Bethlehem
Bethlehem is Lehigh Valley’s oldest city. It was named on Christmas Eve, 1741, by a group of Moravians who relocated from North Carolina and settled at the confluence of the Lehigh River and Monocacy Creek, While the Moravians constructed some water-powered mills on the Monocacy, it was the canal, railroads and resulting economic opportunities that lured large-scale industry to the south bank of the Lehigh River. The largest, Bethlehem Iron Co., soon dominated the economy, town and way of life. Steel made from local iron, coal and limestone was milled and forged into the many shapes and configurations that helped launch the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s.
Bethlehem has six distinct National Historic Districts within its boundaries, as well as two National Historic landmarks. Many of its original structures, built by the early settlers, still line the streets of the downtown historic district.
Today, Bethlehem’s art community flourishes, attracting art lovers of all kinds. Musikfest offers a week-long event that draws thousands to experience the thrill of live performances, Celtic Classic recognizes the Celtic culture while Christkindlmarkt brings visitors and residents a taste of Germany. Main Street in Bethlehem is an art form in itself. The care and maintenance of its historic past has been preserved to a pristine, inviting and invigorating destination.
Things to see and do in Bethlehem
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Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley, Inc.
Dance organization in the Lehigh Valley concentrating on classical ballet.
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The Banana Factory was established in 1998 "to kindle, support and celebrate the artistic, cultural and creative spirit of the Lehigh Valley."
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Bethlehem Department of Recreation
The City of Bethlehem offers recreational activities for people of all ages.
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Historic sites offering tours, exhibits, adult and children's activities, special events and gift shops.
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This historic farm-in-the-city opens doors to early American agricultural life. The property includes a restored 1748/1818 farmhouse, two 1840s bank barns, a high horse-power wheel, large kitchen garden and orchard, a corn crib and wagon shed.
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Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival
Enjoy the finest in Celtic arts, food, music, athletics, piping and more at this annual event.
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Concours d'Elegance is a vintage car exhibition featuring over 200 of the rarest and exceptional automobiles ever made.
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D&LNHC Heritage Partnership Celebration
Please join us for a special evening to honor your colleagues and community partners and launch our 25th anniversary at the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor's 2013 Partner Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
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Scuba diving, snorkeling, Aqua Park, team building and picnicking, a fun time for all.
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Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Walk the streets of Historic Bethlehem and be transported to another time and place. HBP strives to "Bring History to Life" in a variety of exciting, fresh and active ways!
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Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts uses period rooms to showcase nearly three-hundred years of folk art, furnishings and paintings.
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See fascinating Moravian culture through exhibits including a set of apothecary jars and the fireplace where prescriptions were compounded.
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Non-profit performing arts group whose mission is to educate, entertain and enrich lives.
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Trail users can use this as an access point for trips west to Allentown or east to Freemansburg and Easton.
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As the oldest American Bach choir, founded in 1898, this organization has been attracting thousands of national and international visitors every May to its annual Bethlehem Bach Festival.
