Nazareth, PA — The Moravian Historical Society is honored to exhibit a rare 1834 Stauffer-style Martin and Schatz Guitar made in New York City by Christian Frederick Martin, Sr. (1796-1873) and Henry Schatz (1802-1867). The

C. F. Martin & Co., Inc. has generously placed the guitar on long-term loan with the Moravian Historical Society.

This beautiful birdseye maple and spruce guitar helps tell the story of Martin’s move to Nazareth, Pa., and the musical legacy of our region. Henry Schatz and

C. F. Martin, Sr. apprenticed under Johann Georg Stauffer (1778-1853) in Vienna, Austria. Martin and Schatz were frequent collaborators during Martin’s first decade in the United States, when he was working on Hudson Street in

New York City. Schatz lived just outside of Nazareth, and when C. F. Martin’s wife Ottilia visited the Schatz family, it started the ball rolling for the Martins to make the move from New York City to Cherry Hill, just north of Nazareth.

C. F. Martin blended what he learned from Stauffer with the increasingly popular Spanish guitar designs, and in the process he infused his own sizes, shapes, and bracing patterns to create what would become the very definition of the American acoustic guitar.

The Stauffer-style Martin guitar is currently on display in the museum’s permanent galleries, where visitors can also view a significant collection of early musical instruments, many of which represent the first of their kind made in America. The 1759 Antes violin, the c. 1745–1765 upright piano, and the 1761 Tannenberg clavichord, among others, demonstrate the inception and development of musical instrument making in America.

The Moravian Historical Society’s Museum is open daily from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Guided tours of the collection are $8, $6 for seniors and students, and free for members. As a member of “Museums for All” we provide free admission to those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). For more information, and to reserve a tour, visit www.moravianhistory.org.

Founded in 1857, the Moravian Historical Society (MHS) preserves, interprets, and celebrates the rich culture of the Moravians. Located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, MHS maintains the 1740–1743 Whitefield House and the 1740 Gray Cottage, the oldest surviving Moravian structure in North America. Recognized widely for its significant collection, the museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions, educational programs, guided tours, and public activities.

Web: www.moravianhistory.org | Phone: 610-759-5070 | Email: info@moravianhistory.org.

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Information provided to TVL by:
Susan Ellis