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A Colonial Cure-All: 1752 Apothecary & Venice Treacle Demonstration

Explore the fascinating world of 18th- and 19th-century medicine on a guided tour of Bethlehem's 1752 Apothecary and at the end of the tour, you'll learn all about one of the most famous medicines of the early modern world.

A Colonial Cure-All: 1752 Apothecary & Venice Treacle Demonstration

Colonial Cure All

Explore the fascinating world of 18th- and 19th-century medicine on a guided tour (beginning at 3 PM) of Bethlehem’s 1752 Apothecary and the Moravian Museum. You’ll visit what was once the nation’s oldest pharmacy to explore this hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site. Before closing in the early 1950s, the Apothecary was the oldest continuously operating drugstore in the country.

Venetian Treacle
16th-Century Woodcut image depicting the production of theriac (Venetian Treacle)

At the end of the tour, you’ll visit the Apothecary Garden (weather permitting) to learn all about one of the most famous medicines of the early modern world.

Led by herbalist and gardener Hannah Lasorsa, you’ll discover what Venice Treacle was, why it was so highly prized and the surprising and complex ingredients – sometimes even viper flesh – that went into it. Participants will explore its history, hear how it was used, get a taste of how complex and sweet historic medicine could be, and make their own Venetian Treacle.

About Hannah Lasorsa

Hannah Aften

Hannah Lasorsa is a writer, photographer, home herbalist, and gardener. Lasorsa grew up in the midwest, but currently lives in Nazareth, PA where she enjoys hiking and spending time in nature. Lasorsa is the Founder and Creative Director of Herbal Content Cottage.

Thank You to Our Sponsors, Partners, and Supporters

  • St. Luke's University Health Network

This program is being funded in part with funding from the Hotel Tax Grant Program through the County of Northampton Department of Community & Economic Development.

  • Northampton County Hotel Tax Program

Lehigh Valley 250 is supported in part by:

  • Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation
  • Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
  • Northampton Community College
  • County of Northampton
  • Lehigh Valley Public Media
  • Crayola

Our Partners