History

Scroll below to learn more about the history of Nisky Hill and the Moravians.

Nisky Hill Cemetery

Nisky Hill Cemetery, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is one of the region's most historically significant burial grounds. Established in the mid-19th century, the cemetery reflects Bethlehem's deep-rooted Moravian heritage and serves as the final resting place for many prominent figures from the area's past. The name "Nisky" is believed to be derived from "Niesky," a town in Germany that was closely connected to the Moravian Church. The cemetery was originally created to accommodate the growing population of Bethlehem and to provide a space distinct from the traditional Moravian burial ground, God's Acre, which had strict burial customs. Unlike God's Acre, where all gravestones are flat and uniform to reflect the Moravian belief in equality in death, Nisky Hill allowed for more individualized markers and monuments.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Nisky Hill Cemetery became the resting place for many notable residents, including influential industrialists, clergy, and civic leaders. Many individuals who played key roles in the rise of Bethlehem Steel, one of America's largest steel producers, are buried here. The cemetery also contains graves of veterans from multiple wars, including the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Over time, the cemetery expanded, adding sections to accommodate different religious and ethnic groups, reflecting Bethlehem's diverse population.

The cemetery's landscape features rolling hills, mature trees, and winding pathways, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere. Many of its older headstones and mausoleums display intricate carvings and elaborate designs, showcasing artistic and architectural trends from different time periods. Among its most famous burials are local politicians, business leaders, and Moravian clergy who helped shape the development of Bethlehem. Today, Nisky Hill remains an important historical and cultural landmark, attracting genealogists, historians, and visitors interested in exploring Bethlehem's rich past. Despite the passage of time, it continues to serve as a symbol of the city's heritage, preserving the stories of those who contributed to its growth and legacy.

Historic cannon on the grounds of Nisky Hill Cemetery

Oil painting of Moravians by Václav Malý

The Moravians

The Moravians are a Protestant Christian group that traces its origins to the 15th-century followers of Jan Hus, a Czech reformer who sought to reform the Catholic Church. After Hus was executed in 1415, his followers, known as the Hussites, formed various movements, one of which became the Unity of the Brethren (Unitas Fratrum) in 1457. This group emphasized simple worship, personal piety, and communal living.

The Moravians faced persecution in the 1600s, forcing many to flee their homeland. In the early 18th century, a group of them found refuge on the estate of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf in Saxony, Germany. Under his leadership, the Moravians experienced a spiritual revival and became one of the first Protestant denominations to engage in organized missionary work, spreading their beliefs to the Americas, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Moravians played a significant role in colonial America, particularly in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, where they founded settlements like Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Winston-Salem. They emphasized education, music, and communal cooperation, and their missions reached Native American tribes as well.

Today, the Moravian Church remains active, with communities in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond. While their numbers are relatively small compared to other Christian denominations, their legacy of faith, music, and missions continues to have a lasting impact.