuses and career paths, which brings a diverse group of students to the city every semester. These institutions include:

• Penn State Berks
• Alvernia University
• Reading Area Community College
• Albright College

These schools collectively provide an education for almost 13,000 students every semester, explaining how the arts have become such a significant driving force in the communities. Urban renewal efforts have encouraged students to get involved in the beautification of struggling neighborhoods in the city.

When Is Professional Water Restoration Necessary for Reading Homes? 

With Berks County being susceptible to the harsh winter months, and cold snaps like the Polar Vortex in recent years, under-insulated pipes and fixtures can break, crack, and burst. Even without substantial water disasters, a persistent drip or excessive moisture might still be too considerable to clean and recover on your own.

With the Delaware Valley home to more than 420,000 people, a job for water restoration companies in Reading is never done. Water disasters encompass the most significant volume of the callouts that experienced professionals like our SERVPRO team receives, so we stay prepared for these situations with pre-stocked trailers and production vehicles in our warehouse. Mobilizing the Green Fleet quickly protects more of a damaged home before the conditions become irreparable or irreversible.

Experienced professionals on our roster can ensure that the work gets done efficiently and thoroughly. Whether it is mitigation tasks like extraction to the intricate steps of thoroughly drying moisture-damaged structural elements and contents, we have the industry-leading equipment to do it. In addition to a growing inventory of quality tools, each of our technicians has a minimum of Water Restoration Technician (WRT) training and accreditation through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.)

Choosing professional water restoration can ensure that worsening conditions like mold growth cannot occur. Thorough cleaning, drying, and water removal services are only a call away. You can reach our SERVPRO of Reading team 24/7 at (610) 779-8189.