Research

The Moravian Historical Society cares for an extensive collection of approximately 20,000 objects, books, paintings and other materials, focusing primarily on Moravian history, music, locations, and people. Items in the collection include paintings, works on paper, maps, and objects from Moravian connections throughout America and the world. The MHS also owns two 18th-century Moravian buildings.

 

Those with genealogical questions about Moravian ancestors should contact the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem through their website.

 

The Sigal Museum and NCHGS Library of Easton will be able to assist all other genealogy researchers.

 

Highlights of our collection include:
• The Antes violin: the earliest-known violin made in the America.
• A 1776 pipe organ made by David Tannenberg, the most important organ-builder of his time.
• The 1740 Gray Cottage and 1740–1743 Whitefield House.
• 23 oil paintings by John Valentine Haidt (1700–1780), the first artist in America to portray chiefly religious topics.

• A tile stove made prior to 1775.

• The largest collection of mission artifacts in any Moravian institution, with examples from Moravian work on six continents.
• Rare first editions of books written by John Amos Comenius, the "Father of Modern Education."

 

Digital files of objects along with one-time reproduction rights of items in our collection are available for a nominal fee. See schedule at right.

 

We welcome any questions about items in our collection. Please submit your inquiry here.

Research Fees

Research fee, independent $25/hour on site

Research fee, staff member assisted $40/hour

One time image usage for publication $50 (We request a complimentary copy of the publication)

Photographic set up fee per image $10

Photographic set up fee per image for rush orders $25

Scan (up to 8.5 x 11 original image size) $5.00

Copy of existing digital images $2.50