Local Education Programs at the 1803 House

Location: 55 South Keystone Avenue, Emmaus PA 18049;
 
Below: Emmaus Heritage Alliance 3rd Grade Program with East Penn School District; And More; 

Emmaus Heritage Alliance 3rd Grade Program:

Emmaus Heritage Alliance Plans a Program for East Penn 3rd Graders... In June of 2017 the 1803 House, along with the Knauss Homestead, Shelter House and “God’s Acre” hosted a Pilot Program in partnership with the East Penn School District.  Representing each historical site, the Emmaus Heritage Alliance’s goal was to match a program with the third-grade curriculum. 
     During a two day adventure, third graders from Lincoln and Jefferson elementary schools had a walking tour from site to site exploring and learning about the history of Emmaus and how children lived during the time periods of each location. Prior to the site visits, the children were visited by two representatives from Emmaus Heritage Alliance who told stories and showed pictures of what the children would see on their site visits a few days later.  
     The 1803 House [built in 1803] showed the children hearth cooking, butter churning, apple paring and herb usage. The Knauss Homestead [built in 1777] talked about children's chores, writing in a diary and the importance of streams near the homes. The Shelter House [built in 1734] taught the children about the trails into Emmaus, how to make corn cob dolls and that there is a not part of the corn that was wasted. The Moravian Church [established in 1747] showed the children the importance and layout of God’s Acre Cemetery, which was also the first location of the original church.  This program was the 1st step in matching their studies with local history. 
     Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown in leaps and bounds.  In 2020, 5 schools will be participating in Fall: Jefferson, Lincoln, Macungie, Alburtis and Shoemaker. Grants have been acquired for transportation and activity supplies, many more volunteers have come forward to help and the programs at each site have expanded.  The 1803 House looks forward to our next adventure with the 3 graders this Fall.
2017 Picture Summary; 2019 East Penn Press Article For all published articles Go to Resources.


   
  
 

The Plumbline and Cornerstone

     When Dick Farmer gives a tour to children, he explains to them that with a plumb line they have to locate the four corners of the house. At each of the corners of the house, carefully dressed cubicle field stones are place in perfect alignment with the plumb line.   A series of cornerstones are placed one on top of the other in an interlocking pattern to establish the volume of the 1803 House.

     The way the 1803 House is constructed provides a great deal of symbolism regarding its importance in the community.  It stands with the other historic structures in our community which serve as the cornerstone of history of colonial Emmaus.  We are fortunate they are being preserved.  With the preservation of the 1803 House, the preservation of colonial Moravian History is in full view. 

     Between these cornerstones are numerous field stones of random shape harvested from the neighboring hills.  These stones are symbolic of the Emmaus community at large.  They are placed in a more complex pattern and tie the whole volume together.  Every stone has its place. The Plumb Line: For all published articles Go to Resources.

 

  
    

1803 House & Dale Earnhardt Jr.:

 

Why was NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Emmaus?  His Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather was Johannes Ehrenhardt who was the father of Jacob Ehrenhardt Sr. who was the father of Jacob Ehrenhardt Jr., who built the 1803 House.   Morning Call article; or "Ramblings from the Bench"; Paul Reinhard-Morning Call;

Volunteer at the 1803 House:

  
The Friends of the 1803 House are always looking for volunteers at out Fundraiser Events, Education Programs and restoration/construction projects.
Go To Volunteer
or contact us

Sponsorship Opportunities:

 
 
Please consider sponsoring one of our restoration or construction projects, our education programs or our fundraiser events. To Sponsor; or Contact us

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Planned Programs...
The 1803 House gives slide show presentations to a group or organization at another location. Since we totally rely on donations to achieve our mission, we would greatly appreciate a donation.  To schedule a planned program, contact us.