HBMS Announces $7.25M Fundraising Effort Supporting Historic Restoration Projects and Area Tourism

January 22nd, 2025

The campaign’s last phase will fund the completion of Grist Miller’s House & Overlook on History.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS), one of the key partners that helped shepherd Bethlehem’s historic Moravian properties toward its recent World Heritage designation, is underway with a $7.25 million capital campaign to enhance the experience of local, national and international visitors. To date, the nonprofit has raised $6.25 million toward its goal.

The Taking the World Stage campaign is funding essential infrastructure and capitalimprovements at the historic properties under HBMS’ care, including the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the oldest building in Bethlehem; 1744 Single Sisters’ House, 1761 Tannery and 1762 Waterworks, all part of the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage site. The campaign is also funding HBMS’ Heritage Fund, an endowment fund established to ensure HBMS can care for the buildings in perpetuity.

“The Taking the World Stage campaign is about more than just preserving history. It’s about creating a dynamic future and inspiring people of all ages by showcasing the stories of resilience, innovation and community that Bethlehem has to offer,” said Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites President & CEO LoriAnn Wukitsch.

Thanks to the support of numerous individuals and organizations, $6.25 million of the $7.25 million goal has already been raised. The remaining $1 million is necessary to complete the 1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House project, which will serve as an important link between Bethlehem’s historic Main Street, one of the top Main Streets in the United States, and the Colonial Industrial Quarter, considered to be the oldest industrial park in the nation.

The Grist Miller’s House Will Feature the Overlook on History

Slated to open this spring, the newly renovated Grist Miller’s House, designed by Artefact founder and lead architect Christine Ussler, features the Ralph Schwarz Center for Colonial Industries, highlighting the early trades in Bethlehem through rotating exhibitions; a shop showcasing and selling handmade works by local artisans; and a dynamic educational programming space for school groups. It will also include the stunning glass-and-steel Overlook on History, designed by architect David Scott Parker of Parker Architects, whose credits include numerous National Historic Landmarks ranging from the U.S. Treasury in Washington, D.C. to the Mark Twain House in Connecticut. The Overlook on History will link the Grist Miller’s House to the 1869 Luckenbach Mill, serve as a classroom space and offer a panoramic view of the Colonial Industrial Quarter.

Taking The World Stage Has Led to Noted Improvements

Funds raised from the Taking the World Stage campaign will maintain and preserve all 20 historic buildings and properties under HBMS’ care. Over the past three years, HBMS has restored the windows and doors of 1762 Tannery; restored the floors and shutters at the 1741 Gemeinhaus, which houses the Moravian Museum; renovated the 1810 Goundie House Welcome Center; developed and opened the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe on Main Street; installed new HVAC systems at the Moravian and Kemerer Museums; and added new flooring to the Kemerer Museum. In addition to the work at the Grist Miller’s House, future projects include restoring the floors of the Single Sisters’ House and undertaking additional restoration of the first floor of the 1762 Tannery. All renovations follow green, energy-efficient practices, as well as best practices in historic restoration.

“The Taking the World Stage campaign is a bold vision — a promise to secure Historic Bethlehem’s place as a globally recognized treasure,” said Taking the World Stage Campaign Chair Jennifer Van De Voorde. “Now, we are inviting everyone in our community and beyond to join us in bringing this vision to life by completing the Overlook on History.”

Individuals interested in supporting and learning more about how they can be part of the Taking the World Stage Capital Campaign can visit historicbethlehem.org or contact Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites President & CEO LoriAnn Wukitsch at lwukitsch@historicbethlehem.org.

Share This