Call for Papers
Exploring History and World Heritage
The Institute for History and World Heritage Inaugural Conference
Location: , Bethlehem, PA
Dates: November 12-14, 2026
The newly established Institute for History and World Heritage invites submissions for its inaugural conference exploring the preservation, interpretation, and global significance of the history, impact, and cultural heritage of the s, with special attention to innovative digital humanities approaches that enhance these efforts.
Conference Theme
In light of the recent (2024) inscription In light of the recent (2024) inscription of “ Church Settlements” as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (comprising Bethlehem, Pa., Gracehill, Northern Ireland, Christiansfeld, Denmark, and Herrnhut, Germany), this conference will bring together researchers and practitioners to discuss and explore the history and heritage of the s in a global context. We are now accepting proposals for papers, panels, workshops, or lectures/recitals on any topic related to history, music, networks, economics, education, and culture. Special attention will be given to papers that address the global dimensions of heritage, preservation challenges, community connections, and the emerging digital methodologies that support these endeavors.
Primary Focus Areas
- Cultural significance and preservation of settlements across five continents
- Indigenous and cross-cultural encounters in heritage contexts
- town planning ideals and practical adaptations
- culture, music, arts, and literature
- social innovation and egalitarian practices
- Digital humanities and heritage sites
- transnational networks past and present
- Sustainable tourism and heritage sites
- Public interpretation of “outstanding universal values”
Special Sessions on Digital Humanities Intersections
The conference will feature dedicated sessions exploring how digital humanities methodologies enhance world heritage preservation efforts, including:
- Digital Documentation: 3D scanning, photogrammetry and digital preservation of architectural heritage
- Spatial Technologies: GIS mapping of global missionary and trade networks
- Digital Archives: Innovative approaches to digitizing, preserving and making accessible manuscript collections
- Virtual Access: Creating digital experiences of heritage sites for global audiences
- Computational Analysis: Text mining and network analysis of historical sources
Submission Guidelines
We welcome proposals for:
- Individual papers (20 minutes)
- Pre-organized panels (3-4 papers, 90 minutes)
- Lecture/recitals (30 minutes)
- Heritage preservation case studies (30 minutes)
- Digital humanities project demonstrations (30 minutes)
- Workshops (90 minutes)
- Posters
For presentation of papers, lectures, case studies and demonstrations, please submit an abstract of 300-500 words and a brief biographical note (150 words) by December 15, 2025. Panel proposals should include a panel abstract (300 words) plus individual abstracts for each presentation. For workshops, please submit an outline of the objectives and expected outcomes for participants. You will also need to indicate the optimal number of participants for the workshop. Please indicate any specific technological needs.
Submissions and inquiries should be sent to worldheritage@moravian.edu
Important Dates
- Submission deadline: Dec 15, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: February 15, 2026
- Requests for assistance with travel costs deadline: March 1, 2026
- Conference registration deadline: September 15, 2026
- Conference dates: November 12-14, 2026
About the Institute
The Institute for History and World Heritage at advances the understanding of history and cultural preservation through rigorous academic research, education, and public engagement. By leveraging the unique World Heritage designation of Church Settlements – Bethlehem, the Institute fosters a deeper connection between the past and present, promoting cultural preservation, partnerships with other sites, and interdisciplinary learning that resonates locally and globally.
Previous conferences:
Land Acknowledgement
is located in Lenapehoking, the traditional homeland of the Lenape, which includes Delaware, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and southern New York. We honor the Native inhabitants of this land and their historic and everlasting relationships with it.