OPEN EVERYDAY NOON TO 4PM
(Except Major Holidays)
Welcome Friends
The BCGS features a knowledgeable all-volunteer staff, who like yourself, is interested in the family history of our hometown residents. Berks County, erected in 1752, features a rich history and diverse culture. It is the ancestral home of Abraham Lincoln and the birthplace of Daniel Boone, the famous Kentucky pioneer. The county seat, Reading, was founded in 1748 by sons of William Penn, Richard and Thomas, along with Conrad Weiser.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 17 @ 6:30am | Guest speaker will be Jonathon Del Collo, the Prothonotary of Berks County. More
Saturday, April 26 @ 10am - 4pm | History Day at Daniel Boone Homestead. More
The BCGS Library will be closed on May 5, 6, and 7 due to construction.
Thursday, November 21 @ 6:30am | Guest speaker will be Jonathan Bond from the Albany Township Historical Society. Learn More
NOW AVAILABLE: 45 Years of Journals (scanned files with index) on a USB flash drive. List price: $36 | Members: $29. Pick one up at the Library or call us and we will drop it in the mail for an additional $1. Learn More
About Genealogy
Many people express a natural curiosity about their ancestors. They listen to stories told by parents, grandparents, or other older folks. The stories may be about the good old days, serving our country, or arriving as immigrants.
The science of genealogy allows researchers to act as detectives as they piece together bits of information about their ancestors. They may want to find out when their ancestors first arrived in the United States, if any fought in the Revolutionary War or Civil War, or if anyone famous is a member of their tree. The pathway to the past however, is not paved with gold, though some may be discovered along the way. It’s often a rough and rocky journey through twists and turns and sometimes road blocks.
Regardless of the initial purpose for the research, discovering one's family history yields many enlightening and enriching rewards.
Obtaining Information
A wealth of documentation exists about Berks County families including census records (1790-1950), back issues of the local daily newspaper, church records, cemetery records, naturalization records, minister journals, family indexes, deeds, wills, warrantee maps, and more.
The BCGS Library, open 7 days a week, offers a multitude of organized material to assist researchers in piecing together family histories.
Where to Start
If you’re new to genealogy or overwhelmed by all the information, check out our Helpful Tips page. It includes research strategies, interpretations of the census forms, reviews of the top genealogy software packages, and a list of common genealogical terms and abbreviations. It also explains the value of information found in obituaries and cemeteries.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Finding Your Roots - On PBS
Genealogy Videos On 