1803 House

Description:

Step inside and go back in time to the early 1800s after the Moravians settled in Emmaus. From the moment you walk through the door of the 1803 House, you can almost feel what it was like in Emmaus at the beginning of the 19th century. Close the door behind you and look around the kitchen. See the glowing fire in the fireplace. You can actually feel the warmth and comfort that Revolutionary War soldier Jacob Ehrenhardt, Jr.’s family may have felt back then. Jacob Jr. was the son of Jacob Ehrenhardt, Sr., one of the founders of Emmaus back in 1761.

The Federal-style home preserves the architecture of the Moravian culture of colonial Pennsylvania and embodies the lifestyle of colonial America. Beautifully renovated with period rooms, this “time capsule” of the past is a vital link to our heritage and one of the oldest structures in the borough of Emmaus.

Year-round guided tours for groups or individuals are available by appointment, as are annual events such as Sips and Strings, Emmaus Heritage Festival, Pies and Pints, and Old-Fashioned Christmas at the 1803 House.

We are also proud to partner with the East Penn School District on the Emmaus Heritage Alliance Education Project. The 1803 House, the Shelter House, God’s Acre, and the Knauss Homestead host third graders from four elementary schools each year. Students explore and learn about their community, the history of Emmaus, and how children lived during the time periods of each site.

ADA Accessibility: 1st floor is ADA accessible