The Kutztown Area Historical Society (KAHS) was founded in 1974-75 as a response to the American Bicentennial and the need for a local history resource beyond the Historical Society of Berks County. It is one of the earliest regional historical societies in Berks County and serves the northeastern districts of Kutztown, Brandywine Heights, and Fleetwood. The society was incorporated in February1976 and later acquired the 1892 Public School Building from the Kutztown Area School District on February 27, 1979, which currently serves as the organization's headquarters.

KAHS is housed in a stunning late Victorian building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The society's museum and administrative offices are located here. The building houses a wide range of artifacts and photographs from the Kutztown area, and a non-circulating library full of historical publications, which is a valuable resource for local historians. Throughout the year, the building hosts various activities, including the beloved Annual Holiday Festival, held on the second weekend in November.

With the recent addition of Bicentennial Park, the Society hopes to host even more events and add to its current offerings of educational sessions and train tours.

The Kutztown Area Historical Society's Roots and Growth.

The Kutztown Area Historical Society’s mission is to collect and preserve historical artifacts and resources that represent the unique culture and heritage of the Kutztown region, and to educate and engage the public in the shared history of the community.

Park Ave aka Main St

Preserve. Appreciate. Connect.

To preserve, celebrate, and connect people to the history and culture of the Kutztown region, through the collection and preservation of artifacts, publications, and historic sites.

To cultivate a sense of appreciation for the rich history and unique culture of the Kutztown region, through the creation of opportunities for learning and engagement.

To build a community of shared understanding and appreciation for the history and culture of the Kutztown region, through outreach and collaboration.

The Kutztown Area Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history and records of the Kutztown area, including the Pennsylvania German dialect and culture, through collecting and preserving material artifacts, maintaining a library and archive, restoring the historic 1892 Public School Building, and promoting historical inquiry. The society also encourages the preservation of historically significant sites, structures, and material culture artifacts throughout the area and extends its services and collections to local educational institutions and civic organizations through an outreach docent program.

Board of Directors

Karen Delong

PRESIDENT

Pam Berg

VICE PRESIDENT

Meredith Strasser

RECORDING SECRETARY

Rita Robertson

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Janet Yost

TREASURER

Nancy Hildenbrand

DIRECTOR

Sheila Fulton

DIRECTOR

Brenda Winkler

DIRECTOR

Kathy Petrie

DIRECTOR

Audrey Miller

DIRECTOR

Jessie Bieber

BOARD MEMBER

Craig Koller

BOARD MEMBER

Ethel DeMatteo Beck

BOARD MEMBER

Jeff Schmoyer

BOARD MEMBER

Faith Schaffer

BOARD MEMBER

Jody Reidenhour

BOARD MEMBER

David Walker

BOARD MEMBER

Martha Johnson

BOARD MEMBER

Brendan Strasser

BOARD MEMBER

Martha DeTurk

BOARD MEMBER

Stephanie Derstine

BOARD MEMBER

Donald “Spike” Miller

BOARD MEMBER

Charles Young

BOARD MEMBER

Committees

  • Membership

  • Program

  • Finance

  • Ways & Means

  • Property Supervision

  • Building Use

  • Security

  • Memorial

  • Education

  • Public Relations - Publicity

  • Publications

  • Library & Museums

  • Historical Sites