Courtesy of Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The National Park Service has awarded $699,300 through the Historic Preservation Fund’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program to support preservation work within Bethlehem’s Colonial Industrial Quarter (CIQ).
The three-year project will preserve the historic 1761 Tannery and address invasive vegetation threatening historic resources throughout the CIQ, according to a news release from Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.
The 1761 Tannery has been closed to the public for 22 years due to water infiltration and resulting damage. Originally used to process hides essential to Bethlehem’s colonial economy, the Tannery later produced leather goods during the American Revolution, helping supply the Continental Army, the release says. HBMS previously completed work to address water infiltration as part of a multiphase effort to preserve and eventually reopen the building. Officials say the new grant will fund Phase III, focused on preservation of the Tannery’s historic stone walls. A separate, final phase will address HVAC and electrical improvements.
Courtesy of Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.
The organization says the grant will also fund efforts to combat Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant that has spread throughout the CIQ and can threaten historic structures. Work will include developing and implementing a mitigation plan, removing existing knotweed, and establishing native vegetation to help prevent its return.
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc. (DLNHC) will serve as the project lead and federal grant administrator, bringing experience in federal grant and project management, as well as historic preservation.
“The Colonial Industrial Quarter is such an important part of what makes this city unique and is central to the story of the heritage corridor,” said Tony Pierucci, executive director of DLNHC. “We are excited to step alongside HBMS and other partners to help advance the preservation of this important resource.”
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS), which operates the CIQ, will play a key role on the project team, drawing upon its experience in the preservation and interpretation of the site.
Japanese knotweed by a staircase at the tannery
Courtesy of Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.
“The 1761 Tannery is the only surviving 18th-century Moravian industrial building in the world. With preservation efforts and updated interpretation, we can invite students and the public back into the expansive historic space to learn about daily life in Bethlehem, including the many trades and crafts the Moravians practiced on the Monocacy Creek,” said LoriAnn Wukitsch, president and CEO of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.
Officials say the Tannery and the CIQ are also part of Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem, one of four historic Moravian settlements across the world that comprise a transnational UNESCO World Heritage.
“Preserving the Tannery honors both our local history and our shared responsibility to the world community that recognizes Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem as a World Heritage Site,” says Dr. Katherine M. Faull, Site Manager, Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site, and Vice President for Moravian Heritage, Moravian University. Dr. Faull will provide guidance on the project in compliance with the site’s World Heritage designation and obligations to UNESCO.
The City of Bethlehem owns the Colonial Industrial Quarter, including the Tannery, and is responsible for its stewardship. The city will provide local oversight for the project.
Learn more about the project at delawareandlehigh.org/blog/bethlehem-colonial-industrial-quarter-preservation/.