Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth

About Moravian Historical Society

The Moravian Historical Society in Nazareth, Pennsylvania preserves more than 20,000 objects documenting Moravian contributions to American industry, education, music, and art. Founded in 1857, it is the third oldest historical society in Pennsylvania. Visitors tour two eighteenth-century buildings—the 1740-1743 Whitefield House and the 1740 Gray Cottage, the oldest extant Moravian structure in North America. The museum's highlights include the earliest-known violin made in the American Colonies by John Antes, the first known piano made in America, oil paintings by John Valentine Haidt, and a rare eighteenth-century rifle made by Andreas Albrecht. The collection also features archives with original diaries, letters, and maps; a library of over 5,000 titles; textiles; decorative arts; and a seasonal putz collection of elaborate Christmas miniatures. Docent-led guided tours begin at scheduled times throughout the afternoon. The museum store sells local artisan gifts and Moravian stars.