William Penn Memorial Fire Tower

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William Penn Memorial Fire Tower

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Welcome to the official page of the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower! Follow along to experience its history and be part its future!

Standing 120 feet tall atop Mount Penn, this historic landmark has overlooked Berks County since 1939.

10/18/2026

We were so fortunate to have Berks 1 on 1 join us for our anniversary. Thanks for visiting us!

10/18/2026

We had an amazing day celebrating our anniversary with everyone. Thank you for listening to our history and climbing to the top.

Shout out to Reading Public Library for hosting our morning event for the history buffs!

An anniversary celebration of the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower Saturday featured a lecture followed by a trip up the historical landmark.

10/18/2026

❤️ What a wonderful day to celebrate the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s anniversary event! Whether you’ve loved the Tower for years or were discovering it for the first time, we’re grateful you made it part of your day.

This treasured landmark connects generations through shared memories, local history, and pride in the community we call home. Your support helps keep that connection strong.

A heartfelt thank-you to the volunteers and supporters who helped make today’s celebration possible—and who give their time and care to the Tower throughout the year.

Here’s to more memories on Mount Penn! ❤️

10/17/2026

We're hosting the 2026 Tower Anniversary Event at the site today, Saturday, October 17th from 11:30 AM - 1 PM, in celebration of our 87th birthday.

📍 Part 1 – History & Digital Launch: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Reading Public Library – Southeast Branch (1426 Perkiomen Ave)
Highlights: Enjoy a history talk with local historians, refreshments, and the launch of the new Fire Tower digital site!

🗼 Part 2 – Tower Climbs & Grounds Exploration: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: William Penn Memorial Fire Tower (Skyline Drive)
Highlights: Climb the 156 steps to the top for a spectacular 60-mile view, explore the WPA/CCC grounds, and claim a free "I Saved the Tower" button (while supplies last)!

Join us!

The William Penn Memorial Fire Tower atop Mount Penn will celebrate its 87th anniversary in October with a public event featuring tower climbs, historical presentations and an exploration of the surrounding grounds. The anniversary celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1...

10/17/2026

📸 Capture History Today: William Penn Memorial Fire Tower Anniversary Event!

Want to get the best shots of the Fire Tower? Professional TV News Photojournalist William Seiders created an exclusive video tutorial sharing his top tips for capturing breathtaking photos of our iconic landmark! 🎥✨

Watch Bill's quick photo tutorial, then grab your camera or smartphone and join us tomorrow for the Fire Tower Anniversary Celebration:

📅 Date: Today, Saturday, October 17

📍 Part 1 – History & Digital Launch: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Reading Public Library – Southeast Branch (1426 Perkiomen Ave)
Highlights: Enjoy a history talk with local historians, refreshments, and the launch of the new Fire Tower digital site!

🗼 Part 2 – Tower Climbs & Grounds Exploration: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: William Penn Memorial Fire Tower (Skyline Drive)
Highlights: Climb the 156 steps to the top for a spectacular 60-mile view, explore the WPA/CCC grounds, and claim a free "I Saved the Tower" button (while supplies last)!

Watch the video, get inspired, and come take your best shot! 📸

10/07/2026

Join us for a 30 minute history recap with breakfast treats before we all head up to the Tower!

What's that tall stone monolith in the center of Mount Penn? 🧐

Opened in October 1939, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower is celebrating its 87th anniversary! You are invited on Saturday, October 17 to join us for a special day of history, exploration, and incredible views from one of Reading's most recognizable landmarks.

Part 1 - Tower History Lecture and Program:
10:30 AM at RPL Southeast Branch (RSVP to save your spot)

Begin the celebration with local Skyline historians Corrie Crupi and Mike Reinert for a presentation about the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower, its construction, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era that helped shape the Mount Penn landscape.

Next, librarian Ryan Yanchocik will share highlights from RPL's WPA and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) collections, including historic Mount Penn photographs.

Part 2 - Tower Climb and Grounds Exploration:
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM - William Penn Memorial Fire Tower

Tour the historic William Penn Memorial Fire Tower, climb to the top and take in the spectacular 60-mile panoramic view, and explore the surrounding WPA-and CCC-era grounds.

Corrie and Mike will help bring the mountain's history to life as you discover remnants of the Gravity Railroad, learn about the former Summit House hotel, and explore the stories hidden throughout this historic landscape.

Save your spot for this free event using the link in our bio 🔗

09/23/2026

We're hosting the 2026 Tower Anniversary Event at the site on Saturday, October 17th from 11:30 AM - 1 PM, in celebration of our 87th birthday.

09/13/2026

Skyline Update: What’s Up On The Mountain

On this September edition of Skyline Update, Mike Reinert talks to Theron Cook, the artist responsible for the new mural inside the Pagoda and his son Leo Cook. Also featuring Suzanne Cody promoting upcoming events Tower Sundays.

🎥 on You Tube:

On this September edition of Skyline Update, Mike Reinert talks to ...

Address

621 Skyline Drive
Reading, PA
19606

Opening Hours

12pm - 4pm

Website

https://www.williampennfiretower.com/, https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=CfvAhygdA2jRTBOG-Lg_Wqsnh6m1Gz3O9F67R1-jo34_W

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