2025 Annual Symposium: 60 Years of World Heritage
As ICOMOS-USA marks its 60th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate six decades of heritage preservation and look ahead to the future of cultural conservation in the U.S. This year’s Annual Symposium, held June 4-6 at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA—home to our newest World Heritage Site—will be a dynamic three-day event exploring the Past, Present, and Future of heritage preservation.
Stay tuned for updates on engaging tours, distinguished speakers, and valuable networking opportunities!
Register here!
Interested in being a sponsor? Go to: https://worldheritageusa.org/2025-annual-symposium-60-years-of-world-heritage-sponsorship-opportunities/
Getting here early? Register for a Pre-Symposium Tour!
From the literary and humanitarian legacy of Pearl S. Buck to the artistic wonders of Mercer’s Tileworks and Fonthill Castle, this tour weaves together powerful narratives carved into Pennsylvania’s cultural landscape.
Symposium 2025–Tentative Schedule
60 Years of World Heritage
June 4-6, 2025
Wednesday, June 4: DAY 1
Theme: The Past
Welcome Reception Breakfast
Keynote
TBD
Session 1: Looking Back on the World Heritage Convention
Panelist: John J. Reynolds, National Park Service, Deputy Director (retired)
This session will examine the World Heritage Convention from its inception, discussing what was considered “heritage” at this point in time.
Session 2: Industrial Heritage
Panelist: Mayor William J Reynolds, City of Bethlehem, Chair of Bethlehem World Heritage Council and Commission
The city of Bethlehem is a rich example of our nation’s Industrial Heritage. This session will provide an overview of the field in the surrounding region.
Session 3: Economic Benefits of World Heritage Sites
How have World Heritage Sites leveraged their World Heritage status for economic benefits? The National Park Service Economic Impact Report offers insights into how this has been achieved in the past, and how we can move forward.
End of Day 1
Thursday, June 5: DAY 2
Theme: The Present
Keynote
TBD
Session 4: Serial World Heritage Site Nominations
Panelist: Hank Barnette, Vice Chair of the Bethlehem World Heritage Council and Commission
What goes into coordinating a serial nomination to the World Heritage list? Listen to case studies in recently inscribed US sites including Moravian Settlements (2024), Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (2023), and Frank Lloyd Wright Sites (2019), as well as current Tentative List Site, the Civil Rights Movement Sites.
Session 5: Current Research in World Heritage Sites
Highlighting current research domestically and abroad, featuring speakers from the NCPTT discussing their ongoing research in Bolivia.
Session 6: World Heritage Marketing Practitioners
Panelist: Dr. Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University and member of the Bethlehem World Heritage Council and Commission
How can World Heritage Sites effectively leverage their World Heritage Status? How can we track growth and metrics, and how can this influence how we run sites?
Session 7: Current Challenges Facing Heritage Today
What is considered heritage today? And what challenges do we face as we work to protect and preserve our tangible and intangible heritage?
End of Day 2
Friday, June 6: DAY 3
Theme: The Future
Keynote
TBD
Session 8: Intangible Heritage in the U.S. and Abroad
The way we view heritage has changed over the last 60 years, and as a result, intangible culture is a key factor in our heritage. This session will feature experts on the intangible heritage of the Civil Rights Sites and Indigenous heritage.
Session 9: Advocating for our World Heritage
How do we move forward to continue advocating for the protection of our nation’s culturally and naturally significant sites in an ever-changing political climate? Hear from advocacy experts on the path forward and learn how you can get involved.
End of Day 3 Regular Programming
- Optional Networking Luncheon on site (1-2pm)
- Emerging Professionals Workshop (2-4pm)
Hotel Information:
Hyatt Place Bethlehem (Note: expires 4/25/25)
45 West North Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
For reservations:
https://bethlehem.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?corp_id=G-WHUS enter group code: WHUS
OR
Call 610.625.0500 or 800.233.1234 option 3 for reservations, use group rate code G-WHUS of $159.00 for a standard room.
*Hyatt Place Bethlehem offers free hot breakfast, and free airport shuttle from Lehigh International Airport.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
437 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
For reservations:
https://tinyurl.com/World-Heritage-USA
OR
Call 855.264.2598 and request World Heritage USA group rates of $199.00 for a standard room.
*Historic Hotel Bethlehem offers complimentary coffee and sugar cake in the morning. There is also a free airport shuttle to Lehigh Valley International Airport and complimentary daily shuttle within a 5 mile radius from 6 AM to 11 PM.
LOGISTICS IN BETHLEHEM, PA
WHAT TO DO:
- Historic Bethlehem District Overview
- Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites
- Shopping in Historic Bethlehem
- Southside Arts District
WHERE TO EAT:
OTHER BETHLEHEM SITES:
https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/cities-towns/bethlehem/