The launch of the Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage is a transformative moment in Moravian University’s history—one that positions the institution as the academic cornerstone of Bethlehem’s World Heritage designation. As I reflect on the year that includes the institute’s founding, I am thrilled to share the beginning we are building for what will be a global center for Moravian studies.
Our Institute builds on the legacy of the Center for Moravian Studies, which was established in 1992 through a generous grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation to share the rich history and scholarship of the Moravian Church and led by Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood S’87. Since the inscription of the Bethlehem Moravian Settlement into the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the new Institute has the mission to serve as a beacon of educational innovation, bridging rigorous scholarship with cutting-edge digital technology. This year, we have assembled an exceptional leadership team: Dr. Craig Atwood as academic director of Moravian studies and scholarly publications, Dr. Richard Anderson as director of public humanities and academic programs, and Dr. Paul Peucker as director of archival resources and research. Together, we are developing initiatives that preserve, interpret, and share the universal values of Moravian heritage with audiences worldwide.
We are already making significant progress on our digital infrastructure, beginning work on a comprehensive Moravian heritage digital archive that will catalog primary documents, artifacts, and architectural drawings housed in our major archives. Leveraging our Apple Distinguished School status, we are creating innovative mobile applications and immersive digital experiences that will democratize access to Moravian history for scholars, students, and visitors globally.
We are planning our academic programming with the development of three certificate programs in world heritage studies, public and digital humanities, and Moravian world heritage studies. These programs will serve working professionals, educators, and international students while generating sustainable revenue for the Institute. We are also planning the International Conference on Moravian History for November 2026, which will bring together scholars from all four World Heritage Moravian Church settlements.
Perhaps most importantly, we are strengthening partnerships with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, the Moravian Historical Society, and international colleagues in Germany, Denmark, and Northern Ireland. These collaborations ensure our work contributes to a vibrant heritage ecosystem that benefits our entire community.
As we look ahead, the Institute will create unprecedented opportunities for our students to engage with living heritage in their own backyard while contributing to global conversations about cultural preservation, community building, and educational innovation. The Moravian spirit of collaboration, education, and innovation continues to inspire new generations through this exciting initiative.
—Dr. Katherine Faull
Vice President for Moravian Heritage
Executive Director, Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage
Professor of Practice, German and Humanities
