Photo by Nick Chismar ’20
BETHLEHEM, PA, February 24, 2026: Today, Moravian University announced it will host the 2026 Moravian Story Summit on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Bahnson Center on Moravian’s Main Street Campus (60 W. Locust Street, Bethlehem, PA).
Formerly known as the Moravian Writers’ Conference, the newly reimagined Story Summit reflects a broader, more inclusive vision: story belongs to everyone. The 2026 theme, “Crafting Stories in an Uncertain World,” invites writers, artists, educators, students, and community members to explore how storytelling helps us make meaning, navigate change, and remain connected in challenging times.
Event Highlights Include:
• Delighted Listening with Mary Wright (Touchstone Theatre)
An interactive workshop guiding participants through a collaborative process of story creation and early-stage feedback. Rooted in the idea that “stories get listened into existence,” this session offers practical tools for developing new work in a supportive environment.
• AI & Creativity Panel and Hands-On Session
Moravian faculty members Randy Ziegenfuss, MaryJo Rosania-Harvie, and Austin Baker lead a panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence can serve as a creative partner. The panel will be followed by a practical hands-on session.
• How to Write Dark — Workshop with Ruth Knafo Setton
Drawing from her mystery new novel ZIGZAG GIRL, set in Atlantic City and the Pine Barrens, Setton guides writers in harnessing atmosphere, tension, and emotional depth. Designed for writers of all levels, this workshop explores how themes of fear, secrecy, and uncertainty can illuminate powerful storytelling.
• Crafting Stories in an Uncertain World—Author Panel
Local authors Ruth Setton, Joyce Hinnefeld, and Lee Upton reflect on how writers respond to personal, cultural, and global instability through creative work. The conversation will examine storytelling as a means of clarity, resilience, and connection. All three authors have new books out this year, so a book signing will follow.
• Reimagining Failure—Workshop with Lee Upton
In this interactive session, Upton invites writers to reconsider rejection and failure as generative forces in fiction. Participants will explore how creative setbacks can deepen emotional resonance and lead to unexpected discoveries.
• No River Twice Performance & Q+A
The dynamic poetry collective No River Twice returns with its signature interactive performance, where poets and audience members collaboratively shape the reading in real time. No two performances are ever the same. A Q&A session follows.
The Moravian Story Summit is committed to fostering creative exchange across disciplines and communities. Whether attendees are seasoned writers or simply story-curious, the Summit offers space for conversation, experimentation, and inspiration.
All events are free and open to the public. The two-day Summit features interactive workshops, panel discussions, performances, and conversations that highlight the many ways story shapes our world.
Register
Register to attend by visiting Moravian Story Summit Registration
Event Schedule
For a full schedule of events visit: https://www.moravian.edu/storysummit
Event contact:
Moravian University
Kate Brandes
brandesc@moravian.edu
Professor of Practice
Director of Environmental Studies and Sciences Program
Moravian Story Summit Co-Director
Media contact:
Moravian University
Michael Corr
corrm@moravian.edu
610.861.1365
About Moravian University
Moravian University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is the nation’s sixth-oldest university and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. For more than 280 years, Moravian University’s education has been preparing each individual for a reflective life, fulfilling careers and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian University is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NACU), a national consortium of private comprehensive colleges and universities working together to graduate extraordinary professionals for a global workforce and society.
In 2024, Moravian University became part of a World Heritage designation when Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem, Gracehill (Northern Ireland, UK), and Herrnhut (Saxony, Germany) joined Christiansfeld (Denmark) as a single World Heritage Site—Moravian Church Settlements. Moravian is just the second university in the United States to be part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation and only the eighth university in the world to have this recognition.
Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how Moravian University prepares its students for lifelong success.