Slavery in Bethlehem: Difference and Indifference in Northampton County’s Moravian Settlements

A new perspective on slavery within the Moravian Church Settlements reveals that, contrary to historical accounts, most enslaved Afro-Moravians arrived in Bethlehem through unmanaged processes rather than direct congregation purchases. Analysis of overlooked sources, including Northampton County’s 1780 Register of enslaved persons and personal narratives, demonstrates that racial differences significantly shaped the lives of both enslaved and free Afro-Moravians, challenging the Moravian claim of indifference toward legal status. This study underscores the importance of amplifying marginalized voices in historical research.

Gordon, S. P. (2023). Slavery in Bethlehem: Difference and Indifference in Northampton County’s Moravian Settlements. Journal of Moravian History, 23(2), 77–128. https://doi.org/10.5325/jmorahist.23.2.0077