As you arrive at the Historic Bethlehem Welcome Center, you are stepping into a rich tapestry of American history. This center is not just a gateway to exploring the remarkable past of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but also a historical landmark in its own right. The Welcome Center is housed in the 1810 Goundie House, a significant building that marks an important transition in architectural style. Built by John Sebastian Goundie, a Moravian town brewer and businessman, it is believed to be the first brick residence in Bethlehem and the first private home to reflect the American Federal style, moving away from the German Colonial style typical of the era.
Bethlehem was founded in 1741 by a group of Moravians, a Protestant denomination with roots in what is now the Czech Republic. These settlers established a community based on principles of faith, communal living, and craftsmanship. The Moravians were known for their progressive societal structures, including their educational and healthcare systems, and they played a crucial role in the cultural and religious landscape of early America.
The Goundie House, now part of the Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District, was saved from demolition in the 1960s by the determined efforts of local advocates Mrs. Sims and Mrs. Martin, who famously sat on the stoop to prevent a wrecking ball from destroying it. Their dedication ensures that today’s visitors can enjoy the beautifully restored house, which maintains its 1810 appearance and features unique elements such as a beehive baking oven integrated into the kitchen fireplace.
Over the years, the house evolved with the community. In 1832, John Goundie added a dry goods store to the property, managed by his daughter and son-in-law. This store expanded in the 1880s under new ownership, adding a third floor and decorative elements. The restoration work in the 2000s uncovered historical features like the 1870s pressed tin ceiling, further enriching the narrative of this storied building.
Bethlehem itself played a vital role during the American Revolution, serving as a site of rest and recuperation for soldiers. Figures such as John Adams spent time here, and the town’s efficient infrastructure and community spirit left a lasting impression. Today, the Historic Bethlehem Welcome Center offers a variety of tours, including those that explore Bethlehem’s brewing history and its part in the American Revolution.
As you explore, imagine the bustling activity of the early Moravian settlers, their commitment to community, and the echoes of history in the very walls of the Goundie House. This is more than a building; it is a living story of resilience, adaptation, and heritage.
