The Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage

Exploring the global significance of Moravian heritage

The Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage will advance the understanding and appreciation of Moravian history and culture through rigorous academic research, education, and public engagement. The Institute will work with several organizations that preserve, protect, and interpret the buildings, records, artwork, musical instruments, and other Moravian artifacts. The Institute will focus primarily on academic work related to the world heritage of the Moravians, including helping with the public interpretation of the site itself.

The establishment of the institute follows the July 2024 World Heritage inscription of historic Moravian Church Settlements in Bethlehem (USA), Herrnhut (Germany), and Gracehill (Northern Ireland/UK). These sites joined Christiansfeld (Denmark), which was inscribed in 2015. Together, they form a transnational World Heritage Site that celebrates the exceptional cultural significance of these settlements and acknowledges the Moravian Church's profound global legacy and influence throughout history.