Moravian Life in the 1770s in Advance of the Revolution with Dr. Sharon Muhlfeld

Beginning with the founding of Bethlehem in the 1740s, Sharon Muhlfeld will narrate Moravian history with its missionary emphasis and the Great Economy before outlining their experiences during the American Revolution. Her presentation will add helpful context as we prepare to celebrate America250 in 2026.

The Moravians who arrived in eastern Pennsylvania in the 1740s were eager to fulfill the American vision of their founder, Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf. Their zeal for missionary activity, community development, and economic success enabled them to quickly carve out space in the PA landscape, but their passion also made it difficult to remain united around a common purpose. As the tensions associated with Pennsylvania politics and later the American Revolution began to tug at Moravian leaders, the church found itself caught between the many connections it had worked so hard to forge.

Sharon Muhlfeld is an adjunct history professor at Moravian University. She earned her PhD from William and Mary and teaches courses in indigenous history as well as colonial Pennsylvania.

You may also like the following events from Mennonite Heritage Center:

• Next month, 13th September, 10:00 am, Women in Ministry Oral History Presentation by Mary Nitzsche in Harleysville

Also check out other Workshops in Harleysville, Nonprofit events in Harleysville.