A Tie That Binds: General Hartranft, the 1899 Exeter Train Wreck & Beyond

Schedule

Sat, 08 Nov, 2025 at 10:00 am

UTC-05:00

Location

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601 | Reading, PA

Advertisement
Join us on November 8th at 10 AM for an engaging session as part of the Berks History Center's Second Saturday lecture series. Historian Craig Breneiser will explore the life and legacy of John Frederick Hartranft, a distinguished figure who embodied the qualities of a model citizen-soldier during the Civil War. Hartranft began his military career as a regimental colonel, leading his troops from Bull Run to turning back the last Confederate offensive at Fort Stedman, demonstrating his leadership and resilience. After the war, he chose a political path in Pennsylvania, serving with distinction as auditor general and governor.
In 1899, a decade after Hartranft's death, an equestrian statue was dedicated in his honor at the state capitol in Harrisburg. The ceremony was attended by many, including his former comrades from the 51st Pennsylvania regiment. Tragically, the celebration was overshadowed by a catastrophic train wreck near Exeter Station in Berks County, resulting in nearly two dozen fatalities and marking the most deadly accident recorded on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad.
The program will not only recount Hartranft's significant contributions and the tragic train accident but also explore its modern-day connections, providing a comprehensive narrative. Through Craig Breneiser's expert analysis, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these historical events continue to resonate today.
Light refreshments will be available at 9:30 AM, and the lecture will begin promptly at 10AM. Tickets cost $5 for BHC Members and $10 for Non-Members, which includes museum admission.
Off-street parking is available in the BHC's parking lot, located at 160 Spring Street, Reading, PA 19601.
About the Speaker:
Craig Breneiser served 10 years as President of the Berks County First Defenders Civil War Round Table, and has spent 60 years studying and researching the Civil War since his first trip to Gettysburg. He has presented a number of programs to various groups and has edited two period books. Formerly the Berks County 9-1-1 Director, Craig continues to consult and provide project management for public-safety services. He resides with his wife Lisa in Lehigh County.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://berkshistory.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F22003
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Berks History Center

Host or Publisher Berks History Center

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Reading

Christmas Craft Show
Sat, 08 Nov at 09:00 am Christmas Craft Show

2200 State Hill Rd, Reading, PA 19610-1904, United States

CHRISTMAS-MARKETS-AND-FAIRS CHRISTMAS
History Hike: Antietam Lake Park
Sat, 08 Nov at 09:00 am History Hike: Antietam Lake Park

230 Angora Rd, Reading, PA 19606-9634, United States

Women's Retreat ~ Fill Up Your Cup
Sat, 08 Nov at 09:00 am Women's Retreat ~ Fill Up Your Cup

99 S Waverly St, Shillington, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19607

NONPROFIT
WheelChair Rugby Demo Day
Sat, 08 Nov at 09:45 am WheelChair Rugby Demo Day

Happy Hollow Playground Basketball Court, 1100 Wayne Ave, Wyomissing, PA 19610

SPORTS CONTESTS
Build Your Savings with Us
Sat, 08 Nov at 11:00 am Build Your Savings with Us

580 Willow St

WORKSHOPS HEALTH-WELLNESS
Deeper\/ Mas Profundo Youth Conference
Sat, 08 Nov at 11:00 am Deeper/ Mas Profundo Youth Conference

134 N 5th St

BUSINESS CONFERENCES
Eel Trap Basket Weaving Workshop
Sat, 08 Nov at 12:00 pm Eel Trap Basket Weaving Workshop

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

WORKSHOPS ART
Introduction to Awakened Heart Yoga Teacher Training 2026
Sat, 08 Nov at 01:00 pm Introduction to Awakened Heart Yoga Teacher Training 2026

629 Court St, Reading, PA 19611, United States

HEALTH-WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
Charles Evans Cemetery Stroll with Charles & Mary Evans
Sat, 01 Nov at 01:00 pm Charles Evans Cemetery Stroll with Charles & Mary Evans

1119 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19601-1409, United States

Eagle Eyes: The Time of Our Lives in News Photos Through Six Decades in Berks County
Thu, 06 Nov at 05:30 pm Eagle Eyes: The Time of Our Lives in News Photos Through Six Decades in Berks County

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
A Tie That Binds: General Hartranft, the 1899 Exeter Train Wreck & Beyond
Sat, 08 Nov at 10:00 am A Tie That Binds: General Hartranft, the 1899 Exeter Train Wreck & Beyond

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

SPORTS TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Eel Trap Basket Weaving Workshop
Sat, 08 Nov at 12:00 pm Eel Trap Basket Weaving Workshop

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

WORKSHOPS ART
PA German Yarn Star Workshop
Sat, 22 Nov at 10:00 am PA German Yarn Star Workshop

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

WORKSHOPS ART
GETHSEMANE CEMETERY'S WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA EVENT
Sat, 13 Dec at 12:00 pm GETHSEMANE CEMETERY'S WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA EVENT

3139 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19605

BHC's Holiday Craft Boutique & Open House
Sun, 14 Dec at 11:00 am BHC's Holiday Craft Boutique & Open House

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS-MARKETS-AND-FAIRS
A Visit with the Belsnickel
Sat, 20 Dec at 10:00 am A Visit with the Belsnickel

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

What's Happening Next in Reading?

Discover Reading Events