Formed March 11, 1752; Berks County is beautifully situated in southeastern Pennsylvania. With mild climate and fertile soil, Berks County attracted a variety of people from Europe and around the world seeking a better life for themselves and their families. The first to settle were the Swedes in 1701 near the mouth of the Manatawny Creek. Soon Huguenots were to take up residence in the Oley Valley, followed by the Germans in 1712 and the English in 1720.

The Welsh came to southwestern Berks settling along the Wyomissing and Cacoosing Creeks. A small group of Hebrews settled in Reading and Myerstown. There were a small number of Scots, Irish, Holland Dutch, Mulattos, and Negroes, who appeared in the 1790 census of the County.

These people, of rich and varied backgrounds have made Berks County a brilliant tapestry of cultural diversity. Their ingenuity, industriousness, and valor have given us a history the Berks County Daughters take pride in preserving.