Commemorate the 250th in Bethlehem
Lehigh Valley 250
Few places in America can lay claim to an American Revolution story quite like Bethlehem, whose early Moravian community found itself quietly drawn into the very conflict it had hoped to avoid.
Long before the first shots were fired, these industrious settlers had built a thriving industrial quarter in town, with nearly 50 crafts and trades operating by the mid-1750s. When war came, craftsmen who had never made weapons forged muskets for the patriots, while bakers, seamstresses, shoemakers and others provided vital food, clothing and care for the more than 400 wounded soldiers housed in the town. A community of 500 residents swelled to nearly 1,000.
The mid-18th century was a time unlike any other in early Bethlehem, and one that played a pivotal role in shaping our nation. This summer, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites brings these stories to life through a unique collection of walking tours, exhibitions and the new Ales & Tales – a historic pub tour where you walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers.
Historic Bethlehem – an essential and unforgettable destination for anyone who wants to experience the Revolution beyond the battlefield.
Events
Commemorate the 250th
"For travelers who'd rather skip the crowds of a major city celebration without sacrificing historical depth, Bethlehem offers a fantastic alternative just a short drive away."
- Travel + Leisure
Tours
Exhibitions
Revolutionary Bethlehem: Patriotism and Pacifism School Tour
Discover how a community of pacifists wrestled with their convictions and beliefs while playing an integral role in one of the most important conflicts in world history.
On the field trip, students will be able to explore the Working Hands: Supplying a Revolution exhibition while learning the impact the War had on the Moravian community, tour the sites of America’s first industrial park, watch a blacksmith at work and then try your hand at tin punching, and so much more!
Don’t let this monumental anniversary go by without taking advantage of this powerful opportunity for your students to learn about and honor those that played a role in the war for independence!
Recommended for grades 5-8
