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Happenings Magazine: Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
August 20th, 2018 | In The News
The Moravians founded Bethlehem in the 1700s. It was the site of America’s earliest industrial park and witnessed the rise and fall of Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites preserves and maintains 20 historic sites, 60,000+ artifacts and three centuries of rich history. Look for Historic Site markers throughout the city to learn more about its heritage. The Colonial Industrial Corner—America’s earliest industrial park– is now home to the Valley’s summer Musikfest. Tour the 1810 Goundie House and the 1748-1848 Burnside Plantation for a glimpse into the city’s colonial roots. Get a closer look by joining a museum or walking tour, such as the year-round Bethlehem Steel Tours and the Hoover-Mason Trestle Tour. Go behind the scenes at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts to view the Elizabeth Johnston Prime dollhouse collection. One of the largest antique dollhouse collections in the US, it features 44 buildings and 6,000 period-appropriate pieces. The “Christmas City, USA” holiday experience features the much-loved Trees of Historic Bethlehem and the Holiday Putz Trail exhibits. Historic Moravian Bethlehem is one of only eight National Historic Landmark Districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2016, the district was named to the Tentative U.S. list for eventual nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Placement here would recognize the global, cultural and historical importance of the district on the same level as the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids at Giza. Visit www.historicbethlehem.org
