Whitefield House and Gray Cottage

Whitefield House and Gray Cottage are two buildings in Nazareth erected by Moravian settlers as religious and residential structures. The main house measures about 56 feet in length and 35 feet in width with solid masonry work, while the smaller cottage displays traditional wood shingles on its gable roof.

Settlers built both structures in 1740 after moving north from their mission in Savannah, Georgia, to establish a religious center in Pennsylvania. These buildings marked the beginning of a lasting Moravian presence in the region and served the communal life of believers.

The building serves as headquarters for the Moravian Historical Society and houses a museum documenting early American religious communities and their practices.

The site offers exhibits, administrative offices, and a museum shop within the main house, while Gray Cottage houses private residents and is viewable from outside. Visitors should check opening hours before arriving to ensure interior access is available.

Gray Cottage stands as the oldest surviving structure of the American Moravian movement, offering insight into early construction methods of the religious community. The building's age makes it a valuable record of wooden architecture typical in the region during that period.

Location: Nazareth

Inception: 1740

Address: 214 East Center Street

GPS coordinates: 40.74110,-75.30780

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21