Completed in 1905, the Allentown National Bank Building now provides low-cost housing for some of the city’s senior citizens. Constructed in the Beaux Arts architectural style, the building is the last pre-1920 commercial structure within Allentown’s central business district. It served the community’s financial needs for almost a century until it was abandoned and almost demolished in the 1990s. It was purchased, along with the adjacent Trojan Powder Building, by Pennrose Properties in 2005 and converted into Allentown Center Square Senior Housing. While its interior has been significantly modified, it still maintains some of its historic elements and its exterior remains largely intact. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Located in the basement of the Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, the Liberty Bell Museum shares the story of how the people of Allentown hid the Liberty Bell during the American Revolution. As the King's Army was about to seize Philadelphia, concerned residents feared British soldiers would destroy the bell given is great symbolic importance. As a result, these men moved the bell to Allentown and hid it under floorboards, hay, and manure for nearly a year. Visitors to the museum can discover an exact replica of the bell as well as a mural depicting the hiding of the bell and other Colonial America exhibits.
The Americus Hotel was built during the height of the Jazz Age in 1927. The hotel was largely the brainchild of local businessman and real estate developer, Albert Gomery. Gomery envisioned a grand hotel that could host business travelers and lavish parties with equal alacrity. The 13-story hotel, with a Spanish Moor design was the focal point of Allentown’s business district for over 40 years. However, as Allentown suffered through economic troubles in the 1970s and 80s, so too did the Americus. It was condemned in 2007. The Americus was recently purchased by another developer and renovations are currently underway. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
What began as part of a farmer’s market is now the premier live-event venue in the Lehigh Valley. Miller Symphony Hall was initially used as a 3-story central market place in the late 19th century. It was converted to a theater on the eve of the 20th century and has been used as such ever since, with numerous alterations to both building and types of performers. It has hosted risqué burlesque shows and was threatened with demolition in the 1950s. It has survived both disrepair and debt in the 1980s and today is home to the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. It also hosts a variety of live events, with a focus on jazz and classical music.
With its original section dating back to the early 19th century, the Old Lehigh County Courthouse has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over its 200-year history. The initial courthouse, which was modest in size, was completed in 1819. It was then remodeled and enlarged in 1864, again in 1881 and once again in 1916. The mismatched 1916 addition was initially meant to be the beginnings of an entirely new courthouse and spell doom for the older sections. However, a new courthouse was built near the old in 1965 and the Old Courthouse was spared. Today, the newer section is home to a branch of the County District Court while the older section houses local government offices such as that of the County Coroner. The Old Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
The Allentown Art Museum carries the proud role of being the go-to center for the arts in Lehigh County, and with over 17,000 works of art covering every medium and genre, especially European paintings and textiles, visitors can spend hours or even days exploring the vast collections. Founded in 1934 due to the grassroots efforts by the teacher, painter, and critic Walter Emerson Baum, this museum is dedicated to providing Lehigh communities with a direct connection to internationally acclaimed as well as local art. Visitors to the museum can discover everything from American paintings and textiles to non-Western art and costumes, while enthusiasts and scholars can take advantage of the extensive library and archives.
The Lehigh County Historical Society operates seven museums throughout the county, including this general history museum that is also home to the headquarters of the Society. The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum includes six galleries and over 13,000 square feet of exhibits that include artifacts related to Native inhabitants, early explorers and settlers, and residents of the valley from the 18th to 21st centuries. Permanent exhibits at the museum include artifacts related to Native American tribes and the colonial period, the legacy of Pennsylvania Germans, the rise of industry, and the plight of immigrant mill workers. Researchers and genealogists can use the Scott Andrew Trexler II Research Library & Archives.
Built as a summer home for James Allen and his family in 1770, Trout Hall has also been part of a seminary, military academy, prep school and college. Built in the Georgian style, Trout Hall is the oldest home in Allentown and is now under the management of the Lehigh County Historical Society which uses it as a period and Revolutionary War Era museum. It stayed within the Allen family until it was sold to an outside interest in 1847. It was eventually purchased by the City of Allentown in 1908 and restored to its colonial status by 1918. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978.
Unveiled in 2011, this memorial was the first monumental sculpture to depict Dr. Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King. The site of the memorial is located near downtown Allentown at the Harry A. Roberts Plaza. The monument was dedicated to commemorate the life of the Kings while addressing the issues of civil rights, world peace, and economic equality.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This walking tour starts at Allentown's Liberty Bell Museum and winds through downtown as it moves east towards Jordan Creek. The tour includes the historic Americus Hotel and several museums. The tour concludes at the Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King Memorial of Lehigh Valley.
