Taking the World Stage Capital Campaign

Taking the World Stage Capital Campaign

Widely recognized as a gem of our region and a national treasure, Moravian Church Settlements-Bethlehem is the United States’ newest World Heritage site and one of only 26 across the country. Today, the 18th century Moravian buildings that have served as the foundation of our city for more than 280 years stand alongside iconic destinations like Independence Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Stonehenge and the Pyramid Fields of Egypt because of their outstanding universal value.

As stewards for many of Bethlehem’s historic treasures, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is responsible for the long-term care of 20 buildings and sites, including several within the new World Heritage site. The restoration and preservation of these properties is perpetual, and it’s something that comes with significant cost.

The Goal

The $7.25 million Taking the World Stage campaign is designed to fund essential infrastructure and capital improvements needed at these historic properties, as well as support HBMS’ Heritage Fund, an endowment that helps ensure we can care for the buildings in perpetuity and provide world-class visitor experiences for generations to come. The money raised will go toward completing restoration and preservation projects that will enhance Moravian Church Settlements-Bethlehem’s World Heritage status, as well as help ensure the long-term care of all Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ buildings and the 70,000 artifacts in its collections.

Thanks to the generous support of numerous individuals and businesses, we have already raised more than $6.2 million. However, we still need to raise $991,000 to complete the renovations of the 1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House, a gateway to the Colonial Industrial Quarter and a storied building that’s located on the National Register of Historic Places. This includes the construction of the Overlook on History, a stunning, modern connector that will link the Grist Miller’s House to the Luckenbach Mill, rejoining the two buildings that were originally connected in the late 19th century.

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Campaign Donors

Grist Miller’s House

Why It Matters

Completing the Taking the World Stage Capital Campaign will allow HBMS to:

• Preserve and protect many of the early Moravian Community buildings and sites in Bethlehem. Without the preservation and upkeep of these historic treasures, the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage site would not have been possible.
• Undertake restoration and preservation projects that will enhance Moravian Church Settlements-Bethlehem’s World Heritage status.
• Complete the 1782/1834 Grist Miller’s House and Overlook on History, creating a dynamic space for education and learning.
• Welcome more guests to the city via a world-class tourist experience, promoting and supporting tourism in the city and region.
• Ensure Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ 20 buildings and 70,000 artifacts are cared for in perpetuity, helping to preserve an essential part of our city and region’s history and heritage.