World Heritage FAQs

World Heritage represents places on Earth having outstanding universal value for humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. As of January 2025, the World Heritage List contains 1,223 cultural, natural and mixed properties.

The Moravian Church Settlements of Bethlehem, USA; Gracehill, Northern Ireland/UK; and Herrnhut, Germany, were inscribed on the prestigious list at the World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, India, on July 26, 2024 and now join Christiansfeld, Denmark, (inscribed in 2015) as a single World Heritage Site.

Properties

Properties That Continue the Story

There are currently 26 World Heritage Sites in the United States including the Grand Canyon National Park, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home, Yosemite National Park, and now Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem. These sites are located in 21 states and include two locations in Puerto Rico.  

Pennsylvania is now home to three World Heritage Sites: Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem, Independence Hall, Philadelphia, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater House in Mill Run, Fayette County. 

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations that contributes to the building of peace, the reduction of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through the implementation of programs in the fields of education, natural and social sciences, culture, communication and information.

Once a country joins the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and has sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, the resulting prestige often helps to raise awareness among the general public and governmental authorities of heritage preservation. Greater awareness leads to a general rise in the level of protection and conservation given to heritage properties. A country may also receive financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund and expert advice from the World Heritage Committee to support activities for the preservation of its sites.

Being inscribed to the exclusive list brings Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem worldwide recognition. It will also attract tourism and boost the economy. 

Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem was inscribed because it meets two selection criteria. The first is its “exceptional testimony” to the Moravian Church’s principles, and the community’s way of life, architecture and craftsmanship. Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem is also an example of innovative town planning, influential architectural style and enhanced community life. 

Officers

• Mayor J. William Reynolds, Chair
• Curtis Barnette, Vice Chair
• Charlene Donchez Mowers, Senior Advisor
• Tony Hanna, Treasurer
• Daniel McCarthy, Secretary

Members