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.
1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House Project
Located adjacent to the Luckenbach Mill, the Grist Miller’s House is an entry point to Bethlehem’s Colonial Industrial Quarter, a location that in the mid-1700s housed 35 crafts, trades and industries, making it what is considered the first industrial park in the nation. In an effort to fully restore the house so it can welcome visitors from throughout the region and around the globe, HBMS has undertaken a major renovation project at the site.
1869 Luckenbach Mill Elevator Replacement
The elevator in the 1869 Luckenbach Mill was over 35 years old and while it was still safe, it was no longer as reliable as it once was. We replaced the elevator to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, has access to the second floor gallery and classroom space, as well as our archives and research library 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 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, which 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.
Illuminating Our Colonial History
To create a world-class visitor experience in the Colonial Industrial Quarter (CIQ), we plan to replace exterior interpretive signage to provide visitors with an entry point to the history of the CIQ. We will install new landscaping and replace the existing stairs and pathways. Finally, replacing the exterior lighting and illuminating the buildings and ruins will create a striking entrance to the Historic District from the Hill-to-Hill Bridge (378 North) and enhance the visual appeal of the CIQ after dark.
Shining a Light on the Hidden Gems
The 1762 Waterworks, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and an American Water Landmark, was the first pumped municipal water system in America. The Nain-Schober House is the only extant 18th century building that was built by and lived in by Native Peoples in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Single Sisters’ House had dormitories, a chapel, a dining room, a kitchen and work areas for handicrafts. Today, these buildings are open to visitors rarely and are only partially interpreted. The Taking the World Stage Capital Campaign will provide funding to interpret these sites and to have them open more frequently. Help us bring the National Historic District to life!
Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe
We have transformed the 1810 Goundie House/Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe complex on Main Street into and Experience Center. Visitors can tour the 1810 Goundie House, built by Moravian town brewer and businessman John Sebastian Goundie, and learn about the historical significance of the two buildings that made up our former Visitor Center.
