Keith Haring historical marker to be placed near his childhood home in Kutztown

Iconic pop artist Keith Haring’s Berks County roots are being officially made part of Pennsylvania history.

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission announced Thursday the approval of 36 new Pennsylvania Historical Markers that will be erected across the state. They include one dedicated to Haring, who was born and raised in Kutztown.

The proposed location for the marker is outside the Kutztown Area Historical Society at 212 S. Whiteoak St., which is near Haring’s childhood home. It is unclear when the marker will be installed.

Haring gained international recognition as a pop artist in New York City during the 1980s. He was also a passionate activist, engaged in issues such as the AIDS epidemic and public health, racism, homophobia and environmentalism.

Haring passed away at the age of 31 in 1990 from AIDS-related complications.

Pennsylvania’s historical marker program began in 1946. Since that time, more than 2,500 of the blue signs with yellow writing have been placed throughout the state.

The markers have chronicled the people, places and events that have affected the lives of Pennsylvanians over the centuries.

For more information about the marker program, visit PAHistoricalMarkers.com.