Bethlehem continued to celebrate its new UNESCO World Heritage designation with a free community block party on Sept. 6 along Main and Church Streets.
The event began with an opening ceremony where officials, including Mayor William Reynolds, all gave thanks to the members involved in the years-long process of applying for and getting the designation officially inscribed.
After speeches, members of the Freedom High School marching band led spectators out front of Central Moravian Church, where a recognition plaque was unveiled. A mural painted by ArtsQuest’s Matt Halm was also revealed.
The block party had many activities for attendees, including demonstrations from two stages with performances, demonstrations from blacksmiths, colonial brewers, tinsmiths, and potters, food trucks (including the Hungry Hound Express), a Moravian sugar cake competition, a lovefeast, and ice cream.
Near City Hall, many vendors provided information on local organizations and free goodies. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites also provided multiple tours of nine of the world heritage site locations, including the 1741 Gemeinhaus and 1748 Single Sisters’ House.
Moravian University students in attendance shared that they enjoyed the event, which occurred just off South campus.
Moravian women’s basketball players Kadie Fleming ‘29 and Sofia Squizziato ‘28 volunteered with Cops & Kids, alongside other team members, to create bookmarks and promote reading among Bethlehem students.
“It’s a great day, so many people came out to support our heritage and the community,” Fleming said.
Moravian University graduate student Lili Brockway also volunteered with the Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage.
“I love that we are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. I think it’s a great opportunity for not only our campus, but Bethlehem to get involved with international relations and promote our great community,” Brockway said.
Student trustee Louis Spann ‘26 attended the celebration, saying, “I went on the UNESCO study abroad trip, so it was really nice to see them highlight Christiansfeld, Herrnhut, and Gracehill during the speech.”
Coinciding with the start of the fall semester, the celebration was an opportunity for students to further learn about the world heritage site and enjoy a nearby weekend activity.
