Global Philadelphia Celebrate Moravian Bethlehem's UNESCO World Heritage Status Designation

November 7, 2024

By:

Mary Gabriele

As of October 17th, 2024, the Moravian Church Settlements in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania have officially joined the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO recognizes 10 acres, nine structures, four ruins, and the cemetery of Bethlehem settlements. Moravian Bethlehem is the 26th World Heritage Site and the third in Pennsylvania, joining Independence Hall and Falling Water. This designation not only celebrates the site's cultural and historical significance but also promises to boost tourism and regional pride, much like the impact of the World Heritage designation on Philadelphia.

This designation recognizes that Moravian Bethlehem has outstanding Universal Value, a high degree of authenticity, and integrity. It highlights Bethlehem as one of the four significant Moravian settlements globally to achieve this designation, alongside Herrnhut in Germany, Christiansfeld in Denmark, and Gracehill in Northern Ireland. The designation will bring tourism to Bethlehem’s backyard, bringing awareness to its great cultural and religious value.

Global Philadelphia, a driving force behind Philadelphia's designation as a World Heritage City in 2015, played an essential role in advocating for Bethlehem’s nomination and success. Zabeth Teelucksingh, President of Global Philadelphia, expressed her excitement about this new designation, stating, “Global Philadelphia congratulates Moravian Bethlehem and looks forward to collaborating with them to emphasize world heritage opportunities in the future.” She also noted the immense potential for this designation to enhance tourism, cultural exchange, and preservation funding for the region, similar to the benefits seen in Philadelphia since it joined the global World Heritage family.

Moravian Bethlehem is historically significant for many reasons. It is one of the earliest planned communities in the country, founded in 1741 by members of the Moravian Church. The Gemeinhaus is now home to the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, but it is also the largest 18th-century log structure still in use today. The 1762 Waterworks were operated until the 1830s and was the first municipal water pump system in the United States. The World Heritage Site designation allows Bethlehem access to the World Heritage Fund, which helps with maintenance and emergency damage repairs.

The Moravian Bethlehem event did a fantastic job highlighting the global significance of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event featured high-ranking dignitaries, such as the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage, Lazare Eloundou-Assomo, and the US Ambassador to UNESCO, Courtney O’Donnell. There were also delegates from each of the other aforementioned Moravian Sites representing their town at the ceremony. Delegates included Jorgen Boyler, from Denmark, Minister Gordon Lyons, from Northern Ireland, and Consul General Till Knorn, from Germany.

The UNESCO designation for Moravian Bethlehem not only celebrates its rich historical legacy but also promises to enhance tourism, preservation efforts, and global recognition of its cultural value.