History and Art Come to Life at Heller Homestead

History and art came to life at the Monday evening, at a holiday gathering and reception for artist Bernie Tyler hosted by the Saucon Valley Conservancy.

Tyler's works will be on display in the homestead's first-floor art gallery through Jan. 30.

A Bethlehem resident, Tyler is a signature member of the Northeast Watercolor Society and the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. She has also taught painting, and as a member of the Bethlehem Palette Club and Lehigh Art Alliance has won many awards over the past 30 years.

More than two dozen of Tyler's vivid watercolors are part of the current exhibit, which will be open to the public on Sundays from 1 to 4pm.

, which is also open weekends from 1 to 4pm, was another hub of activity during the holiday gathering Monday evening.

Wine and light refreshments were served to visitors, who had the opportunity to tour the homestead on a "Journey Through Time - Room By Room."

Distinctive period rooms on display in the homestead include an 1880s Victorian parlor, a 1900s bedroom, a 1930s living room and a 1950s kitchen.

Local Girl Scouts dressed in period costumes were stationed in each room, and provided guests with explanations of the unique furnishings characteristic of each era.

Charlene Natterman, a Saucon Valley Middle School student, explained, for example, that the Victorian parlor "was usually used for reading, writing and playing musical instruments."

Dozens of local residents turned out for the event, which has become an annual tradition at the Heller Homestead.

The homestead is located at 1890-92 Friedensville Road, just outside Hellertown, and was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information about the Saucon Valley Conservancy, visit www.sauconvalleyconservancy.org.