Welcome to The 1803 House in Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Mailing address: P.O. Box 7, Emmaus, PA 18049
Location: 55 S. Keystone Ave., Emmaus, PA 18049
Email:
Friends@1803house.org

The mission of "The Friends of the 1803 House" is to help preserve and maintain the 1803 House, as a museum for the community of Emmaus.
We protect the past while ensuring the next generation of Americans will learn from the lessons of our history.

 

The 1803 House Needs Your Help to Restore its Aging Roof...

    

     Help protect one of Emmaus' most treasured landmarks; The 1803 House stands as a rare and beautifully preserved example of early colonial architecture - built by Jacob Ehrenhardt Jr., son of Jacob Ehrenhardt Sr., one of the Emmaus" original founders. Constructed with hand-sourced stone and timber in 1802, the house served as a warm, welcoming space for Jacob's growing family and remains a proud symbol of the town's Moravian roots and pioneering spirit.  
     For nearly 50 years, The Friends of the 1803 House have worked to preserve this important piece of local history.  As a museum and community touchstone, the 1803 House offers residents and visitors a glimpse into daily life in early 19th century Pennsylvania. BUT TODAY, THE 1803 HOUSE NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!! 
Due to age and weather, the original roof structure is failing, and the weight of the current slate shingles has begun to compromise the historic wood framing.  
     To protect this home and it legacy, we are hoping to raise $100,000 which will help us to restore the original roof framing, repair gutter and flashing, and replace the slate shingles with lighter, historically appropriate wood shingles. 
     Your donation will ensure the 1803 House continues to inspire future generations as living testament to Emmaus' heritage.  Every contribution brings us one step closer to securing the future of this beloved local landmark.  

         Donate Online...go to Participate Now to donate online and receive your tax-deductible acknowledgement and receipt.

      Donate by Check...Make check payable to "The Friends of the 1803 House" and mail it to P.O. Box 7, Emmaus, PA 18049.

September 6th from 8am - noon...1803 House FALL Community Yard Sale...


Emmaus Community Yard Sale twice a year...Always 1st Saturday after Memorial and Labor Day from 8am to noon; rain date the 8th: The Emmaus Community is having one big yard sale and the 1803 House is participating.  There will be antiques and quality household items for sale.  All proceeds go the the preservation and restoration of th 1803 House...

The 1803 House:

In 1803, Jacob Ehrenhardt, Jr. built this stone, Federal-style home for his wife Susanna and their four daughters, Barbara, Anna Marie, Anna Eleonora and Suzanna.  It was located near the Moravian Church, surrounded by crop fields, the South Mountain and a stream nearby. The house preserves the architecture of the Moravian culture of Colonial Pennsylvania and is located at 55 South Keystone Avenue, Emmaus, PA and is managed by The Friends of the 1803 House. More history;


 

1803 House Archeological Dig:

Since 2015, Lehigh University Archaeology Professor David Small, has been working with teams of students and Emmaus volunteers on excavations at the 1803 House. Lehigh's enterprise was not the first, however. In 2012 Ryan Loughren, a teacher at  Seven Generations Charter School, took several students to dig south of the kitchen. In 2017, the project took on an exciting new focus. Lehigh University will be constructing an integrated, interactive website which will contain not only the information from the excavation, but the information from the 1803 House itself. This new focus is only possible through the "Mellon Digital Initiative Grant", which Lehigh University helped the 1803 House procure. That same year the excavating crew uncovered a "privy". In 2019, the team completed their excavation of the site. They preserved the site walls and then placed clean fill over the area. Now, the 1803 House, anxiously awaits the release of the new website being created by Lehigh University students. More on Dig;
 

Become a Friend of the 1803 House...

To become a "Friend" click on the "Become a Member" button below mail it with your tax-deductible contribution.

Attend an 1803 House or Emmaus Event:

For more information Go to Events;

Need a Speaker?

 
Planned Programs...
The 1803 House also
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.

1803 House Education Programs:

 
We currently have an educational partnership with nearby Seven Generations Charter School and East Penn School District. For more nformation Go To Education or contact us

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