Moravian Historical Society Gets $62,500 Grant to Help Preserve 1740 Gray Cottage, Says Emrick

June 6, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Nazareth) today announced the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has awarded a $62,500 grant to the Moravian Historical Society for the preservation of the 1740 Gray Cottage in Nazareth Borough. The log building was constructed in October 1740 by Moravians to shelter themselves during the winter.

“Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Gray Cottage is the oldest existing Moravian structure in North America and in need of repairs,” said Emrick. “These funds will help to ensure the structural integrity of this historically significant building by replacing its sill logs, repairing other compromised logs and re-grading the surrounding landscape to help mitigate future water damage.”

Created in 1945, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is responsible for the collection, conservation, and interpretation of Pennsylvania's historic heritage, which is accomplished through the Pennsylvania State Archives, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Trails of History (historic sites and museums), the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office and the Bureau of Management Services.