By Frank Whelan

A lot has changed in Lehigh County since its last official history in 1914. Farms have become suburbs and suburbs have grown into small cities. Industries that seemed permanent in 1950 are gone. And a county whose culture was rooted in northern Europe now is a multicultural global crossroads, a microcosm of America. In light of these and many other changes, in celebration of its Bicentennial in 2012 Lehigh County leadership has decided an update is in order.

While giving a brief backward glance at the first 100 years, the primary focus will be on the changes that have swept the region since 1912. Profusely illustrated the new history will offer insights into how Lehigh County faced the challenges of the 20th century. Most importantly it will focus on the people some prominent others unknown from many walks of life who have created this unique diversity. Lehigh County, in celebrating the roots of the proud past, will look forward to a dynamic future.

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Bicentennial Committee members believe that a “legacy project” should happen during the Bicentennial year that helps preserve and promote a piece of this county’s history. Too many historical sites or buildings go wanting for lack of financial support to properly preserve and then promote their significance. The Committee wants to use the Bicentennial as the impetus to strengthen and promote a symbol of Lehigh County’s history that needs help. 

The Committee has selected the George Taylor House in Catasauqua, the Lehigh County home of one of our nation’s 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. The property is a National Historic Landmark owned by the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association. Built for Taylor – one of America’s Founding Fathers – in 1768, this little altered house has been carefully restored and is open to visitors. A master plan and feasibility study is being done to determine how to improve and better use the house and 13-acres of surrounding open space and how to better promote this historical gem in Lehigh County. It’s the intention of the Bicentennial Committee that this historic treasure becomes better known to the people of Lehigh County and beyond.