BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites on Saturday chose its namesake hotel, which it called the "prized jewel of Bethlehem’s Main Street," as its 2025 Business Honoree.
The organization recognized Historic Hotel Bethlehem for its historical preservation efforts during its Benefactor’s Reception & Awards ceremony at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
“Historic Hotel Bethlehem, a cornerstone of the Main Street experience, has partnered with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites and many community groups for more than 25 years."Historic Bethlehem Chief Executive Officer LoriAnn Wukitsch
“Historic Hotel Bethlehem, a cornerstone of the Main Street experience, has partnered with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites and many community groups for more than 25 years, strengthening tourism and helping build the vibrant Historic District we know today," Historic Bethlehem Chief Executive Officer LoriAnn Wukitsch said.
"It is the prized jewel of Bethlehem’s Main Street, and this award is well deserved.”
The hotel’s managing partner, Bruce Haines, accepted the award.
“It’s truly a privilege to partner with HBMS," Haines said. "They work incredibly hard to preserve our important local history.”
Hotel's history, and present success
Historic Hotel Bethlehem supports numerous community groups and organizations annually, HBMS said.
Its recent contributions include support for Historic Bethlehem’s Checking In: Bethlehem’s Alluring Accommodations exhibition at the Kemerer and Moravian Museums and expanded family activities at the 1750 Smithy on Main Street throughout the holiday season.
The hotel, which opened in 1920, also is a symbol of historic preservation.
In 1996, the hotel entered bankruptcy and closed in January 1998.
A group of local investors, many of them Lehigh University graduates, bought it soon after to save the building from conversion into senior apartments or a dormitory for Moravian University.
They restored the hotel’s original character and in 2002, after a major renovation, it became a member of Historic Hotels of America, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s official program recognizing the country’s most significant historic hotels.
Also recognized at Saturday's event was Sharon Donchez, an HBMS and Bethlehem Garden Club volunteer whose "yearly commitment is vital to the success of the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition,” Wukitsch said.
Also honored were photographer Lydia Panas and blacksmith and new Smith of Practice at the 1750 Smithy, Luke Dellmyer.
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is a nonprofit institution that celebrates Bethlehem's history.
