Your Place to Discover History

The Moravian Historical Society is a nonprofit museum and historic site that preserves, interprets, and celebrates the rich culture of the Moravians. 

Located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, we maintain the 1740–1743 Whitefield House and the 1740 Gray Cottage, the oldest surviving Moravian structure in North America. Recognized widely for its significant collection and historically important 18th-century site, ​the Moravian Historical Society is the third oldest historical society in Pennsylvania. The museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions and a museum store that features gifts, books, and handmade artisan items.​

In participation with Lehigh Valley Passport to History Month, Moravian Historical Society will offer free admission, guided museum tours, kids activities, an antique book sale, and programs for explorers of all ages.

Saturday July 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
& Sunday July 17 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Lehigh Valley Passport to History Month

Visitors can learn about the significant contributions Moravians made to music, art, education and culture in early America on a guided tour of the 1740–1743 Whitefield House Museum. Explore archival documents and historic maps detailing the perspectives of surveyors, European settlers and Indigenous people in our special exhibit “Charting the Unknown: Early Moravian Maps.”

Children can try their hand at colonial chores and help build a miniature replica of a colonial town. Adults will enjoy browsing a large collection of antique books offered for sale.

Announcing a New Publication

Tracing the Earliest Moravian Activity in the
Mid-Atlantic: A Guide

The Moravian Historical Society is pleased to announce its newest publication, Tracing the Earliest Moravian Activity in the Mid-Atlantic: A Guide is now available. 

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The book, researched and written by Scott Gordon, is beautifully designed by Heather Reinert. The volume traces sites and structures from the Moravians’ earliest activity in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. During their first two decades in the mid-Atlantic region, Moravians preached the gospel, built churches, established missions and schools, and launched ships. In most cases, little remains at these locations to mark this extraordinary work. This guide describes these places and provides addresses, when possible, so that users can visit the sites. The 32-page volume is in full color with richly illustrated images and maps.

16th Annual Share the Heritage Dinner & Auction

Back in Person! Saturday, August 27, 2022
Join us under the stars for a fun & festive evening!

We are excited to host the 16th Annual Share the Heritage on the historic grounds of the 1740-1743 Whitefield House and the 1740 Gray Cottage! The last time we gathered in person for Share the Heritage was in 2019 and so we are especially looking forward to seeing everyone this year.

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Due to ongoing concerns about the spread of Covid-19, and with the safety of our guests in mind, we have decided to host our annual fundraising event outside so that everyone can gather safely. Even though the venue has changed, the spirit of the event will be as festive as ever. This year's theme, “Cheers to 300 Years,” celebrates the 300th Anniversary of the renewed Moravian Church in Herrnhut. 

Share the Heritage, our signature fundraising event, supports our mission to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the rich culture of the Moravians. All proceeds support the Moravian Historical Society's educational programs, its historic site, and its important museum collection.

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Current Exhibition

This exhibition of historic maps, archival documents, and objects from the collection of the Moravian Historical Society explores the role of the surveyor in colonial society, 18th century surveying techniques, the conflicts between Indigenous People and European settlers, and the Moravian contributions to surveying, cartography, and town planning in early America. 

Charting the Unknown: Early Moravian Maps
Through December 31, 2022

Shop Small and Shop Local! 

The Museum Store is open daily from 1-4 p.m.

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We carry a large selection of local artisan-made gifts, ornaments, and Moravian stars.

Shop local and support your small museum!

Thank you to our generous supporters: