History lives in Lehigh Valley for all to see

October 19th, 2024

“Welcome strangers and sojourners.” This expression is one we take to heart at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.

Since the 18th century, Bethlehem has been a place of community, education, and cultural preservation. This history is foundational to the modern city we know and love today. The Moravian landmarks we drive by, walk among, and admire for their architectural beauty have recently been place on the World’s stage. Through decades of work by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites to preserve these structures, residents and visitors can experience the active historical sites that hold memories of the storied past.

Community organizations, businesses and dedicated individuals worked tirelessly to ensure the city’s unique heritage is not lost to time. Their efforts culminated in the inscription of Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem to the World Heritage List in July 2024. This transnational recognition, shared with Moravian Church Settlements in Gracehill, Northern Ireland, Herrnhut, Germany, and Christiansfeld, Denmark, is a testament to the power of community and the enduring value of our shared history.

Bethlehem’s World Heritage distinction not only celebrates our local history but also connects us to a worldwide community, expanding our understanding of Moravian values of equality, inclusion and education for all. These values are coupled with the impact of historic preservation and its significance to our region, country and the world. It’s a connection that transcends borders and time, making us part of a larger narrative of cultural preservation and appreciation.

Although it is impossible to name every organization and person who worked passionately for Bethlehem’s worthy cultural recognition, specific individuals deserve to be recognized for their outsized contributions. As we look ahead to Bethlehem’s future, we should honor a few key individuals who preserved its past.

From the early Moravian Sisters, women played a pivotal role in preserving and sharing Bethlehem’s heritage. In the 1930s, Jeanette Zug and Miriam Taylor dedicated their lives to preserving our history, leading tours for visiting Rotarians’ wives and raising funds to open the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem. That same determination was witnessed again in 1968 when Christine Sims and Frances Martin saved the 1810 Goundie House from demolition by protesting in the face of a wrecking ball. In 2002, Charlene Donchez Mowers, past president of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, following in the footsteps of the women before her, started the work to have Bethlehem inscribed as a World Heritage site. Their courage and perseverance inspire us all to continue their work, preserve our history and share the storied past with friends and visitors.

An important effort that helped pave the way to the World Heritage designation was the preservation efforts of the Colonial Industrial Quarter. Over 50 years ago, Ralph G. Schwarz, a former Bethlehem Steel employee, helped provide vision and momentum for the city’s redevelopment of the former salvage yard. He established the first museum organization, the Kemerer Museum, which was the impetus for more preservation in the historic district that ultimately came together to form Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. By bringing the local community and varied corporate connections together, he united participants in a shared vision. As a result, Bethlehem was designated Pennsylvania’s first Historic District in 1961.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites will soon open the Ralph G. Schwarz Center for Colonial Industries in the Grist Miller’s House. Many visitors and residents will recall the iconic steel beams that supported the Grist Miller’s building from collapse for over 20 years. These were removed in September, marking a new phase for the public to use and enjoy.

Through the continued contributions and efforts of the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites community, the legacy of the historic structures included in Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem, will be preserved and showcased for all to see. Throughout the long inscription process, our sites, tour and programs continued to welcome visitors. With the Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem inscription, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites expanded its operating hours, accommodating more guests looking to experience Bethlehem’s history and culture year-round with walking tours led by docents dressed in period attire.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites worked with many partner organization for the inscription of Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem. These include Bethlehem Area Moravians, Central Moravian Church, Moravian University and the city government. Notably, however, it was Donchez Mowers’ foresight, along with several donors, that fostered the vision for the community’s new badge of honor.

Are you ready to visit the newest World Heritage Site? I encourage you to see for yourself. Visit our 1810 Goundie House Welcome Center at 501 Main Street and experience Historic Bethlehem like never before. Become a member or share the joy of volunteering. Whatever you choose, you will help Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites live up to the remarkable responsibility bestowed on us…to preserve and share history. Your involvement is crucial in preserving that legacy for future generations. History loves company.

LoriAnn Wukitsch is the president and CEO of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.

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