The Esther M Lee African American Heritage Center is the result of educators, historians and community who have collaborated to bring to life the under-represented history of African Americans in the Lehigh Valley.

1740s Moravian Bethlehem
For the first 45 years, 40 black-Moravians were brought to Bethlehem as laborers, some enslaved by the Moravian Church, and some brought by Moravians that moved here. Not all were purchased.

1920s Black Bethlehem
From the 1920s to the 1960s Brodhead Ave. area (Bethlehem) was a hub of activity for blacks; with a pool room, barbershop, the Colored Voters Assoc., the Elks, and a boarding house. In Allentown, during the same years, Union Street was a central location for blacks with St. James AME Zion Church, and later on, Union Baptist Church. Clyde’s Barbershop at Union and 5th Sts., was the place for haircuts, gossip and purchasing dinners. In South Easton, Canal Street was a main location with Shiloh Baptist Church, a club, and many blacks living in and around that area.

MISSION

The mission is to highlight African American stories and legacies and to make visible those who have contributed to Lehigh Valley local history.

VISION

Our vision is to document and preserve historical information integral to Lehigh Valley African American community through an online digital archive available for research and exploration.

EDUCATION and PROGRAMS

Educational videos and stories will be available on our website for research and further study.

Community-focused programs that celebrate our heritage will also be available.