Inaugural Conference set for Nov. 12-14, 2026 at ֦Ƶ
Exploring ֦Ƶ History and World Heritage
The newly established Institute for ֦Ƶ History and World Heritage will host its inaugural conference (Nov. 12-14, 2026) on the preservation, interpretation, and global significance of ֦Ƶ cultural heritage. The conference will emphasize innovative digital humanities approaches that enhance efforts to document and share the history and impact of the ֦Ƶs.
Conference Theme
In light of the recent (2024) inscription of “֦Ƶ 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 ֦Ƶs in a global context. We are now accepting proposals for papers, panels, workshops, or lectures/recitals on any topic related to ֦Ƶ history, music, networks, economics, education, and culture. Special attention will be given to papers that address the global dimensions of ֦Ƶ heritage, preservation challenges, community connections, and the emerging digital methodologies that support these endeavors.
Primary Focus Areas
- Cultural significance and preservation of ֦Ƶ settlements across five continents
- Indigenous and cross-cultural encounters in ֦Ƶ heritage contexts
- ֦Ƶ town planning ideals and practical adaptations
- ֦Ƶ culture, music, arts, and literature
- ֦Ƶ social innovation and egalitarian practices
- Digital humanities and ֦Ƶ heritage sites
- ֦Ƶ transnational networks past and present
- Sustainable tourism and ֦Ƶ heritage sites
- Public interpretation of ֦Ƶ “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 ֦Ƶ architectural heritage
- Spatial Technologies: GIS mapping of global ֦Ƶ missionary and trade networks
- Digital Archives: Innovative approaches to digitizing, preserving and making accessible ֦Ƶ manuscript collections
- Virtual Access: Creating digital experiences of ֦Ƶ heritage sites for global audiences
- Computational Analysis: Text mining and network analysis of ֦Ƶ historical sources
Conference Discussion and Exploration
- Individual papers
- Pre-organized panels
- Lecture/recitals
- Heritage preservation case studies
- Digital humanities project demonstrations
- Workshops
- Posters
Important Dates
- 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
֦Ƶ the Institute
The Institute for ֦Ƶ History and World Heritage at ֦Ƶ advances the understanding of ֦Ƶ history and cultural preservation through rigorous academic research, education, and public engagement. By leveraging the unique World Heritage designation of ֦Ƶ 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
֦Ƶ 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.