Rich Pawling's History Alive

03/16/2026

03/13/2026

Berks County (PA) kicked off its 275th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday 3/11. Conrad Weiser, who was the leader behind the county's formation on 3/11/1752 and who was last seen in Berks at the 250th celebration, made another appearance - 25 years later! Find a great article in the Berks Weekly online edition including CW quotes as well as a video of the entire kick-off program at https://berksweekly.com/news/berks-county-launches-berks-275-celebration-with-kickoff-event-at-miller-center/ (check around the 24:00 mark for the introduction of and remarks by Conrad at this event). Enjoy!

05/02/2025

Attn. Berks Countians - Rich (as Conrad Weiser) will appear on BCTV Channel 15 tonight (as well as other Fridays prior to the May 17 Armed Forces Parade) at 6:30pm or Tuesdays at 2pm on the Victory Show (taped last night). Enjoy!

04/21/2025

Sat. April 26 – Rich will be attending the Camp Geiger Civil War Reenactment at 4689 South Church St., Whitehall, PA 18052.
As Principal Musician for the Union Volunteers Battalion, he will be interpreting the role of the Bugler in the Civil War (on Saturday only). Look for him in the UV Command Staff area or fraternizing with the men of the 14th Brooklyn regiment (known as the "Red Legged Devils" due to their distinctive uniforms).
A complete weekend activity schedule can be found athttps://whitehalltownship.org/rec/schedule.pdf

10/26/2024

Rich was honored by the R.M. Butterweck Detachment 465 of the Marine Corps League as the recipient of their 2024 Associate Marine of the Year Award for all his volunteer efforts for them during the past year. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

07/27/2024

Great weather day for a trip to Cornwall Furnace Historic Site in Lebanon County PA. Rich will be leading at least two tours today (call the site to verify which ones and register). https://www.cornwallironfurnace.org/visit/tours. Sorry for the late post!

06/05/2024

It's happening this weekend at Cook Forest State Park - the 20th Annual French & Indian War Encampment. Rich will be appearing Saturday June 8th at both 1pm and 8pm in the Sawmill Theater as Stoffel Stump (the man who walked with Conrad Weiser) as well as in the Sawmill Classroom at 2:30pm for Meet the Character. For information on the entire event happenings - https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/cook_forest_french_indian_war_encampment_9787

05/07/2024

Don't miss this local Berks County appearance this Saturday May 11 at Sinking Spring Public Library (3940 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring - parking in rear / off of Columbia Ave.). This program features Rich as Conrad Weiser - PA's 18th Century "Go Between" with native nations and is recommended for adults and teens. Please register in advance by calling 610-678-4311. For more info, click on https://www.berkslibraries.org/events/59583.

04/27/2024

Reminder - Saturday April 27 is the day that the Muleskinner's String Band will be presenting three educational concerts at the Camp Geiger Civil War Reenactment event in Whitehall. Civil War selections will include historical introductions making these anything but "just another concert" with no two presentations exactly the same! And, unlike last year, the weather's to be great so don't miss out! Note: Follow your GPS to MacArthur Road, past the Mall and about a mile beyond the Whitehall Diner, make a left at the Autozone (GPS may not equate the address with that turn!) Enjoy...

04/12/2024

Don't miss out on the repeat performance of the Muleskinner's String Band at the Camp Geiger Civil Reenactment Event on Saturday April 27th!

03/13/2024

Good News - our long-time 610 phone number is back and just in time for Rich's birthday too!