Visit Us
Walk through history as we guide you to things to learn, places to discover, and events that help connect us to our rich heritage.
Our World Heritage preparations center around restoring, upgrading the infrastructure, and beautifying of our assets—the historic buildings and sites in our care. Safe and accessible buildings to comfortably accommodate our local and international visitors are critical. At the same time, our treasured buildings must be preserved so they continue to meet the World Heritage requirements for authenticity and integrity. We have prioritized the most urgent needs to be addressed in the next two to three years at all of our sites.
Key Projects Include:
1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House Project
The Grist Miller’s House is the last remaining unrestored building in the National Heritage Landmark District. It has been propped up by steel beams for over 20 years. HBMS is raising funds to transform the building into a gateway between Main Street and the Colonial Industrial Quarter. Once complete, it will be home to the Ralph Schwarz Interpretation Center for Colonial Trades and Industries where visitors will be introduced to the Colonial Industrial Quarter. Central to the project is the creation of the Overlook on History, a glass overlook that will allow both visitors and school groups the opportunity to view the entire Colonial Industrial Quarter. Learn more.
By 1747, thirty-five crafts, trades, and industries were established including a butchery, tawery, clockmaker, tinsmith, blacksmith, silversmith, tannery, nailor, pewterer, hatter, cooper, dye house, community bakery, candlemaker, linen bleachery, fulling mill, saddlery, tailor, cobbler, flax processing, wheelwright, carpenter, mason, and potter.
1869 Luckenbach Mill Elevator Replacement
The elevator currently in the 1869 Luckenbach Mill is over 35 years old and while still safe, it is no longer as reliable as it once was. We are replacing the elevator to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, has access to the second-floor gallery and classroom space and our archives and research library which is housed on the third floor. The elevator will also provide accessibility to the 1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House. Each year, the Mill hosts the Lehigh Valley Art Alliance’s juried exhibitions in addition to being a collaborative space for local artists to highlight and share their artistic endeavors with the community. It is also used for school programming—our Handmade in the Eighteenth-Century program provides an active learning experience for students about colonial trades and industries with an emphasis on science and technology of the period. The program begins at the Luckenbach Mill, through hands-on experiential learning activities, students build their interdisciplinary foundational skills in the fields of science, mathematics, historical studies, and communication.
Ways to Give
Gifts of Cash
Gifts of cash may be made over a period of time or as a one-time gift. A schedule of pledge payments may be arranged according to your needs.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Gifts of Appreciated Securities may provide additional tax advantages. Generally, an income-tax deduction may be taken for the full fair market value of gifted property.
The IRA Charitable Rollover
The IRA Charitable Rollover allows you, once you have reached the age of 72 to donate up to $100,000 within each tax year directly from your Individual Retirement Account without treating the distribution as taxable income.
Estate Gifts
Estate gifts are another way to make a gift. One of the easiest ways to do this is by naming Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement fund. You may also plan a gift by bequest in your will or other written estate plan.
Tribute Gifts
Tribute gifts may be made in honor or in memory of a loved one. We will work with you to acknowledge your gift in a way that is meaningful to you.
