The new academic institute will work to advance global understanding of Moravian history and culture.
Moravian University announced the opening of the Institute for Moravian World Heritage and History (IMWHH), a new academic institute dedicated to advancing global understanding of Moravian history, culture, and the recent transnational World Heritage designation, Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem.
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.
Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem, which includes structures still in use on Moravian University’s Priscilla Payne Hurd Campus, is now officially recognized for its global cultural significance.
“The Institute for Moravian World Heritage and History represents an extraordinary opportunity to deepen academic inquiry and international collaboration around the unique legacy of the Moravians,” said Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian University. “We are proud and honored to be working with the Moravian Church and our World Heritage partners in Bethlehem and Europe to bring global attention to the historic and cultural impact of our Moravian story.”
The Institute will support scholarly research, public programs, and academic partnerships through conferences, degree and certificate programs, and partnerships with institutions such as the Moravian Archives. It will be led by an executive director appointed by President Grigsby and supported by an advisory board comprising representatives from the university, the Moravian Archives, Herrnhut (Germany), the Moravian Church, the City of Bethlehem, and other international World Heritage partners.
A cornerstone of the Institute’s mission will be serving as a central hub connecting all four Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage sites through collaborative research initiatives, cultural exchanges, and shared digital resources. By fostering relationships between Bethlehem, Herrnhut, Gracehill, and Christiansfeld, the Institute will strengthen the transnational bonds that make this designation uniquely significant on the world stage.
The Institute will also work to pioneer digital humanities initiatives that bring Moravian history to life for global audiences. Through digitization of historic documents, 3D modeling of architectural features, interactive mapping of Moravian global influence, and development of virtual reality experiences, the IMWHH will make centuries of Moravian cultural heritage accessible to researchers and the public alike.
These digital tools will not only preserve fragile historical materials but also create new opportunities for scholarly discovery across disciplines.
As a semi-autonomous institute within Moravian University, the IMWHH will promote interdisciplinary learning, cultural preservation, and international scholarship, positioning Moravian University as a center for Moravian heritage research and education.
The institute will be housed on Moravian University’s Bethlehem campus and will begin offering academic courses early in 2026.