The designation of Historic Moravian Bethlehem as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will impact Moravian Academy in several ways:
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
After two decades of passion, dedication, and steadfast focus, led by Charlene Donchez Mowers '64P, former President of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS), along with other key individuals from HBMS, the City of Bethlehem, Moravian University, and Central Moravian Church, the Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District has officially been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious honor, granted in Delhi, India, marks a significant milestone in the history of our community.
This designation is part of a transnational serial nomination entitled Moravian Church Settlements, which includes four other historic Moravian Church settlements in addition to the Historic Bethlehem site: Gracehill, Northern Ireland/UK; Herrnhut, Germany; and Christiansfeld, Denmark—designated as a World Heritage Site in 2015. Notably, this achievement represents the U.S. government’s first multi-country designation.
To provide some context, there are only 24 World Heritage Sites across the United States. Until now, Pennsylvania had just two: Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater near Pittsburgh. Globally, there are just over 1,100 World Heritage Sites, including iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt.
What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations, uniting efforts to preserve cultural sites and conserve nature. The first site to be added to the list in 1978 was Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage designation represents the highest level of cultural and natural heritage significance.
Benefits of Being Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tourism: This recognition is expected to increase tourism, attracting travelers, writers, and media attention, which will elevate the site’s status and bring economic benefits to the area.
Funding: The site becomes eligible for funds to protect and conserve its historic significance for future generations. It also gains access to global resources for project management, repairs, and tourism enhancements.
Funding: The site becomes eligible for funds to protect and conserve its historic significance for future generations. It also gains access to global resources for project management, repairs, and tourism enhancements.
UNESCO What Does This Mean for Moravian Academy?
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Increased Visitors: We expect more visitors, including tourists and scholars, exploring our historic campus.
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Heightened Security: With more visitors, we reviewed security and selected Cardinal Point Security Group as our new provider for all campuses.
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Educational Opportunities: Dr. Abby Mahone, Director of the Historic Downtown Campus, has joined the educational committee of Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites (HBMS). We will partner with HBMS to create new educational programming, a junior docent program, and community service opportunities and integrate the site into our curriculum.
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Community Engagement: This designation raises our community’s profile. We are partnering with HBMS and Central Moravian Church to introduce families to the site to offer a Moravian Academy Family Day tour on October 6, 2024.
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Funding and Resources: As a World Heritage Site, we may access additional funding and resources to enhance our facilities and programs.
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Global Connections: This designation links us to a global network of World Heritage Sites, providing opportunities for international collaboration and exchange programs that will benefit our students.
Moravian Academy looks forward to the opportunities this designation brings to our school and the broader Bethlehem area. Thank you for your continued support as we embrace this new chapter in our history.
