Bryn Athyn, PA – Today, April 18, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz joined representatives from Bryn Athyn’s Historic District, State Senator Stewart Greenleaf, State Representative Thomas P. Murt, and Bryn Athyn residents in celebration of Bryn Athyn’s Historic District’s designation as a National Historic Landmark. Specifically, the historic district includes Glencairn Museum; Bryn Athyn Cathedral; Cairnwood Estate; and Cairncrest.

Located in Montgomery County, Bryn Athyn’s Historic District was one of just 17 new National Historic Landmarks designated by the Department of Interior, and just two newly honored in Pennsylvania.  Fewer than 2,500 historic places across America have ever been awarded this prestigious national recognition, including only 161 in the Commonwealth.

Schwartz was an active supporter of the Bryn Athyn Historic District being named a National Historic Landmark, including advocating to the Department of the Interior.

“What a tremendous occasion for the Bryn Athyn Historic District,” U.S Rep. Schwartz said. “As a National Historic Landmark, there will be increased public recognition of, and access to these incredible historic buildings. This will help to expand tourism and encourage the preservation of these significant community assets.”

Bryn Athyn was founded as a religious community in the late 19th century by members of a Christian denomination known as the New Church whose doctrine is based on the teachings of the Bible as illuminated by Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th century theologian and scientist. A congregation of the New Church remains vibrant in the borough and supports an educational system, founded in 1876, that includes secondary schools, a college and a theological school.

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