Over a period of 40 years, The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County has pursued its mission of preserving some of the most significant historic buildings in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Since its inception in 1964, the Trust has acquired numerous architecturally and historically significant properties in the Greater Reading-Berks County Area. The Trust currently maintains eight stone structures from the early settlement years of the region, including the oldest documented building still standing in Berks County, the Mouns Jones House.
Morlatton Village – Represents pieces of an early Swedish settlement begun in the early 1700’s, and is considered the birthplace of Berks County. Additional structures constructed slightly later in the 1760’s also comprise the village. This site includes The Michael Fulp House, the Mouns Jones house, the Douglass Mansion, and the White Horse Inn.
Michael Fulp House (circa 1784) – Located adjacent to the Mouns Jones House, the Fulp House served as the residence of the son of a German immigrant through the Port of Philadelphia. Michael was a Revolutionary War veteran who became the Village handy-man and a journeyman carpenter. The HPTBC began restoring the property in 1965, with a 2d campaign occurring in 2011-12, all detailed and illustrated in the Trusts archives at Past Perfect Online..
George Douglass Mansion (circa 1765) – Originally built and inhabited by colonial entrepreneur George Douglass, the mansion remains an impressive example of Georgian architecture. The Trust acquired the building in 1988 and began restoration, which is ongoing to this day. Douglassville, PA, home to Morlatton Village, was named after George Douglass.
Mouns Jones House (circa 1716) – Built by early Swedish settler Mouns Jones and his family, the house is the oldest document dwelling in Berks County. The HPTBC began restoration of the property in 1965. The Mouns Jones House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
White Horse Inn (circa 1762) –Purchased by the Trust in 1970, the White Horse Inn was visited by former President George Washington during Colonial times. The White Horse has undergone extensive restoration throughout the years, but still holds its Colonial character. The White Horse Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hottenstein House – Located just outside Kutztown, PA, the main house was built in 1783 by David and Catherine Hottenstein. The house is an outstanding example of German style detailing added to a standard Georgian floor plan. The house remained in the Hottenstein Family until 1976 when it was donated to the HPTBC. The Hottenstein House in listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Johan DeTurk Cabin – The DeTurk Cabin has been recognized by the U.S. Government as “an important architectural survivor from the Colonial Period” and is documented in the Library of Congress. The HPTBC acquired the property in 1967, and holds a 100 year lease on the property.
Jacob Keim Farmstead – Located in Pike Township, the two stone structures on this site are excellent examples of 18th century German-influenced architecture. In 1706, Johannes Keim settled on the land where he first lived in a log structure which was built in 1708. In 1978, the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County acquired the farmstead as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. M. Richard Boyer. The Keim Farmstead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2016 was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Host Your Event – The buildings and properties maintained by the HPTBC are available for your event of gathering for more information, contact the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County.
Click here for the HPTBC booklet. A complimentary copy of the booklet will be mailed, while supplies last, to a USPS address emailed to info@historicpreservationtrust.org.