Volunteer

Volunteer since 2010

Anne first visited the Moravian Museum fourteen years ago and was so taken with the place and the history that she immediately asked to become a guide herself. During Anne’s time at Historic Bethlehem she also achieved her lifelong goal of writing a historical novel. The Bookmark is very much indebted to the museum and everything she has learned there.

“I am constantly reminded that ours is a living history. And last, but certainly not least, I love our guests! I am convinced those who love history are the nicest people. Nothing pleases me more than sharing a laugh or seeing the look of amazement on a visitor’s face.”

Volunteer since 2014

Karen has volunteered in numerous areas of the organization during her time at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, but particularly enjoys assisting with museum projects. These projects range from cleaning and organizing museum objects in the Single Sisters’ House, to preparing exhibition labels and assisting with a site-wide inventory at the Moravian Museum. Karen’s cheerful, can-do attitude is a wonderful asset that truly shines at HBMS.

“I love that every day is different. I never know what to expect and that keeps things exciting.”

Volunteer since 2014

Georgia became a volunteer in December of 2014 after reading an article about HBMS needing help with the Trees of Historic Bethlehem display. Since then, Georgia has been a greeter and gallery watcher at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts for special exhibits as well as the yearly Trees display. Her most enjoyable experience is guiding visitors through the museum to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and trees which have a different theme each year.

Georgia also enjoys the numerous and varied volunteer opportunities during Blueberry Fest and Apple Days – from serving pie, assisting kids with craft projects to greeting visitors at the admission tent.

“For me volunteering my time and talents is very rewarding. I get to meet new people and enjoy the festivals – all while helping Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites preserve Bethlehem’s Moravian History.”

Volunteer since 2018

Earl began volunteering at HBMS in 2018. A weekly Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe volunteer, Earl devotes his time and talents behind the scenes making hand-folded Moravian stars. The star is both an iconic symbol of Moravian culture and a visitor favorite!

Earl is also a regular Blueberry Fest and Apple Days volunteer and assists in both the Brewery Tent and with festival takedown. Long after the last festivalgoer’s departure, Earl can be found hard at work with staff taking down tents and moving tables to ensure that Burnside Plantation is once again ready to welcome visitors.

Volunteer since 2020

Sue is a person of many talents – leaving her mark on numerous areas of our organization: family programming, volunteering as a docent and at festivals. Her kind and friendly nature help to make visitors feel welcome and ensure that they have a positive experience.

“I love that, in a small way, I am learning, sharing, and assisting in preserving Bethlehem’s history. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting and working with a group of wonderful and devoted people.”

Volunteer since 2022

Despite having a full-time job as a speech therapist, Lynn is drawn to share her time with us by her love of history and of the people who work to keep it alive and preserved. On any given volunteer day, you might find Lynn folding Moravian stars, helping at the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe register or phones, affixing prices to merchandise, or helping with large or small events.

“I am proud to be a small part of this important organization and look forward to learning new things while having fun doing it.”

Volunteer since 2023

Karen recently joined Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites as the Lead Gardener at Burnside Plantation. She chose to pursue a passion for agriculture two years ago, having volunteered on a family-owned, organic farm in Nevada City, CA while still working full-time.

During the past two summers she volunteered on the St. Luke’s Health System Rodale Institute’s 14-acre organic farm in Bethlehem Township and the Easton Urban Farm’s .66-acre organic farm in the south side of Bethlehem where she seeded trays, transplanted, cultivated and harvested produce. Virtually all of the Easton Urban Farm’s 12,000-pound yield was distributed in local food pantries.

Karen brings her organizational talents and passion for innovation to Burnside, where she is leading an effort to more efficiently document volunteer hours and is debuting a modified crop rotation plan in the garden.

Volunteers since 2023

Lia and Matthew began volunteering at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts in the fall of 2023 and regularly assist during our monthly Free Sundays program. Both have a passion for art and have lent their talents to a wide range of crafts-from making felt moths to sari paper dolls! Lia and Matthew also bring a talent for working with younger visitors; their kindness and patience help all to feel welcome.