One of our favorite parts of the Lehigh Valley is the variety of historical attractions. You can learn all about various stages of American history by visiting these numerous unique sites. The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts is one that stands out and features various exhibits on style and design spanning three centuries of American history. Housed in three inter-connected homes from the 1800s, the buildings themselves are historical artifacts. If you’re looking for a fun and educational family trip in the Lehigh Valley, our Allentown adoption agents highly recommend a visit to this beautiful museum. Some of our favorite features and events here include:
Gardens
The Kemerer has beautiful gardens designed by Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE. Features include traditional horticultural elements along with classic landscape architectural ones. This makes for a breathtaking combination of classicism, creativity, and contemporary gardening. The garden is also filled with beautiful stainless steel sculptures by Skip Karlik, a Bethlehem native. There is also a cocktail garden and chapel garden, making this complex a perfect setting for various programs, parties, and events.
Behind-The-Scenes Dollhouse Tour
If you’re at all interested in dollhouses, then the Kemerer Museum’s Behind-the-Scenes Dollhouse Tour will be a real treat. These dollhouses act as exhibits in and of themselves, taking you on a journey through American history and how architecture, clothing, and furniture styles have changed over the decades. The tour features dollhouses from some of the most notable manufacturers in dollhouse history, including Christian Hacker and Moritiz Gottschalk. Highlights include an 1895 English Townhouse, a 1890s French Villa, and much more.
Time Capsule Bethlehem: Our City Then & Now
The Kemerer Museum is all about the history of decorative arts, and the Time Capsule Bethlehem exhibit pays special attention to the history of this great city. Learn all about the defining moments of Bethlehem’s rich history, including the people who made them happen and the places where they occurred. This exhibit is also interactive, as guests will be encouraged to add their own objects to a time capsule of today. This exhibition runs through August 26, 2018.
Time Capsule Bethlehem: Paint & Sip Family Tree
As part of the Time Capsule Bethlehem exhibit, the adults in your family will have the chance to engage in a popular trend that’s been sweeping the nation – wine and painting. Sip on your choice of delicious wine while creating a watercolor family tree, adding the names of your family members in calligraphy among the branches. After enjoying this fun and interactive experience, you’ll have a souvenir to bring home and hang on your wall, and to pass on to your children as a family heirloom.
