BETHLEHEM, Pa. — An area that once was a junkyard in Downtown Bethlehem now draws visitors from all over the world.
Just below the Christmas City’s beloved Main Street lies the Colonial Industrial Quarter, which as of Friday now sports another site to see for visiting history buffs.
After being closed to the public for 20 years, the 1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House is open again and will be featured in tours by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.
The local nonprofit oversees 20 of the city’s prized landmarks, with some of those holding international acclaim as part of an official UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Miller’s House Community Garden just outside the home was packed on Friday for a ribbon-cutting.
A free community open house event is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
'Kickstart' more preservation
Once uninhabitable, the Grist Miller’s House has had the roof repaired and windows, doors, floors and fireplaces replaced.
But HBMS President LoriAnn Wukitsch said work isn’t finished in maintaining the city’s legacy through its historic structures.
“We’re just starting with this preservation here in Bethlehem, and hopefully this is going to kickstart the importance of continuing this work today, tomorrow and for years to come."Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites President LoriAnn Wukitsch
“We’re just starting with this preservation here in Bethlehem," Wukitsch said.
"And hopefully this is going to kickstart the importance of continuing this work today, tomorrow and for years to come.”
Two exhibitions were open on site: “Reviving the Past: The Restoration of the 1782 Grist Miller’s House” and “Timeless Trades: From Colonial Hands to Modern Minds.”
A deeper look at Moravian artisan woodworking, leathercrafting, textiles, pottery and more — the historic home was the place to be for it on Friday.
It’s also home to the new Ralph G. Schwarz Interpretation Center for Colonial Industries, which showcases the history of trade locally and offers educational programming for all ages.
'Just thrilled'
“[I’m] just happy to see it,” said Tom Smith of Springtown, Bucks County, who volunteers with the Bethlehem Garden Club. “They’ve got such valuable stuff here to preserve.”
His group — which also on Friday dedicated a tree at the nearby 1762 Waterworks in honor of Arbor Day — works to maintain the garden outside the Grist Miller’s House.
Sharon Coe of the Bethlehem Garden Club was “just thrilled” with the updates.
The Grist Miller’s House later will connect again with the neighboring 1869 Luckenbach Mill, but this time through a 360-degree panoramic classroom to be named Overlook on History.
According to HBMS Board Chairman Joel Rosenfeld, the educational and exhibit space is planned to be finished in 2026.
“We look forward to continuing to do our part in preserving the unique architectural history of this area.”Bethlehem Historic District Association Vice President Frank Filiciotto
Bethlehem Historic District Association, another nonprofit dedicated to building stronger bonds among neighbors in Historic Bethlehem and elsewhere in the city, donated $25,000 from its Holiday House Tour proceeds to the Overlook on History work.
The group also has donated $30,000 for shutter restoration efforts at the city’s oldest building, 1741 Gemeinhaus, which is also home to the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem operated by HBMS.
“We look forward to continuing to do our part in preserving the unique architectural history of this area,” BHDA Vice President Frank Filiciotto said.
Top of its class
The Moravians created a livelihood for their community and beyond through the trades and the work of artisans set up along Monocacy Creek downtown, officials said.
The surrounding Colonial Industrial Quarter was a buzzing hub featuring dozens of crafts and industries, including carpentry and tinsmithing.
Ted Moyer, HBMS lead storyteller, said that by 1755, the Colonial Industrial Quarter was the largest concentrated area dedicated to trades in the North American British colonies.
Municipal, county and state delegation at the event agreed that those early craftspeople paved the way for Bethlehem, these days, to thrive in the businesses of steel, logistics and technology.
“We are pleased to have a space like this where we can really speak to the history of trade and industry and how that provided a foundation to the city we know and love today,” HBMS Vice President Lindsey Jancay said.
“We are pleased to have a space like this where we can really speak to the history of trade and industry and how that provided a foundation to the city we know and love today."Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites Vice President and Managing Director Lindsey Jancay
State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton/Lehigh, said, “I must say, I think this is one of the most bucolic places in Bethlehem.”
State Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, said Bethlehem is “where history comes alive.”
Speaking on behalf of Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds, city Community and Economic Development Director Laura Collins said, “These buildings are living and breathing places that we can visit and we can connect with the present day.
"And to have that tie in between our historic pasts and also our present successes is really a beautiful thing.”
HBMS also is offering a Birthplace of Industry Walking Tour focused on trades and revitalization at the Colonial Industrial Quarter. Tickets are $20.
