“Heartstrings - John Antes: America’s First Luthier,” through Oct. 29, Moravian Historical Society’s 1740-1743 Whitefield House, Nazareth, is an exhibition of three stringed instruments that played a role in United States’ music history.

The reunited trio is believed to be the oldest surviving American violin family of instruments.

The trio of stringed instruments built by John Antes (1740-1811) is part of the exhibition about his life and the legacy of lutherie in the Lehigh Valley, from Antes to C.F. Martin (1796-1873), founder of C.F Martin & Co. (Est. 1833).

Pennsylvania-born John Antes was a talented luthier and composer of chamber music in the colonial Moravian settlement.

The 1759 violin, constructed of maple, walnut and ebony, has its home in the Whitefield House.

The 1764 viola, crafted from maple, spruce and ebony, is on loan from the Lititz Moravian Congregation, Lititz, Lancaster County.

The 1763 cello, made of maple, ebony, pine and other softwood, was discovered in an attic outside of Pittsburgh.

Thomas Riddle of Bethlehem, a descendant of Antes’ father Henry, purchased the cello at an auction in 2018. The cello is on loan from Riddle.

Moravian Historical Society Executive Director Susan Ellis acknowledges Riddle as the inspiration for putting the three instruments together for the exhibit. They contain labels crediting Antes as the maker and each has been authenticated.

“I outbid the Met,” quips Riddle. “This can be the first time in 255 years this instrument has been back [in the Lehigh Valley],” says Riddle.

The cello, which was in pieces when purchased by Riddle, was restored for museum display by a luthier. Riddle was told that the cello is too fragile to be played.

After building his first violin at age 19, Antes was provided a workshop in the Single Brethren’s House, Bethlehem.

When he turned his attention to keyboard instruments, Antes was instructed by the elders to stick to stringed instruments. David Tannenberg (1724-1804) had already established himself in the Moravian community as an organ and keyboard builder and Antes’ work infringed on that trade.

Antes’ vocation as a luthier lasted only two years. He built seven instruments between 1762 and 1764. He traveled to Herrnhut in present-day Germany where he apprenticed as a watchmaker in Neuwied.

Dr. Christopher Ogburn, Director of Programming and Resident Musicologist, Moravian Music Foundation, says Antes journeyed to Egypt as a missionary in 1769. Antes continued his musical pursuits by composing chamber music and performing in string trios.

In Egypt, Antes was subjected to bastinado, a punishment of caning the soles of feet, administered by authorities of the Ottoman Empire who forbid the proselytizing of Muslims.

Antes corresponded with Benjamin Franklin, sharing several compositions with him. Although the letter exists, the sheet music is lost to history.

Antes later moved to England, married and served as warden of Fulneck Moravian Church, West Yorkshire, Great Britain. Antes composed sacred and other works. He designed a music stand that turned pages with a foot pedal and other musical inventions.

The “Heartstrings” exhibition explores how stringed instruments are made from patterns, forms, specialized carving tools and clamps.

Visitors can listen to recordings of chamber music composed by Antes.

The museum is home to a permanent exhibition on Moravian history, including historic keyboard and brass instruments.

Also on the site is the 1740 Gray Cottage, said to be the oldest surviving Moravian structure in North America.

This exhibition is supported, in part, by the Riddle Family, descendants of the Antes Family, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation and Northampton County’s Hotel Tax Grant Program.

A “Concert in the Museum with Satori,” a performance of 18th century works, including compositions by Antes, is 2 p.m. April 23. Satori is: Rebecaa Brown, violin; Elizabeth Mendoza, cello, and Nora Suggs, flute.

“Heartstrings - John Antes: America’s First Luthier,” Moravian Historical Society, 1740 - 1743 Whitefield House, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth. Hours: 1 - 4 p.m. daily except major holidays. www.moravianhistory.org