Overview

The first pumped municipal water system in America was done in Historic Moravian Bethlehem at the 1762 Waterworks. This building is a National Historic Landmark, a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and an American Water Landmark, due to the significance it played in history.

The Monocacy Creek was the only source of power that turned the 18-foot diameter wheel that fed five cisterns in the town. A nearby spring served as the main water source for the city until the early 20th century.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS) operates this area. Please check their website for updates and more information on safety practices.

Other HBMS Historical Sites to Tour:

Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
1750 Smithy
Nain-Schober House
Single Sisters’ House
1752 Apothecary
Burnside Plantation; by appointment only

Not to Miss Annual HBMS Events:

Heritage Trail
Old Bethlehem Walking Tour
Death & Dying Cemetery Tour
Christmas City Stroll
John Adams Bethlehem Walking Tour
The 1752 Apothecary Tour
Rise & Fall of Bethlehem Steel Walking Tour