Celebrating 250 Years of America at the Knauss Homestead on July 25th 2026
As the United States prepares to mark the monumental milestone of its 250th anniversary, communities across the country are reflecting on the people, places, and stories that shaped the nation’s earliest days. Here in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, few places offer a more authentic connection to that history than the Knauss Homestead—a rare and remarkably preserved 18th-century home that quite literally stood at the dawn of America.
On July 25th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Knauss Homestead will open its doors as part of the broader America250 and Emmaus250 celebrations, offering a day of immersive history, thoughtful discussion, and meaningful connection to the past.
This is not just a visit. It’s an opportunity to step into a world that still echoes with the spirit of 1777.
A Living Landmark of Early America
Built during the Revolutionary era, the Knauss Homestead is more than a historic structure—it is a surviving witness to the birth of a nation. Its rare continental plan architecture, deeply rooted in Germanic building traditions, reflects the cultural heritage of the early settlers who came to Pennsylvania seeking religious freedom and a better life.
Families like the Knausses were part of a larger wave of immigrants who answered the call of William Penn, establishing communities grounded in faith, craftsmanship, and resilience. Just steps from what would become the Moravian settlement of Emmaus, the homestead existed within a tightly woven cultural landscape connected to Historic Bethlehem—a hub of early American industry, music, and spiritual life.
During America250, that story comes vividly back to life.
A Day of Living History and Shared Stories
Throughout the day, guests are invited to explore the homestead at their own pace—wandering through rooms that have remained largely unchanged for centuries, standing beneath hand-hewn beams, and experiencing the quiet beauty of a home built with intention and care.
But the heart of the day lies just beyond the house, in the historic barn.
In partnership with leading regional institutions, the Knauss Homestead will host a series of engaging talks that explore perspectives often overlooked in traditional Revolutionary War narratives.
Want to Exhibit During the Emmaus 250 Celebration?
You can choose to set up shop along Main Street and around the Emmaus Triangle, or take part in the Heritage Village happening at the Emmaus Historical Society. Both are great options to get your small business noticed!
Two Communities, One Unforgettable Night: Sunset Salsa Brings More Than 300 to the Knauss Homestead
Two Communities, One Unforgettable Night: Sunset Salsa Brings More Than 300 to the Knauss Homestead in Emmaus on Saturday October 3rd for an incredible evening of dancing and community building at the historic Knauss Homestead.
Indigenous Perspectives on the Early Days of America
Talk Scheduled at 12 Noon and 3:00 PM in the Knauss Barn.
Long before the founding of the United States, this land was home to Indigenous communities whose histories, traditions, and contributions are essential to understanding early America.
Representatives from the Museum of Indian Culture will share insights into the lives of local Native American tribes, their role during the Revolutionary era, and the broader context of Indigenous life in the Lehigh Valley. This talk offers a powerful and necessary perspective—one that deepens and broadens the story of America’s origins.
The Revolutionary Women Who Held It All Together
Talk Scheduled at 1 :00 PM and 4:00 PM in the Knauss Barn.
While the Revolution is often told through the lens of soldiers and statesmen, it was women who sustained households, supported war efforts, managed farms and businesses, and preserved family life through uncertainty and upheaval.
Members of the Knauss Homestead Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will illuminate these vital contributions, offering a richer, more complete understanding of daily life during the nation’s founding years, told in the rich context of our 1777 family homestead. With actual artifacts and experts on hand, this is one session you won’t want to miss!
A Community Effort Rooted in History
This special America250 programming is made possible through collaboration with regional partners including Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, whose ongoing work preserves and interprets the rich Moravian heritage of the area.
Together, these organizations are helping to tell a fuller, more inclusive story of early America—one that honors not just the well-known figures of the Revolution, but the diverse communities who shaped its outcome.
Easy Access via Emmaus250 Shuttle Service
To make your visit seamless, the Knauss Homestead will be accessible via the Emmaus250 shuttle service, connecting guests to celebration sites throughout the borough all weekend long. Whether you’re spending the day exploring Emmaus or making the homestead your destination, getting there is simple—and part of the experience.
Keep checking back and watching our social media accounts for more information!