Berks History center reseeds victory gardens

Drawing on an initiative that served the country well in World Wars I and II, the Berks History Center is encouraging Berks County residents to plant victory gardens.

“Berks History for Victory,” an educational campaign, launched on the center’s social media platforms.

“In the past, producing food at home was an act of national solidarity in times of crisis, collectively taking the strain off the American food system during the great world wars,” said Alexis Campbell, associate director. “Today, with uncertainty in our future, we can look to the lessons of the past to get us through this difficult time.”

The center initiative aims to promote home gardening for food security in Berks County and beyond. It focuses on the revitalization of historic victory gardens, providing both historical context and practical information on home-scale food production.

Included are home gardening techniques for urban and suburban residents, as well as background on local and national history behind victory gardens. Participants

will be able to share stories about their gardens using the hashtag #BerksHistoryforVictory.

Closed to the public, the Reading-based center has continued its operations remotely, employing all staff during the statemandated shutdown during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Berks History at Home,” a recently launched resource, allows families to explore Berks County history digitally through videos, articles and downloadable coloring pages.

For more information, call 610-375-4375 or visit www.berkshistory.org.

The center initiative aims to promote home gardening for food security in Berks County and beyond.