A Glimpse Into Moravian History - The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem

The Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District encompasses approximately 14 acres in the heart of the City of Bethlehem.

It was here, in 1741, that the first Moravians—members of a Protestant denomination—began building their community on 500 acres, which eventually expanded to nearly 4,000 acres. Bethlehem was established as the religious and administrative center for Moravians in the New World, sending missionaries throughout the American colonies and to the West Indies.

The Moravians lived in a communal society, organized into groups called choirs, based on age, gender, and marital status. Each person contributed to the well-being of the community and was cared for from birth to death. The Moravians built choir houses, which remain outstanding examples of colonial Germanic-style architecture.

The Colonial Industrial Quarter, established by the Moravians along Monocacy Creek and the Lehigh River, is widely regarded as the first industrial park in the United States. Remnants of this historic area still stand today.

Housed in the oldest building in Bethlehem, the Moravian Museum showcases the city’s unique history, which began with its founding by the Moravians in the early 1740s. Docents lead visitors through the museum, sharing stories of early Moravian community life, medicinal practices, missionary work, relationships with local Indigenous Peoples, and a progressive-for-its-time educational system which included teaching females.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

Considered the oldest building in Bethlehem, the community house or Gemeinhaus was where the entire community of approximately 80 people lived together and it served as a home, church and classroom – including kitchens, workrooms and healthcare area. Today the building houses the Moravian Museum.

Inside the museum

.

A mix of stone and wood construction.

Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.

Amazon Block

Search for an Amazon product to display. Learn more

Amazon Block

Search for an Amazon product to display. Learn more

Amazon Block

Search for an Amazon product to display. Learn more

The German Colonial style white oak timbers are exposed in an interior section of the museum building (Gemeinhaus)..

The following images show the the items the community produced which included furniture, pottery, textiles and doll making.

.

.

.

.

On the second floor of the Gemeinhaus is the Saal, the community’s first place of worship.

.

The Moravians loved music

This instrument, called a Serpent, is made of wood and covered in leather. It dates back to around 1800 and is considered to be part of the tuba family.

The community is known for its unique musical traditions, particularly its use of trombones in celebrations which includes church belfry performances.

.

This exhibit shows the history of hospitality in the Moravian community.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Historic Moravian Bethlehem District is recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding example of Moravian architecture and town planning. 

The clock tower of the Central Moravian Church founded in 1742 and one of the oldest congregations in the United States.

.

The Brethren House, built in 1748, for young single men in the community. The building was later utilized as a hospital for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War in 1776-1778.

Main Hall was built in 1854

A decorative door handle

Built between1746-1749, the Bell House was the residence for married couples whose marriages were determined by a “magic 8 ball” tree of process. The bell is still in use today.

These exterior supports were put in place as extra support for the heavy roof.

The following images are of the Colonial Industrial Quarter, which is considered the first industrial park in the United States. Thirty-five crafts, trades and industries were established here including a butchery, tannery, clockmaker, tinsmith, pewterer, hatter, spinning, weaving, cooper, dye house, community bakery, candlemaker, linen bleachery, saddlery, tailor, cobbler, flax processing, carpenter, and mason.

This is a reconstructed 1750 Smithy, also known as the Blacksmith Shop.

The Springhouse c. 1970 is a reconstructed log building of white oak timber on the site of the original springhouse and milk house which was constructed in 1764.

The Tannery was constructed in 1761 to tan hides into leather.

As early as 1754, this old waterworks building was a part of the system pumped from a spring to a water tower, that stood near this building, through hollowed trunks of trees.

The Grist Miler’s House, was constructed in the 1760’s to provide a home for the miller and his family. The home was expanded in 1834.

The Nain-Schober House, the only extant 18th-century building that was built by and lived in by Indigenous Peoples in Eastern Pennsylvania.

The 1869 Luckenbach Mill, functioned as a grist mill until the late 1940s when it became an automobile parts store surrounded by a junkyard.

God’s Acres on West Market Street is the final resting place for Moravians from 1742-1911, buried next to converted Native Americans or African born Moravians. All of the burial sites are all marked with small flat square stones.

What you should know:

• Museum admission includes a guided tour that generally lasts one hour.

• On the street metered parking and parking garage options are nearby.

• Check website for days and hours of operation, and for any special events.

• Restrooms are available.

• People are friendly and informative.

• Guided and audio walking tours are available through Historic Bethlehem and can be purchased online or at the Visitors Center at 74 West Broad Street.

Location: 66 Church Street, Bethlehem, PA. 18018

For more information: Historic Bethlehem

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to check out my previous posts by clicking here.