Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: A Moravian Settlement in Colonial America (Teaching with Historic Places)

Part of the Moravian community, this building was constructed in 1751 and served as a church. (Photo by Diane LaBelle)

Casting their eyes toward the rich, arable lands of Pennsylvania, members of the Moravian community purchased a 500 acre tract of land north of Philadelphia in 1741. There, along the Lehigh River, they organized and built the communal society of Bethlehem, which became the base location for all Moravian missionary activity in North America. Use this lesson plan to learn more about this historic Moravian community. (Click on the photograph to explore the full lesson plan.)

Essential Question

How does a religious community shape their environment to reflect shared assumptions, values, and beliefs?

Objective

1. To investigate the early history of the Moravians;
2. To explain why the Moravians founded the community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania;
3. To examine the life ways of the Moravian community in the 18th century in the New World;
4. To compare and contrast the types of structures in 18th-century Bethlehem with those located in their own community.

Background

Time Period: Mid-to-late 18th century
Topics: The lesson could be used in units on the American colonial period and the role of religious groups and missionaries in the country's expansion. It also could be used in a World History course in a unit on the Reformation.

Full Lesson Plan