BETHLEHEM, Pa. — On any given day, a stroll through the neighborhood may do you good.
But what about when that stroll includes a group of history buffs keen on having a look around your house?
Bethlehem Historic District Association embraces that as one of its neighborhood socials every couple of years.
“Imagine the kind of the leap of faith it takes to invite 1,200 strangers into your home.”Bethlehem Historic District Association President Michele Schultz
In 2024, the nonprofit’s Holiday House Tour, a “sold-out success” featuring 10 district homes, brought out more than 1,000 attendees and 200 volunteers, according to BHDA President Michele Schultz.
“Imagine the kind of the leap of faith it takes to invite 1,200 strangers into your home,” Schultz said, laughing.
Bracketed wood cornices, fishscale-slate mansard roofs and other notable features — the outside of the homes draw crowds, as do the insides.
There's a long list of guidelines for maintaining a historic home in the district.
'Sold-out success'
Bethlehem Historic District Association’s volunteers say they hope the tours, and other showings throughout the year, may build greater bonds in the neighborhood — and beyond.
And also help to further preserve the district’s history.
“People love the opportunity to come in and see these historic homes. People are incredibly gracious and careful."Bethlehem Historic District Association President Michele Schultz
“People love the opportunity to come in and see these historic homes,” Schultz said. “People are incredibly gracious and careful.
“And the home hosts, I think, just really relish the opportunity to share the history of what is quite unique, that we have this much history in terms of residential homes and then other sites in such a small area.”
That area, the Central Bethlehem Historic District, is a first of its kind in Pennsylvania, approved as a local historic district using a new-at-the-time state law in 1961.
The area is roughly east of 1st Avenue, north of the Lehigh River, south of Walnut Street and west of Linden Street.
It's home to about 400 structures and sites built from the mid-18th and early-20th centuries — including a Moravian Church settlement now sporting a UNESCO World Heritage distinction.
'Ambassadors and stewards'
The group donated $25,000 of the Holiday House Tour proceeds to support the work of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites — specifically its incoming Overlook on History scenic exhibit space.
Construction is set to start this year.
Overlook on History is planned to join the Grist Miller’s House with the 1869 Luckenbach Mill at Historic Bethlehem’s Colonial Industrial Quarter.
The Grist Miller’s House also will become home to the Ralph G. Schwarz Interpretation Center for Colonial Industries, which is slated to offer rotating exhibitions and educational programming.
“We are proud to collaborate and work with them on preserving and restoring the city’s architectural treasures.”Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites President LoriAnn Wukitsch, on partnering with Bethlehem Historic District Association
“This volunteer-led organization and its members are incredible ambassadors and stewards for the city’s historic district," HBMS President LoriAnn Wukitsch said of BHDA’s donation.
"And we are proud to collaborate and work with them on preserving and restoring the city’s architectural treasures.”
The nonprofit HBMS works to preserve 20 of the city’s historic sites, including the Single Sisters’ House, 1869 Luckenbach Mill and Burnside Plantation.
“Bethlehem’s Historic District is renowned for its collection of well-preserved 18th and 19th century properties that add to the city's charm and livability," Schultz said.
"But it takes a significant amount of time and resources to maintain and restore these incredible buildings.
“HBMS has been leading the charge on this front for more than 30 years, so we are happy to support this dynamic nonprofit in its mission and work.”
This past Holiday House Tour also included a $10,000 donation to Bethlehem Area Public Library and its mobile bookmobile.
The previous tour in 2021 raised $30,000 to restore the shutters of the city’s oldest building, 1741 Gemeinhaus at 66 W. Church St.
BHDA, HARB: Different functions, similar passion
Considering a mutual focus on Historic Bethlehem, BHDA also supports the work of the Historical Architectural Review Board.
HARB is an advisory body that reviews proposed changes to the exterior of buildings in the neighborhood and sends its recommendation to City Council.
The most recent HARB vote approved a 24-apartment addition to go on top of the old Woolworth building on Main Street. City Council will have the final vote.
While BHDA and HARB are unrelated in official function, they both serve the city’s Historic District.
BHDA holds its board meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bethlehem Area Public Library, Laros Room, 11 E. Church St.
HARB meets at 5 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at Bethlehem Town Hall, 10 E. Church St.
What's next for BHDA
Looking ahead, Schultz said an interactive map with information on the area’s various structures and sites could be online by the fall.
About 70 of the neighborhood’s homes have a wooden plaque denoting the year of construction.
BHDA looks to revamp the plaque program to take care of aging ones and add more around the district, Schultz said.
And for about 15 years, the group has held a fall neighborhood yard sale with dozens of participating households.
That’s planned for Sept. 20.
