Discover the rich history of the Gemeinhaus, Bethlehem’s oldest building, and delve into the lasting impact of the early Moravians on the city.

Welcome to The Moravian Legacy exhibition, where we unravel the profound influence of the Moravians in Bethlehem. Our goal is to introduce, explain, and connect themes such as equal education, innovation, and the arts — spanning from the early settlement to the vibrant Bethlehem we know today.

Moreover, we dare to challenge prevailing historical narratives surrounding early Moravian Bethlehem. By asking what might have been omitted, we strive to gain a deeper understanding of how those formative years continue to shape our community.

Centered around the pillars of education, inclusion, and documentation, our exhibit invites you to reflect on the power of the documents, artifacts, and stories left behind. Through these valuable remnants of the past, we gain profound insights into present-day Bethlehem.

For an enhanced experience, we’ve incorporated a digital component into the exhibit. Feel free to use your cell phones, tablets, and smart devices to explore further and immerse yourself in this captivating journey.

We look forward to having you join us on this fascinating exploration of Bethlehem’s history and its enduring ties to the Moravian heritage. Come and be a part of this enlightening experience!

Curators of “The Moravian Legacy”

M. Rayah Levy has been working as a librarian for over sixteen years, having received a Master’s in Library Science, with a concentration on Preservation from Simmons University. While aspiring to become a Librarian, she worked in the African and African American Studies Department at Harvard University and interned at Massachusetts General Hospital. Having moved to Bethlehem after graduation in the Fall of 2005, she held a few positions in the public and academic field of librarianship. To name a few, The Free Library of Philadelphia, as a Children’s Librarian, Northampton Community College, as a Reference and Information Literacy Instructor, and the Head of Adult Services at Bethlehem Area Public.

Rayah’s experiences in the library’s academic and public arena have propelled her to become a voice and an instrument in the community as a Public Humanities Librarian. Mrs. Levy’s inspiration and drive to travel a different path came from having received a grant from LVEHC to bring the voices and the history of Bethlehem’s Black experience alive. It also catalyzed her to work on the “Moravian Legacy” project at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. M. Rayah Levy believes that the time has come for communities to paint a different picture and incorporate diverse stories in the places we visit and call home.

Lindsey Jancay holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Studio Art and English Literature from Cedar Crest College (Allentown, PA) and a Master of Arts Degree in Art History, Theory, and Criticism as well as Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL) where her studies were focused on the history of publications and print design.

These questions will be answered

• What did people think when they first encountered the Moravians?
• What drove the Moravians to travel like they did?
• What was Moravian worship like?
• What’s the role of music in daily life?
• How did Moravians gain medical knowledge?

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