About Us
Who We Are
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites provides an in-depth look into the history and culture of Bethlehem, from its establishment in 1741 as a Moravian community to the present. Through the preservation of original buildings and sites, comprehensive exhibits, research collections, and educational programs, the organization reveals the unique role that Bethlehem and its people played in the formation of the United States.
Mission & Vision
We are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the diverse, rich history of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region. Our mission is to deepen the public's understanding and appreciation for Bethlehem's dynamic history by providing unique and engaging experiences that explore and commemorate the contributions of all our community has to offer.
Board of Trustees
HBMS is grateful for the dedicated members of our Board of Trustees, who provide leadership, guidance, and support for our organization and carry out our mission of preserving and interpreting our unique history.
Our Staff
Our committed and talented staff are the heart of what makes our organization special. We take great pride in working hard every day to ensure the heritage of the city remains well-preserved and vibrant, while also ensuring our guests have an exceptional experience.
1741 Society
The 1741 Society was established to recognize donors of $1,000 or more at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. Donors to the Society help ensure that HBMS continues to provide high-quality programming for youth and adults and care of our collections and historic resources.
Commitment to Community
At Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, we are dedicated to sharing Bethlehem's rich history with all who visit. We recognize the many perspectives that have shaped our past and strive to present a full and engaging story that reflects the people who built this community.
Annual Report
We are delighted to share our progress, as we look back on our successful events and programs. We also celebrate our dedicated group of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. In this report, we share the successes of our last year and reflect on how our programs and initiatives have enriched the lives of the people in our community.
Latest Updates
Historic Bethlehem Is Planning Its Next Chapter: You Can Help Write It
CNN Spotlights Bethlehem: Discover the Moravian Legacy Behind America's Historic Gem
Blueberry Bliss Awaits: Your Exclusive Look at the 2026 Blueberry Festival Menu
Fresh & Flavorful: What’s New at the 2026 Blueberry Festival!
Why Historic Bethlehem is Absolutely Worth Visiting This Summer
Something sweet is making its way to Historic Bethlehem this Saturday
A Community at the Table: Master Planning Advisory Council Forms to Help Shape Historic District’s Future
Volunteer Spotlight: Ron Mordosky
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites Begins Major Tourism Planning Project
Travel + Leisure points July 4th travelers to Bethlehem for America's 250th
Steel Rises for the Overlook on History
Community Heritage Day Photos
Careers & Internships
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites provides a remarkable opportunity for individuals to learn about our history and experience this exciting and unique landscape. We offer a variety of career and internship opportunities that provide exciting growth prospects and professional development. Our team is comprised of individuals with a broad range of interests, skills, and backgrounds — so we invite you to explore and discover how you fit into our organization. We hope you will consider joining us as we work together to preserve and share Bethlehem’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
About Us Frequently Asked Questions
Our organization strives to promote the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Bethlehem’s rich history and culture. From historic buildings to interactive museum experiences, we strive to provide meaningful and memorable experiences for all. We hope this FAQ page can help you have a seamless experience when visiting us and learning about our mission. Thank you for visiting with us!
What is Historic Bethlehem Museums & SItes?
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that proudly preserves and maintains 20 historic sites, seven gardens, five ruins, one orchard, and 60,000+ artifacts. Our organization engenders a sense of place by working tirelessly to restore, educate, and share all we can about these beautiful buildings and their storied pasts.
What sites are a part of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites?
The 1752 Apothecary, 1748-1848 Burnside Plantation, 1810 Goundie House, 1869 Luckenbach Mill (Located in the Colonial Industrial Quarter), Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, Moravian Museum of Bethlehem – 1741 Gemeinhaus, 1758-69 Nain-Schober House, 1744/52 Single Sisters’ House, 1751/1760 Reconstructed Smithy (Located in the Colonial Industrial Quarter), 1761 Tannery (Located in the Colonial Industrial Quarter), Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe & Museum Store, and 1762 Waterworks (Located in the Colonial Industrial Quarter), 1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House
Who are the Moravians?
The Moravians are one of the oldest Protestant denominations, predating Martin Luther and the formation of the Lutheran Church by about 50 years. Beginning in eastern Europe, the early Moravians were followers of John Hus, an early reformist who was burned at the stake for heresy in 1415. They later united in 1457, calling themselves Unitas Fratrum or Unity of the Brethren. After worshiping in secret for almost 2 centuries, leaders of the Unitas Fratrum came out of hiding after meeting Count Zinzendorf, who later became their benefactor and religious leader. From there in 1732, they came to the New World as missionaries and settlers, and founded Bethlehem in 1741, the first well-established Moravian settlement in the Americas. In fact, all of the historic buildings constructed from 1741 to 1845 were built by Bethlehem’s Moravian forefathers. The name Moravian refers to the geographic area where the faith community originated, in ancient Bohemia and Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic.
