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, besides reading texts, we will discuss a writing method that was used by teachers in Bethlehem during the eighteenth-century.

During this course, we will read handwritten texts from different time periods. Our focus will be on 18th-century texts, but the course also includes texts from 1571, 1631, the 19th century, and 1943. We will discuss historical dating methods and calendars, the development of cursive handwriting, and abbreviations.

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; many 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. On some days we will offer walking tours.

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 2025 course will be taught from Monday, June 2, until Friday, June 13.

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 University.

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, and other refreshments during breaks

Two slots are reserved for graduate students at the reduced rate of $650. For more information, see the section Reduced Course Fee for Graduate Students.

We require a deposit of $300.00 upon registration. Your registration becomes active after receipt of the deposit. (The deposit will be refunded to anyone who was placed on the waiting list and did not get into the class).

The deposit will be fully refunded towards cancellations prior to April 1, 2025. The deposit for the course is non-reimbursable for cancellations after April 1, 2025.

Housing costs are not included. Please note that registration for housing is separate.

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

Dormitory Housing
Housing is available at Moravian University’s dormitories for $40/night (incl. linnens and towels) [price for 2024; fee for 2025 may be different]. These dormitories are located on the north campus of Moravian University, within walking distance from the Moravian Archives.

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

Two grants are available for graduate students to have the registration rate reduced to 50% of the regular course fee. Graduate students who are not fully employed and who do not qualify for reimbursement of the course fee otherwise may apply by filling out the form below. Applications will be assessed based on demonstrated need and the strenght of the letter of reference.

• applicants need to be registered for the course and have made the deposit payment
• applications need to include a cv and one letter of reference
• the deadline for applications is February 28, 2025
• applicants will be informed by April 1, 2025
• unsuccessful applicants are entitled to a reimbursement of their deposit payment should they decide not to participate in the course

To register for the German Script Class 2025, complete the form below (registration for housing is separate, see above). 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.

If you would like to apply for the reduced rate for graduate students (two slots available), visit the section Reduced Course Fee for Graduate Students.