Moravian University to Host Inaugural Global Conference on Moravian History and World Heritage
Three-day event in Bethlehem will bring global researchers, practitioners and digital innovators together to examine preservation, interpretation and digital approaches to Moravian cultural heritage.
The newly established Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage will bring together global researchers, practitioners, and digital innovators from November 12-14, 2026.
BETHLEHEM, PA — July 14, 2026: Today, the Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage announced that it will host its inaugural conference from November 12-14, 2026 at Moravian University’s Haupert Union Building (HUB) on the Main Street Campus. The conference follows the historic 2024 inscription of Moravian Church Settlements—Bethlehem as part of a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site and is being planned in collaboration with the Moravian Archives, Bethlehem.
The three-day global gathering will focus on the preservation, interpretation, and international significance of Moravian cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on innovative digital humanities approaches that enhance modern efforts to document and share this history. This conference is built on the foundation Moravian Music and History conferences held over the years, but now with a new focus.
The conference celebrates and explores the global context of Moravian history following the transnational World Heritage inscription, which connects Moravian Church Settlements in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with sister settlements in Gracehill (Northern Ireland), Christiansfeld (Denmark), and Herrnhut (Germany).
“This inaugural conference marks a major milestone for the newest World Heritage site in the U.S. and the only transnational site,” said Katie Faull, World Heritage Site Manager for Moravian Church Settlements—Bethlehem. “By anchoring this academic exchange here in Bethlehem, now recognized on the global stage for its outstanding universal value, we are creating a vital space where history, modern community connections, and cutting-edge technology meet.”
The conference schedule will feature individual paper presentations, pre-organized panels, heritage preservation case studies, digital project demonstrations, workshops, and poster sessions. Core focus areas include:
- Global Heritage & Preservation: Cultural significance of Moravian settlements across five continents, sustainable tourism, town planning ideals, and public interpretation.
- Culture & Social Innovation: Cross-cultural and Indigenous encounters, Moravian music, arts, literature, and historic egalitarian practices.
- Transnational Networks: Exploring historical and modern economic, educational, and social networks that span the globe.
Registration and Key Deadlines
While the call for proposals has concluded and presenter selections are finalized, general public registration is officially open and will remain available until the first day of the conference.
- Conference Presenter Registration Deadline: August 15, 2026
- General Public Registration: Open now through November 12, 2026
- Conference Dates: November 12-14, 2026
To register for the conference or view archives of past related academic gatherings, please visit the official site at Inaugural Conference.
Event Contact
Katherine Faull
Vice President, Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage
Site Manager, Moravian Church Settlements—Bethlehem
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 610.861.1596
Media Contact
Michael Corr
Moravian University
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 610.861.1365
About Moravian University
Moravian University is the nation’s sixth-oldest university, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs. For more than 275 years, the Moravian University degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change.
Moravian University is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to midsize independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian University focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.
About the Institute
The Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage at Moravian University advances the understanding of Moravian history and cultural preservation through rigorous academic research, education, and public engagement. By leveraging the unique World Heritage designation of Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem, the Institute fosters a deeper connection between the past and present, promoting cultural preservation, partnerships with international sister sites, and interdisciplinary learning that resonates locally and globally.