Celebrate July 4th
in the Lehigh Valley
A Bethlehem Landmark Since 1864The History Of The Wilbur
The Wilbur Mansion has stood at the heart of Bethlehem for more than 160 years. In 1864, Lehigh Valley entrepreneur Elijah Packer Wilbur, nephew of Asa Packer and one of the founders of Lehigh University, built the mansion as his family home. Beyond these walls, EP Wilbur ran the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and founded the EP Wilbur Trust, one of the region's first banks. He lived here with his wife Stella and their 11 children until his passing in 1913.
In 1925, the Wilbur family sold the property to the Bethlehem Masons, who added their Lodge and Temple to the original mansion, making it the site of their meetings, gatherings, and many events including weddings for nearly a century. When the Masons put the site up for sale in 2015, John Noble purchased, after years of admiring the property and the Noble family worked alongside local partners to bring the mansion back to life as the boutique hotel, restaurant, and event venue it is today.
As America marks 250 years, The Wilbur is celebrating its own place in that story, and the generations who have walked through these doors.
Share Your Wilbur Story
The Wilbur has been part of Bethlehem for more than 160 years, and we want to hear your piece of that story. Whether you got married here, your family worked here, or you have a memory passed down through generations, share it with us for a chance to win an overnight stay and a $250 dinner voucher. The winner will be announced the week of July 4th.
By submitting, I give The Wilbur permission to share my story and photo on its website and social media channels.
Celebrate 4th of July
in the Lehigh Valley
The United States turns 250 this year, and the Lehigh Valley is going all in. From fireworks and parades to museum exhibits marking America's Semiquincentennial, here are some of the local events worth working into your July 4th stay at The Wilbur.
SteelStacks Independence Day Celebration
- 2026-07-04 00:00:00
- SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
Free, family-friendly festivities with live music, food vendors, and a great fireworks viewing spot.
City of Bethlehem Fireworks Display
- May 30 2026
- Fired from Sand Island.
Bethlehem’s official fireworks show is the main citywide Independence Day display. Fired from Sand Island and visible from multiple spots around Bethlehem, especially The Wilbur Mansion.
Great American Blast at Coca-Cola Park
- 2026-05-04 00:00:00
- Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, PA
An IronPigs Independence Day celebration that pairs baseball, ballpark food, and fireworks for a festive all-in-one outing.
SteelStacks Independence Day Celebration
- 2026-07-04 00:00:00
- SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
Free, family-friendly festivities with live music, food vendors, and a great fireworks viewing spot.
City of Bethlehem Fireworks Display
- May 30 2026
- Fired from Sand Island.
Bethlehem’s official fireworks show is the main citywide Independence Day display. Fired from Sand Island and visible from multiple spots around Bethlehem, especially The Wilbur Mansion.
Great American Blast at Coca-Cola Park
- 2026-05-04 00:00:00
- Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, PA
An IronPigs Independence Day celebration that pairs baseball, ballpark food, and fireworks for a festive all-in-one outing.
