Nazareth, PA—The Moravian Historical Society is pleased to announce the opening of our annual putz display, held on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 11 a.m–4 p.m. This free exhibition celebrates A Moravian Christmas: 100 Years of Tradition.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view the annual putz display in the historic 1740 Gray Cottage, the oldest Moravian structure in North America. An elaborate miniature display that tells the Christmas story, the Moravian putz tradition reaches back into the eighteenth century. This exhibition features objects from the 1850s Morris putz and the 20th century Sullivan putz, accompanied by lights and narration of the Nativity story.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy a festive display of Robert Wendler’s historic Lehigh Valley building models. For more than two decades, Wendler preserved Lehigh Valley history in the form of his miniature buildings. Painstakingly detailed, these miniature masterpieces were created using only basswood, paint, sharp knives, and tiny drills to create each shingle, window, and post one at a time. At the height of his productivity during the 1970s, Wendler produced three to four buildings a month. The display will feature some of the most iconic historic structures from the Lehigh Valley.

The exhibition will be on display daily from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. November 28, 2021–January 9, 2022. For November 27 only, the putz will be open at 11:00 a.m. during Small Business Saturday. The Moravian Historical Society is closed on December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1.

Founded in 1857, the Moravian Historical Society (MHS) preserves, interprets, and celebrates the rich culture of the Moravians. Located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 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.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: moravianhistoricalsociety | Instagram: moravianhistory | Twitter: moravianhistory

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Moravian Historical Society
https://www.moravianhistory.org/

 

---