Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today applauded the selection of the Historic Moravian Bethlehem District in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List. The list highlights cultural and natural heritage sites around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
“The United States is deeply honored to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List with the listing of the Historic Moravian Bethlehem District where visitors from around the world are able to learn about the rich history of Moravian settlements, their cultural tradition and spiritual ideals,” said Secretary Haaland. “This designation is a recognition of the incredible work of the National Park Service and its local partners to preserve an important part of American – and world – history.”
This designation is UNESCO’s 26th – and the first transnational World Heritage listing – in the United States. In addition to the Historic Moravian Bethlehem District, the listing includes the historic settlements of Herrnhut, founded in 1722 in Germany, and Gracehill, established in 1759 in Northern Ireland. The three areas join as an extension of the Moravian settlement of Christiansfeld in Denmark, founded in 1773, which was added to the World Heritage List in 2015, to form a single World Heritage listing for Moravian Church Settlements.
“This well-deserved designation demonstrates the lasting, global influence of the Moravian Church and the preservation of some of America’s most treasured landmarks that support and illustrate our heritage and history,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.
The Historic Moravian Bethlehem District is also a national historic landmark. Established in 1741 as a planned community, it was the religious and administrative center of Moravian activities in North America. Similar to other settlements, many buildings still serve their original purpose. In 2022, Secretary Haaland authorized the National Park Service (NPS) to develop a nomination for World Heritage List consideration.
NPS supported this effort with full cooperation from property owners, City of Bethlehem officials, Bethlehem Area Moravians, and Moravian University. NPS advised the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission through technical requirements for nomination and communicated with governments from Germany, United Kingdom, and Denmark on developing this nomination.
The NPS is responsible for implementing U.S. commitments under UNESCO's World Heritage Convention alongside cooperating with other federal agencies like Department of State.
The NPS manages all or part of 19 out of 26 U.S.-listed sites on UNESCO's list. Inclusion does not affect U.S. sovereignty or management over these sites. More information about these sites can be found on NPS.gov.
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