Apothecary Tour

Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of 18th- and 19th-century medicine on a guided tour of Bethlehem’s 1752 Apothecary and the Moravian Museum. You’ll visit what was once the nation’s oldest drugstore 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.

As you visit the Apothecary and adjacent garden, you’ll hear stories about the Moravians who lived and worked in this close-knit community. At a time when trained physicians were rare and medical care was often unreliable, the Moravians stood apart. Their European-trained doctors emphasized herbal remedies, cleanliness, prevention and a holistic approach to healing, ideas that were ahead of their time.

Did You Know?

In 1934, the Apothecary building was dragged 27 feet to its current location on skids using old elevator cables from New York City skyscrapers. The job took two weeks, and the drugstore never closed.

The one-hour Apothecary tour also includes the Moravian Museum housed in the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the oldest building in Bethlehem. During the tour, you’ll learn about the roles of male and female doctors, community health and how the Moravians laid the necessary groundwork for modern medical practices.

Apothecary tools — Photo by Maura Strickland

Apothecary Items — Photo by Maura Strickland

Whether you love history, are curious about the roots of medicine, or simply want an engaging outing, this tour offers a memorable glimpse into how community healthcare worked long ago.

Walk the same paths as the people who helped shape the future of medicine and discover the uniquely Bethlehem story that still resonates today.

Tour Accessibility

Historic Bethlehem’s guided walking tours take you through the heart of Bethlehem’s National Historic Landmark District – the same grounds where history actually happened. Tours typically runs about 90 minutes at a comfortable walking pace, moving along brick and paved sidewalks, a few gentle hills, and some sloped or possibly grassy stretches between stops. It’s part of what makes the experience feel real rather than staged.

If you have questions about a specific tour, or want help planning your visit, call the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Concierge Service at 1-800-360-TOUR (8687). We’re happy to walk through the details with you and find the right fit.

What is the typical pace of the tours?

Tours are typically around 90 minutes. This is around 90 minutes of walking and standing, with stops along the way to take in the sights and stories. Seating is available at only a few points along the route.

What is the terrain?

The terrain is a mix of brick and paved sidewalks, with some uneven, sloped, or grassy sections. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.

Are there inclines or slopes on these tours?

Most routes are gently sloped. The Bethlehem and the Revolution, Birthplace of Industry, and Mystery & History Tours include a steeper paved incline between the Historic District and the Colonial Industrial Quarter. It’s a great chance to see the landscape that shaped the city’s industry.

Are there stairs on the tours?

The Grist Miller’s House, 1741 Gemeinhaus, and the Single Sisters’ House are original 18th-century buildings without elevators, so there is a flight or two of steeper historic stairs. Guests on the Branching Out Tour, which includes the Gemeinhaus and the Single Sisters’ House, and the Birthplace of Industry Tour, which includes the Grist Miller’s House, are welcome to remain on the main floor. Our guides are happy to describe what is on the other floors, and Branching Out Tour attendees can watch a video at the Gemeinhaus showing what they would see on the second floor of the building.

Are the tours wheelchair and mobility device friendly?

Many outdoor sections of our tour routes are navigable with a manual or power wheelchair. Some brick and sloped areas may be more challenging for certain devices, and we’re glad to help you find the route that works best.