Emmaus, Pennsylvania
History, Historic House, Historical Society, Park
The Shelter House is located on the north face of South Mountain where three streams converge. We are nestled in a clearing of woods made up of old hard-wood growth. Built in around 1734 by early Pennsylvania Colonial German settlers,The Shelter House is considered the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in the Lehigh Valley. We open the house to visitors during the Christmas celebrations held in the village of Emmaus, during the summer festivals with two other historic houses, and for an annual membership outdoor picnic. Because our house is now owned by the Borough of Emmaus, it is considered a public park. We are often the subject of photographers and artists who find the structure stunning in any light and in any season.