The Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Elverson and Morlatton Village near Douglassville are three of the sites featured in the "Road to Roots" program being offered this summer by the Mifflin Community Library (MCL) and the Berks History Center.

As part of the first-time event, residents are invited to explore 13 locations throughout Berks County through Tuesday, Aug. 31. Those who visit at least 10 of the locations will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Tourgoers are asked to share photos from their visits to the various sites on social media with the hashtag #berksroadtoroots.

Those who would like to take part in "Road to Roots" are asked to pick up a map to the 13 locations at MCL, 6 Philadelphia Ave., Shillington, or at the Berks History Center, 940 Centre Ave., Reading. Maps to the locations are also available for downloading at http://www.berkslibraries.org/branch/roadtoroots. The map includes a QR code that will lead participants to a summary of each location and provide a history of the landmark and historical photos.

The program, according to event organizers, is designed to get families to explore Berks County in a safe manner while there are still some concerns about the pandemic. "Things are getting back to normal, but we are still in the transition stage," said Amy Fulton, communications and marketing manager for the Berks History Center. "There is so much history in Berks County. It's a vacation right in your backyard."

Participants are encouraged to visit the website of each location prior to visiting to learn the hours of operation and site rules. While a majority of the locations are free, some may charge a nominal fee for entry.

"We took cost into consideration (when choosing the sites)," said Fulton. "The majority of them don't have admission fees. They have space to walk around, they have trails and (in some cases) you can bring your pets."

In addition to those already mentioned, some other sites on the tour are the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles and the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum.

"We wanted to make the program manageable, but also give (participants) a list of options," said Fulton, explaining why 13 sites were chosen for the tour. "People can pick and choose what they feel comfortable with and do it on their own time and at their own pace. (Everyone) can partake in this summer adventure that offers local residents a unique and fun opportunity to learn more about the 300-year story of Berks County and its people."

Once participants have visited at least 10 out of the 13 locations, they are to return their map by Aug. 31 to MCL in exchange for a gift and entry into a drawing for gift cards and other prizes. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

For more information about the Berks History Center and Road to Roots, visit the previously mentioned website, http://www.berkshistory.org or http://www.facebook.com/berkshistory or contact Fulton at a.fulton@berkshistory.org.