Philadelphia is the Nation's First World Heritage City

Philadelphia joined the Organization of World Heritage Cities (more info ovpm.org) in November 2015, thereby becoming the first "World Heritage City" in the United States. The city achieved this designation because we have a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value ", Independence Hall, and because of the rich array of historic buildings and cultural sites located throughout the city, including 67 National Historic Landmarks.

The World Heritage City designation elevates Philadelphia, giving it a new status among international cities. This achievement comes at a time when Philadelphia is evolving as a place to visit, live, and ultimately do business. We are pleased to be recognized as a city of global distinction and to join a prestigious network of 300 World Heritage Cities from around the world.

Seizing Opportunities as the First World Heritage City in the United States

Three fundamental goals:

To promote preservation and appreciation of our geographical, historical and cultural heritage through the World Heritage City designation and continued education.
To provide a powerful economic and cultural stimulus to the region.
To inspire citizens and residents to feel pride in their World Heritage City.

> Read about the World Heritage City Project

> Discover Philadelphia's 67 National Historic Landmarks

>Check out other World Heritage Sites in the United States

Resources

The Philadelphia World Heritage City Seal

This open-source logo can be used in any and all of your non-mercantile materials. Click here to read more information about the seal, to download the file and the usage guidelines.

Philadelphia World Heritage City - The Film!

The Philadelphia World Heritage City film is a 28-minute documentary written and narrated by University of Pennsylvania Professor of History of Art, David B. Brownlee, Ph.D., FSAH, and produced and directed by filmmaker Sam Katz.

Watch the movie in English or with subtitles in 12 different languages.

Philadelphia World Heritage - Tool Kit for Educators

This document was created by teachers, for teachers, who desire to educate youth on Philadelphia’s heritage as well as underrepresented world regions. The Tool Kit is a product of a joint venture between Global Philadelphia Association, the City of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania’s South Asia Center, Middle East Center and Center for East Asian Studies.

Learn more and download the document.

Philadelphia World Heritage - Lessons Plans

About African-American History, US History and World History.

See the list of lessons plans and download them

The Philadelphia World Heritage Coloring Book

This tool is meant to help children, from age 5 to 11, become familiar with the historical and cultural heritage of Philadelphia, while having fun and being creative.

Learn more and order

Learn More About Other World Heritage Sites in the United States

As the messenger of World Heritage in the city of Philadelphia, GPA also seeks to pursue partnership with other World Heritage cities and sites in the U.S. and beyond to promote the conservation of World Heritage and global connections.

Click here to learn more about other World Heritage Sites in the United States

GPA's World Heritage Education and Community Initiatives

We have developed and implemented World Heritage Education Programs to help cultivate Philadelphia’s youth into global citizens. Watch the following videos for an inside look of our education programs and resources available.

Click here to view this video with French or Spanish subtitles.

World Heritage Day 2017 at Tilden Middle School:

Heritage Storytelling of Philadelphia

Not only are we focussed on Philadelphia's continual urban growth and preservation of our historic districts, we also celebrate our many diversified communities that underscored Philadelphia's designation as a World Heritage City. Listen to their stories!