5 Reasons to Visit Burnside Plantation

Dec 25, 2017

The charming Pennsylvanian city of Bethlehem is home to many interesting historic sites and museums, one of which is the well-known Burnside Plantation. This plantation is a Moravian farm that provides an insight into the lives of farmers and farming methods between the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Here are five must-see attractions at the Burnside Plantation.

Farmhouse

The initial owners of the Burnside Plantation, John and Mary Burnside, constructed the farmhouse in 1748. Between 1760 and 1765, David Tannenberg and Johann Klemm made organs there. It’s believed that the beehive oven found in the kitchen was used for crafting instruments.

Orchard

The orchard at the plantation produced tasty apples for the Moravians, who used them to make apple cider, butter, pies, and schnitz. Today, it’s the venue of Bethlehem’s annual Apple Days.

Louise Dimmick Garden

Named after a dedicated volunteer, this garden is a good example of a kitchen garden found in many American homes in the past. It produces a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, spices, and flowers.

Johnson Barn

The Johnson Barn is a typical 19^th-century bank barn used for storing grains. In the past, farmers would drive their wagons up to the ramp and unload their grains onto the threshing floor. The lower level of the barn served as a stable.

Horse-Powered Wheel

This ingenious invention made it possible for one horse to perform the work of 15 people. It’s now being used as a tool for demonstrating historic agricultural practices.

The Burnside Plantation offers guided tours, cooking demonstrations, crafts, games, and other activities. Discounts are available for seniors and AAA members.