The first sessions are devoted to writing the individual script letters and words. Though not the intent of this seminar, learning to write texts in German script helps in recognizing how the individual letters are written. During the morning sessions texts are read within the group with everyone taking turns deciphering the texts. During the second week, we will discuss a writing method that was used by teachers in Bethlehem during the eighteenth-century.

Registration is limited to fifteen students.

There are no organized classes during the afternoons. This time is devoted to preparing for the next day’s lessons; most students choose to do their “homework” in groups. Thus the course combines classroom learning, group study and individual preparation. The preparation time in the afternoon will take circa four hours. It is not recommended to plan other activities during the course.

Upon successful completion of the course each student will be presented with a certificate of participation.

In order to successfully follow the course a good reading ability of modern German is needed; two years of college German or the equivalent has proven to be a minimum. Conversational German ability is not required and prior knowledge of German script is not necessary. All instruction is conducted in English, but we advise students to bring along a quality German-English dictionary.

The 2023 course will be taught from Monday, June 5, until Friday, June 16.

Classes begin each day at 9:00 am and last until 12:30 pm. There are no classes on the weekend.

Classes are held in the reading room of the Moravian Archives, located at 41 W. Locust Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During the course of the seminar the reading room will be closed to all other researchers. The Archives is located on the north campus of Moravian College.

The fee for the script course is $1,300.00 and includes the following instructional materials:

• Color reproductions of German texts
• Handouts
• Writing pads
• Binder for storing instructional material
• Roger P. Minert, Deciphering Handwriting in German Documents.
• Quills
• Coffee, tea during breaks

We require a deposit of $300.00 upon registration. Your registration becomes active after receipt of the deposit.

The deposit will be fully refunded towards cancellations prior to May 1, 2023. The deposit for the course is non-reimbursable for cancellations after May 1, 2023.

Housing costs are not included.

Please note that the registration for housing is separate from registration for the course.

Dormitory Housing
Housing is available at Lehigh University’s Trembley Park apartment complex. These dormitories are located on the south side of Bethlehem, about 1.7 miles away from the Moravian Archives. Script students may walk, drive/carpool, or take a ride share to come to class each day.

Each apartment features three single bedrooms, a kitchen (with stove and refrigerator), a living room, and a bathroom. All units are air-conditioned. Though a kitchen is available, students will need to provide their own plates, cups, utensils, pots, pans, etc. if they are interested in utilizing the space. Click here for more information about the complex.

Housing at Lehigh University is $45.00 per student per night and bedrooms are limited to a single occupant. A linen bundle is available to “rent” for $30.00 for the length of your stay. The bundle includes sheets, blanket, pillow, pillowcase, towels, and washcloth. The University will not change or wash these linens during your stay but a laundry room is available.

For those bringing/renting a vehicle, parking is available for $8.00 per car per day. Vehicles must be registered with Lehigh University prior to arrival.

If you are interested in housing at Lehigh University, please contact Kelly Givens at kelly@moravianchurcharchives.org or 610.866.3255.

Housing at the Hotel Bethlehem (North Side Bethlehem)
If students are interested in staying in Historic Downtown Bethlehem, standard hotel rooms are available at the Hotel Bethlehem. A block of rooms has been set aside for German Script students at a rate of $175.00/night. The hotel is located 0.8 miles away from the archives. Breakfast/meals and parking are available on premise for additional fees. Click here for more information about the hotel.

If you are interested in staying at the Hotel Bethlehem, please contact the hotel directly and note the Moravian Archives German Script block of rooms when booking your stay.

There are also various other hotels, airbnb’s, and guest houses in the Bethlehem area.

Registration for housing is separate, see above.

To register, complete the form below. You can pay your deposit of $300 (or the entire course fee) during the submission process. If you’d rather send a check, you may send it to:

Moravian Archives
41 W. Locust St.
Bethlehem PA 18018-2757.

Make checks payable to Moravian Archives.