Schuylkill Navigation Bicentennial Events – Reading, PA
Saturday – Monday May 17-19, 2025

WaterHistoryPHL.org/Schuylkill-navigation-bicentennial

The Upper and Lower Sections of the Navigation were joined in Reading on May 20, 1825.  For the three days before the Bicentennial Day, open houses and events will be held at individual historical societies and parks along the Navigation, with a  Conference on Sunday May 18, “At the Confluence of Navigation History: Past, Present, and Future,” at C. Howard Hiester Canal Center at the Berks County Heritage Center.  There is no charge Saturday and Monday which will feature driving/walking tours of important sites of the Navigation.  Registration for the tours and conference is now open. Check the above website for the registration form.

May 17-19, 2025
Events in READING and other CANAL TOWNS

along the Schuylkill River celebrating the history of Pennsylvania’s pioneering slackwater-canal system
Saturday May 17: Free open houses and events at individual historical societies and parks from the top of the Navigation to the bottom
Schuylkill County Historical Society, includes canal, railroad, and anthracite history, Saturdays 10-2 PM 
Leesport Lock House, Locks 36-37
Laurel Locks Farm Tour 11 AM. Advance email registration required
Frick’s Locks Village Tours 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Spring-Ford Area Historical Society Museum Open 2-4, Kids’ Canal Boat Activity 2 PM at 526 Main Street, Royersford
Lock 60 Schuylkill Canal Park Open house, towpath tours and new signs 12-3 PM
Fairmount Water Works Philadelphia, Saturday hours 10-5

Sunday May 18: At the Confluence of Navigation History

All-Day History & Environment Symposium. Slide presentations, discussions, displays, and self-guided tours. Events held at C. Howard Hiester Canal Center at the Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Rd., Reading PA 19605. CLICK HERE  https://waterhistoryphl.org/snc200-confluence-symposium/  for details and registration.

Monday May 19: Driving/walking tour of Hamburg Canal sites in Berks County, 10 AM to 3 PM. Tour is free, but advance email registration is required. Planned Stops: Lock 30 and Etchberger Trail; Five Locks rewatered canal; Lock 33 Shoemakersville, Locks 36-37 Leesport, old Hamburg Canal outlet lock site and Herbines Lock 38