A piece of Berks County history tied to the nation’s Bicentennial celebration has been restored and returned to public view just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.
County officials, community partners and residents gathered Tuesday at the Berks County Heritage Center to unveil the restored Bicentennial Eagle Memorial, a cast aluminum sculpture originally created by students at the former Berks County Vocational Technical School in 1975.
The eagle was originally cast and assembled as part of local celebrations marking the United States Bicentennial in 1976. After decades on display, the sculpture recently underwent a refurbishment effort led by the Berks County Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center and Alvernia University.
According to Berks County, local artist Mike Miller worked with RMCTC students and parks staff to repaint and reinstall the eagle in a courtyard adjacent to the Heritage Center barn. The project also included the addition of a new public art mural surrounding the display.
The restoration was unveiled during a ceremony and press conference held at the Heritage Center on June 16.
In a social media post following the event, county officials said the project gives new life to a symbol of America’s Bicentennial while preserving an important piece of local history.
County officials credited the efforts of teachers, students and community partners for helping restore the sculpture and ensuring it remains on display for future generations.
The restored eagle now stands as both a reminder of the nation’s 200th anniversary celebration and a tribute to the students who created it more than 50 years ago, as communities across the country prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The Berks County Heritage Center is located at 1102 Red Bridge Road in Bern Township.