For more information about Bethlehem’s early years through 1844, visit the Bethlehem Digital History Project web site (BDHP).
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Local History Timeline
1741
Bethlehem founded by the Moravians.
4 May 1742
Precursor to Moravian College established as a girls school in Germantown, PA. Moves to the Bell House in Bethlehem in 1749.
1763
1773
1777
1777
April 1778
The Moravian Sisters of Bethlehem present Casimir Pulaski with a banner honoring his service to the Revolutionary cause.
1800
1826
1836
1845
1845
1846
1846
8 April 1857
1867
1869
1870
1872
17 October 1873
1882
10 September 1886
![](https://i0.wp.com/bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hdpoet-201x300.jpg?resize=105%2C157&ssl=1)
1888
1891
1893
1894
1898
![](https://i0.wp.com/bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bach-logo-large-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
1899
1904
1918
![](https://i0.wp.com/bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Archibald-Johnston-225x300.jpg?resize=100%2C133&ssl=1)
1 July 1919
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/laros1.png?resize=125%2C185&ssl=1)
5 September 1922
![](https://i0.wp.com/bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/liberty2-300x225.jpg?resize=161%2C121&ssl=1)
1925
1930
![](https://i0.wp.com/bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Robert-Pfeifle-225x300.jpg?resize=100%2C133&ssl=1)
1937
January 1941
24-28 March 1941
![](https://i0.wp.com/bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Workers-on-strike-outside-Bethlehem-Steel-at-20th-and-Illinois-streets-Jan-1941-AAC-6362-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
8 November 1961
1966
1967
For more information about the sculpture, “Symbol of Progress” in the City Center visit this page.
1972
7 July 1973
1974
1978
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/321-63_MP3.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
1984
![](https://i0.wp.com/bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Musikfest-1984-Program-Cover-220x300.jpg?resize=95%2C130&ssl=1)
1991
1995
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/220px-Bethlehem_Steel_logo.svg_.png?resize=130%2C127&ssl=1)
2001
2003
2005
2006
2009
2011
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/greenway-sign.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
Blue Herons, a new sculpture by Virginia Abbot, is dedicated on site, along with garden of native plants.
2016
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IndustrialMuseum11.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
2017
2021
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.bapl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/borinq.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
2022
2022
For more information about Bethlehem’s early years through 1844, visit the Bethlehem Digital History Project web site (BDHP).
Excerpted in part from: Cressman, Austin M. Historical Bethlehem 1741-1950. c1941.
Learn More
Bethlehem Area Public Library is a great place to learn more about the rich and diverse history of our city, region and people.