Bethlehem Room: Local History Collection & Archives

An invaluable resource for researchers and history enthusiasts, the Bethlehem Room at the Main Library houses non-circulating materials, including books, journals, directories, clippings, photographs, and maps. Special collections include Records of the Greater Bethlehem Area Council of Churches (1956-2005) and the Papers and Artwork of Christian Friedrich Hellener dating back to the 19th century. Visit the Main Library during regular hours to explore these materials in person. You may make a reservation to use the Bethlehem Room here.

▶ Bethlehem Room Information Brochure

▶ Finding Aids for Archival Collections

Historical Timelines & Documents

▶ Bethlehem History Timeline (1741–present)

▶ First Annual Message of Archibald Johnston (1918 Mayoral Address)

▶ WWII Article Index – Local news extracts on WWII personnel from the Bethlehem Globe-Times

Newspaper Archives

▶ Local Historical Newspaper Archives (including obituaries)

▶ Express-Times Archives

▶ Morning Call Archives

Special Collections

▶ Black Bethlehem Project – Oral history collection highlighting the Black experience in Bethlehem, PA

▶ House Research Guide – How-to guide on researching a home’s ownership history

▶ Additional Digital Collections housed at BAPL

Historical Maps

Explore historical maps of Bethlehem:

▶ 1873 Map of Bethlehem

▶ 1886 Map of Bethlehem

▶ 1929 Map of Bethlehem

▶ Lehigh Valley Historical Maps Consortium

Historical Books & Magazines

▶ Bethlehem Steel / Bethlehem Booster – Employee magazine from Bethlehem Steel Company

• • Issue One (May 1, 1918)
  • Issue Two (May 15, 1918)

▶ Men of Bethlehem (1918) – A look at prominent figures in Bethlehem published in 1918

▶ Semi-Centennial of South Bethlehem (1915) – Souvenir history publication

▶ South Bethlehem Business College Catalog – College catalog detailing courses and fees

Miscellaneous Historical Materials

▶ Pennsylvania State Fair Poster (1891, held in Bethlehem)

▶ Postcard 1 – Trolley car at the 4th Ave. Hotel

▶ Postcard 2 – 3rd St. decorated for the semi-centennial celebration