The Moravian Historical Society in the Morning Call Newspaper, 1984 to today

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SOCIETY FEATURES SPECIAL MORAVIAN HOLIDAY EXHIBITS

Morning Call - Allentown, Pa. Author: The Morning Call

Copyright Morning Call Nov 18, 1999

Moravian Christmas customs are the focus of two special holiday exhibits by the Moravian Historical Society, which open with a reception from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Whitefield House, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth. Admission is free for this day only.

One exhibit, "The Moravian Putz," features three different family putzes, Nativity scenes or creches which show more than the traditional Mary and Joseph around a manger, shepherds and wise men. Once created almost exclusively by individual families in their homes, there are now a number of Moravian congregations in the area who produce an annual putz to show the public.

The oldest putz in the exhibit was created by the Morris family in their home on Market Street in Bethlehem. For more than 100 years, the family made its annual scene, using figures imported from Germany in the 1870s as well as antique animals, many covered with real fleece or fur. The area was originally illuminated by candles, and the family gathered on Christmas Eve to hear the Christmas story read, while younger children played in a sandy area that remains a unique part of the putz today.

Some Nazareth residents still remember the annual putz created by Jennie Trein in her home on East Center Street. For more than 50 years, she created a different putz every year around a different theme. Many of the putz components were given to the Moravian Historical Society, which has used them to create a mid-20th century putz in the style of this Nazareth legend.

In the 1970s, Dale and Ruth Kelly's family decided to make a putz as a family project. The installation grew to 15 scenes, complete with electric lights to illuminate each scene as a taped narration recites the Christmas story. The Kelly family putz is shown, using the family's narration, as part of the exhibit.

A second exhibit, "Moravian Christmas Customs," explains familiar sights seen during the holidays in the Lehigh Valley, including the Advent star, red-trimmed candles, candles in the windows and more. The exhibit can be found in various locations on the museum's second floor.

"The Moravian Putz" and "Moravian Christmas Customs" can be seen at the Whitefield House Sunday through Jan. 9. The museum is open daily, including weekends, from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day).

Admission is charged for the museum, which includes entrance to the holiday exhibits. For more information, call 610-759-5070.

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