In 1741 a group of Moravian missionaries from Europe arrived in what is now Bethlehem and established a community. They christened their settlement during the traditional vigils on Christmas Eve with their patron, Count von Zinzendorf, who was visiting from Europe. Many of the large stone buildings constructed by the Moravians are still in use; the structures are considered among the finest examples of pre-Revolutionary German architecture in the country. The visitor center offers guided tours of the historic district.
Burnside Plantation , an 18th-century farm at 1461 Schoenersville Rd., was the first privately owned Moravian residence in Bethlehem. Guided tours of the grounds are offered throughout the year by appointment only; phone (610) 691-6055. Colonial Industrial Quarter , along Monocacy Creek at 459 Old York Rd., is a restored 1700s industrial site that features a grist miller's house, a springhouse, a blacksmith's shop, the ruins of a pottery shop, a dye house, a butchery and other historic structures. Visitors can watch blacksmiths at work in spring and summer months. The 1810 Goundie House , at 501 Main St., is a Federalist-style brick home built by the town's brewer. A kitchen, dining room and parlor have been furnished in period, and changing exhibitions depict the story of 1800s Bethlehem. Phone (610) 691-6055 for tour information for the Colonial Industrial Quarter and the Goundie House.
Bethlehem is the home of three institutions of higher education: Lehigh University, Moravian College and Northampton Community College. Moravian, established in 1742, is one of America's oldest colleges, and Lehigh is a major research university.
Musikfest is a celebration of music, theater, and arts and crafts held in the historic downtown early- to mid-August. Celebrate the holiday season at Christkindlmarkt, which takes place on Main and Spring streets late November to late December.
Visitor Centers
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites 505 Main St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Phone:(610)691-6055 or (800)360-8687
Self-guiding Tours
Brochures of the Old Bethlehem historic district and tickets for guided walks of the area are available at the visitor center.
Things to Do
The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts