Moravian Academy | UNESCO World Heritage Site

MA UNESCO Day Schedule

List of 6 items.

1:00 - 4:00 PM What is World Heritage? Tangible and Intangible History

View incredible history and architecture at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, located in the 1741 Gemeinhaus, a National Historic Landmark, and a part of the Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem World Heritage Inscription. The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem introduces guests to the earliest history of the Bethlehem community. On tours, guests discover the remarkable stories behind Bethlehem’s founders, including early Moravian communal living, medicinal practices, missionary work, and progressive educational system.
1:00 PM - Both Enslaved and Free: Men and Women of African Descent in Early Bethlehem, A Walking Tour

More than fifty people of African descent have been documented living in Bethlehem and its surrounding communities between 1740 and 1800. On this walking tour, you will learn how these men and women came to be here, how they were treated, and how enslaved people became free. Please join us for a remarkable and enlightening story beginning in the Old Chapel. The tour will last for one hour and involve walking throughout downtown historic Bethlehem. Presented by Central Moravian Church’s History Committee and Racial Justice task force. Please RSVP to Central’s church office at office@centralmoravianchurch.org or 610-866-5661. Space is limited. Best for ages 11+.
1:00 PM - Playful Pathways: A Family-friendly Tour of Bethlehem

Interested in history but have kids in tow? We have you covered with our Playful Pathways: A Family-friendly Tour of Bethlehem. Learn about the history of Bethlehem in a way that will keep everyone entertained and learning. You’ll play as you walk (and it’s not too far for little legs, plus the trip is stroller-friendly). Good for children 2+
2:00 - 4:00 PM Chapel & Sanctuary Tours

Visitors are welcome to visit and learn more about the 1751 Old Chapel, built from 1803-1806, where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin worshiped and which welcomed local Native Americans and German settlers in its early history. The Chapel is still used for Sunday worship, memorial services, weddings, and other church events.

The Church Sanctuary tour will take approximately 30 minutes and will cover architectural design, the history of music and worship, and the living ministries of Central Moravian Church today. Unique places like the 2nd-floor Kleiner Saal will be included on this tour. A gift shop with many unique Moravian items, as well as books and other gifts, will be open.

Guests should enter on the Northeast side of the church, the door accessible to the church green and Heckewelder Place.
2:00 PM - Blessing of the Animals

Bring your furry friend or a photo for a blessing on the Church Green. Children are welcome to bring a favorite stuffed animal if they desire. This short service will also include a special guest from a local animal shelter. All children will receive an animal gift.
3:00-4:00 PM - Candle Trimming

The tradition of trimming Moravian candles with red ribbon or paper dates back to 1747, when Bishop John de Watteville distributed candles with red ribbons to children during a Christmas Eve vigil service in Marienborn, Germany. The tradition was adopted by Moravians in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1756. Come learn more about candle trimming and take home your own candle. Tables will be set up inside the NE door (handicap-accessible door off Church Green) in the Central Moravian Church sanctuary.

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.

UNESCO What Does This Mean for Moravian Academy?

The designation of Historic Moravian Bethlehem as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will impact Moravian Academy in several ways:

Increased Visitors: We expect more visitors, including tourists and scholars, exploring our historic campus.
Heightened Security: With more visitors, we reviewed security and selected Cardinal Point Security Group as our new provider for all campuses.
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.
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.
Funding and Resources: As a World Heritage Site, we may access additional funding and resources to enhance our facilities and programs.
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.