A Dream Fulfilled…. Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem, a World Heritage Site
In my March 2024 blog post, I talked about Historic Moravian’s Bethlehem potential inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The site itself has always had an important meaning to the Bethlehem Area Moravians, and its child companies, the Moravian Village of Bethlehem and the Moravian Development Corporation as it truly is a tangible example of the goals and ideals we strive for as an organization.
Charity, Industry, Heritage, Preservation…. the foundation that the Organization was built upon.
In the early morning hours of July 26th, at its meeting in New Deli, India, UNESCO approved the Moravian Church Settlements Bethlehem as the 26th World Heritage Site in the United States, and the 3rd in the State of Pennsylvania.
It is a bit surreal that we have been working on this for over 20 years, and at times, it seemed that this dream would be impossible. And yet, here we are with an International recognized site of cultural significance.
I think I would also be remiss if we did not acknowledge those important Moravians who are no longer with us, and yet whose efforts and dedication to the Bethlehem Area Moravian Organization has allowed us to achieve this designation.
Ralph Wannamaker, Mark Parseghian, William Henry, Rt Reverend Douglas & Barbara Caldwell, Bishop Hopeton Clennon and our first CEO David Roth, who I hope in his retirement is taking as much pride in this accomplishment as we are.
Since inscription, the question that continues to be asked is…What now? And how does this affect and benefit Moravian Village of Bethlehem?
Firstly, we believe that Moravian Village of Bethlehem is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community fully associated with a World Heritage site in the United States, if not the World. Because Moravian Village is a direct descendant of the founders of Historic Moravian Bethlehem, the entity who still manages the site today, Moravian Village and their residents will have exclusive access and privileges through their Parent that other communities will not have.
With Moravian University’s involvement and their partnership with Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, we believe that the World Heritage Designation will elevate the overall educational opportunities and experiences.
Historic Moravian Bethlehem will become an international destination for researchers, scholars and educators from around the world, which will raise the profile and prestige of all the Lehigh Valley Colleges in general.
World Heritage designations have also traditionally included an uptick in overall tourism, especially international tourism. Most sites see an elevation in total overall visits in the first two years post inscription. This will bring added tax dollars to the City which could potentially fund additional services to the Community.
Overall, World Heritage Status will raise the profile of the city and the Lehigh Valley in general. The Lehigh Valley is in the top 10 areas for desirability and growth in the Nation, and inscription and the advantages it brings will make an already hot market event hotter.
And Moravian Village will be at the center of it all, within walking distance of the World Heritage sites.
The World Heritage future is now very promising.
Dan Soos, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
Bethlehem Area Moravians/
Moravian Village of Bethlehem
