Collections

Over 70,000 artifacts, including many related to Bethlehem’s early Moravians, are in the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ collections.  We store our most sensitive objects in our 5,000-square-foot Collections Resource Center at the Kemerer Museum (427 N. New Street, Bethlehem).

Research Inquiries

Our library and archives are one of the best places to research local history and include:

• Thousands of local photographs from the 19th and 20th-centuries.
• Early city maps and documents
• City directories from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s.
• The finest decorative arts library in Pennsylvania.

The library and archives are located at both the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts at 427 New Street, and the Luckenbach Mill at 459 Old York Road.

We are happy to assist in any research inquiries, and researchers may schedule a personal consultation to receive help with questions related to a subject or genealogical research.

• Submit research requests in writing to Charlotte Filiciotto.
• Please write a clear and concise description of the information you are seeking.
• Briefly, indicate what you know about the individual/surname or topic you are investigating.
• List the sources of information that have been consulted so we do not duplicate information.

Historic Bethlehem members receive free access to our archives. Learn how you can enjoy the same benefit by becoming a member today.

Help us to preserve this history and share these stories

Make a gift and share one of your fondest memories of Bethlehem in the comment section of the donation form! Please consider making a contribution today.

Object Donations

We are happy to discuss the potential donation of objects or items for the collections of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. Our decision on whether to accept an artifact are based on relevance, condition, other objects in our collection, and our ability to store and care for it.