| Nazareth, PA—Nazareth, PA, July 24, 2026—The Moravian Historical Society announces the return of Free Summer Sundays in August! Guests will enjoy free admission to the Museum, and children can learn colonial skills and crafts through unique hands-on activities each week. The activities begin at 1:00 p.m. and will end at 3:30 p.m. The Museum and museum store are open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
This year’s activities explore life and history during the American Revolution with knowledgeable workshop leaders. Please note, while all are welcome to join us, some activities may require parental assistance and may be best for families with children six and older. All activities are planned to take place on the lawn of the Moravian Historical Society and are weather-dependent.
August 2: Paper Marbling—Create eye-catching marbled papers like a colonial artisan! Learn how pigments float in water, then swirl the colors, and transfer the design to paper. It may look like magic, but we will explain the very real science behind this fascinating phenomenon. In the colonial era, bookbinders used paper marbling to adorn books. Marbling was also used on the borders of early American paper money because hand-marbled patterns were nearly impossible for forgers to duplicate precisely.
August 9: Printmaking—Design and carve your own stamp using printmaking techniques. During the American Revolution, printmakers used hand-presses to rapidly produce and distribute newspapers, political pamphlets, and political cartoons. These items united the thirteen colonies, shared revolutionary ideas, and built public support for independence from Great Britain.
August 16: Colonial Sewing—How did Colonists carry their belongings? Eighteenth-century men carried items they frequently used, such as keys, money, or small tools, inside haversacks, which they slung over their shoulders. Instead of pockets sewn into clothing, women wore unattached pockets underneath their petticoats (skirts). You can sew your own colonial-style pocket or haversack to carry your belongings!
August 23: Colonial Writing and Wax Seals—Write a letter using a quill pen and then make an envelope and seal it with a decorative wax seal! Without phones or instant messaging, Revolutionary War leaders like George Washington relied on handwritten letters to coordinate troop movements, request supplies, and shape the revolution.
August 30: Corn Husk Doll—Make your own corn husk doll! Corn husk dolls originated with Northeastern Native American tribes who fashioned the dried husks into toys and spiritual tools over a thousand years ago. This craft was later adopted by early European settlers as a simple, free toy for children.
The Moravian Historical Society’s Museum is open daily from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and is located at 214 East Center Street, Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
Founded in 1857, the Moravian Historical Society (MHS) preserves, interprets, and celebrates the rich culture of the Moravians. MHS maintains the 1740–1743 Whitefield House and the 1740 Gray Cottage, the oldest surviving Moravian structure in North America. Recognized widely for its significant collection, the museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions and a store that features gifts, books, and handmade artisan items.
This program is supported in part with funding from the Hotel Tax Grant Program through the County of Northampton Department of Community and Economic Development. |
