The Knauss Homestead

The Knauss Homestead The Knauss Homestead was built in 1777 by Heinrich Knauss for his father, Moravian settler and founder of Emmaus, Sebastian Knauss.

On the National Register of Historic Places, it’s where the Lehigh Valley can gather and share their love of history. The Knauss Homestead was built in 1777 by Henry Knauss, son of Sebastian Henrich Knauss in Emmaus PA on land donated by Sebastian Heinrich Knauss.

Preserving the Knauss Homestead is a commitment to safeguarding the place where Emmaus began. Built in 1777 and stewarde...
11/20/2025

Preserving the Knauss Homestead is a commitment to safeguarding the place where Emmaus began. Built in 1777 and stewarded by the Knauss family for 158 years, the homestead remains one of the region’s most enduring touchstones of early Lehigh Valley life. Your support helps us continue the careful work required to maintain this landmark for future generations.

Memberships and donations directly sustain our restoration efforts, including the final phase of the barn restoration, where electrical upgrades, flooring, and structural support will transform the 18th-century barn into a fully usable space for community gatherings, programs, and celebrations. Every contribution moves us closer to completing this important chapter in the Homestead’s preservation.

Visit our website at Knausshomestead.org/membership to learn more.

The Knauss Homestead stands as a remarkable example of early Continental Plan architecture. The house features a 3-room ...
11/18/2025

The Knauss Homestead stands as a remarkable example of early Continental Plan architecture. The house features a 3-room layout centered around a large hearth and a winder stair:

Kitchen (Küche)
Parlor (Stube)
Bedroom (Kammer)

Upstairs, four additional bedrooms (kammers) were intended for adults and children able to navigate stairs. Every room preserves the historic charm and tells the story of daily life in the late 18th century.

Plan your visit at: knuasshomestead.org

Capture the spirit of the season at The Knauss Homestead! 📸🎄Our historic homestead offers the perfect backdrop for holid...
11/15/2025

Capture the spirit of the season at The Knauss Homestead! 📸🎄

Our historic homestead offers the perfect backdrop for holiday and seasonal photos, blending timeless charm, cozy scenery, and stunning grounds!

Inquire online at: knausshomestead.org/contact

Built in 1777 by Heinrich Knauss on land his father Sebastian purchased in 1747, the house remained in the Knauss family...
11/13/2025

Built in 1777 by Heinrich Knauss on land his father Sebastian purchased in 1747, the house remained in the Knauss family for 158 uninterrupted years. Generation after generation lived, worked, and shaped daily life on the grounds, passing the homestead from one family member to the next.

Mary Ellen Knauss, who moved in at age 18 in 1866, became its longest resident, caring for the house for an extraordinary 69 years. Her passing in 1935 marked the end of the Knauss family ownership.

Today, we are dedicated to completing the final phases of restoration in the barn, expanding our programming, and ensuring that the Knauss Homestead continues to serve as a place of learning, connection, and community for generations to come.

🔗 Visit knausshomestead.org to learn more or to make a donation.

Today and every day we honor the service, sacrifice, and courage of the heroes who have protected our nation's freedom t...
11/11/2025

Today and every day we honor the service, sacrifice, and courage of the heroes who have protected our nation's freedom throughout history. Thank you, Veterans! ❤️🤍💙

🔗 Knausshomestead.org

Our warmest congratulations to Chloe and Reid as they begin their beautiful new chapter together. ❤️We are deeply gratef...
11/11/2025

Our warmest congratulations to Chloe and Reid as they begin their beautiful new chapter together. ❤️

We are deeply grateful that they chose the Knauss Homestead to be part of their celebration, and we wish them a lifetime filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments.

If you're interested in hosting a private event or celebration at the Knauss Homestead, please inquire online at www.knausshomestead.org/contact.

Photography: Emma Kish

A Recipe From the Past: Pumpkin Pancakes 🕰️🥞 Taste a bit of history straight from the 18th century! A cozy autumn favori...
11/07/2025

A Recipe From the Past: Pumpkin Pancakes 🕰️🥞

Taste a bit of history straight from the 18th century! A cozy autumn favorite adapted from Peter Kalm’s Travel Accounts in 1749. A perfect addition to your Thanksgiving morning!

Pumpkin Pancake Recipe:
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
½ tsp dried ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
1 cup mashed pumpkin
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2½–3 cups milk (or more for thinner pancakes)
Butter for frying

Instructions:
Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix pumpkin and eggs, then beat into dry ingredients. Add milk slowly to form a smooth batter. Heat butter in a pan, pour some batter in, and swirl evenly. Cook both sides until golden brown. Serve hot, dusted generously with sugar.

From our kitchen to yours, enjoy! ❤️

At the heart of every great community are the people who lend their hands and hearts to something greater than themselve...
10/30/2025

At the heart of every great community are the people who lend their hands and hearts to something greater than themselves.

If you’re looking for a way to give back, connect with others, and celebrate local heritage, we’d love to have you join our volunteer family!

🔗 Sign up and learn more at knausshomestead.org.

Experience private dining like never before! Each gathering here is surrounded by historic charm, warm ambiance, and the...
10/25/2025

Experience private dining like never before!

Each gathering here is surrounded by historic charm, warm ambiance, and the natural elegance of the grounds. Whether it’s a celebration, rehearsal dinner, or quiet evening with loved ones, the Knauss Homestead invites connection, conversation, and quiet beauty. 🌹

Visit knausshomestead.org to book your private dining experience.

Our barn has come a long way! Asbestos shingles removed, the roof repaired and reinforced, stonework repointed, new drai...
10/23/2025

Our barn has come a long way!

Asbestos shingles removed, the roof repaired and reinforced, stonework repointed, new drainage installed, and every window and door carefully refabricated to reflect the craftsmanship of 1777.

Now, we’re focused on completing the interior, adding electrical work, flooring, and support beams to make the space ready for art shows, classes, and celebrations.

Your support helps us bring our historic barn to life as a true space for community and connection. ❤️

Help us reach our $250,000 goal at knausshomestead.org/donations/join.

What is a Wheelwright? 🛠️A wheelwright is a skilled artisan who crafted and repaired wooden wheels and wheeled vehicles....
10/21/2025

What is a Wheelwright? 🛠️

A wheelwright is a skilled artisan who crafted and repaired wooden wheels and wheeled vehicles.

The wheelwright trade was indispensable during the 18th century. Before the advent of automobiles, crafting entire mobile units was crucial for transporting goods, people, and produce. This required precision and skill, as they had to withstand the rigors of unpaved roads and the weight of the load.

The Knauss family relied on this trade to support their livelihoods and contribute to the community's growth.

🔗 Learn more at knausshomestead.org

Step back in time and bring your creative vision to life at the Knauss Homestead!Our period rooms, natural light, and sc...
10/18/2025

Step back in time and bring your creative vision to life at the Knauss Homestead!

Our period rooms, natural light, and scenic backdrops make the perfect setting for photo and video shoots that capture timeless charm.

📸 Rent the Homestead for your next shoot at knausshomestead.org/contact

Address

152 E. Main Street (rear)
Emmaus, PA
18049

Telephone

+16104338626

Website

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