Bethlehem’s Moravian Legacy In the heart of Bethlehem, a 10-acre historic gem recently joined the UNESCO ranks: the Moravian Church Settlements . This 2024 designation is the first transnational serial property put forth by the United States and includes several additional sites across the globe — Gracehill in Northern Ireland, Herrnhut in Germany, and Christiansfeld in Denmark — as a single World Heritage site. Founded in 1741 by Moravian immigrants from Central Europe, the settlement in Pennsylvania was shaped by progressive values such as education, equality, and outreach to Indigenous communities. Stroll along Main Street to the original Gemeinhaus, the oldest building in town and now home to the Moravian Museum . Step inside the Old Chapel, where luminaries like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin once visited. Discover life in early communal dwellings like the Single Brethren’s House and Widows’ House, or explore the Colonial Industrial Quarter where Moravians established a surprisingly advanced hub of trades, including blacksmithing, milling, and tanning. Beyond the historic core, make time for modern-day treasures. The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts offers rotating exhibitions that bridge past and present. At the Moravian Book Shop — America’s oldest bookstore — you’ll find literary gems and specialty books illuminating local history. Cap your visit with a candlelit dinner at the stately Historic Hotel Bethlehem , where history meets hospitality. Did You Know? UNESCO is an acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, an agency that promotes world peace and collaboration. Philadelphia’s Independence Hall In the birthplace of American democracy, Independence Hall stands as a symbol of liberty known the world over. Here, in 1776, delegates from all 13 colonies boldly signed the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, the U.S. Constitution took shape in the same room. Recognized by UNESCO in 1979, the red-brick Georgian landmark is the beating heart of Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park . Much of the building remains preserved, from the original woodwork and brick to the famed Assembly Room, where George Washington’s “Rising Sun Armchair" still presides. In the nearby West Wing, the Great Essentials exhibit displays original printings of America’s founding documents, alongside the silver inkstand used to sign them. Across the courtyard, the Liberty Bell Center invites reflection on freedom’s enduring legacy, while the National Constitution Center reenergizes history through interactive exhibits, powerful performances, and rare artifacts. The buzz continues with the opening of two new galleries and a pop-culture nod: the 2025 Liberty Medal was awarded to “Hamilton,” the Broadway phenomenon that redefined how we tell America’s story. Independence Hall, Philadelphia visitpa.com 27
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