UNESCO Plaque Unveiled at Gracehill Marks Historic Milestone

A UNESCO plaque unveiled at Gracehill has marked a major moment for Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage.

The plaque celebrates Gracehill’s recognition as a place of outstanding global importance. It also highlights the village’s role within an international network of historic Moravian settlements.

Gracehill was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on 26 July 2024. The designation forms part of a transnational World Heritage site called Moravian Church Settlements.

This international listing includes four component sites:

• Gracehill, Northern Ireland
• Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America
• Herrnhut, Germany
• Christiansfeld, Denmark

More information about Gracehill’s World Heritage status is available from UNESCO in the UK and the official Gracehill Village website.

Gracehill Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The historic Moravian village of Gracehill is widely admired for its preserved layout, architecture and community heritage.

Its UNESCO recognition reflects the village’s cultural value and its long-standing connection to the wider Moravian Church tradition.

The official plaque unveiling was arranged to coincide with the annual in-person meeting of the transnational partners. This meeting rotates each year between the four nations connected to the World Heritage site.

Civic leaders, cultural representatives, international guests and members of the local community gathered in Gracehill to mark the occasion.

The recognition is expected to support cultural tourism, strengthen local pride and encourage continued conservation work in the village.

Readers can also learn more about the international partnership through the official Moravian Church Settlements website.

New Garden Opened in Memory of Sister Shaukirk

As part of the all-day gathering, a new garden dedicated to Sister Shaukirk, who lived from 1730 to 1797, was officially opened.

The garden was opened by US Consul General James Applegate.

Sister Shaukirk has a unique connection to the four Moravian Church Settlements now recognised by UNESCO. She lived for a time in each settlement, linking Gracehill with Bethlehem, Herrnhut and Christiansfeld.

She spent the final years of her life in Gracehill and is buried in God’s Acre, the graveyard beside Gracehill Moravian Church.

Attendees also enjoyed musical performances from Gracehill Primary School and Ballyduff Silver Band.

Gracehill Local Management Plan Officially Launched

Before a Transnational Church service at Gracehill Moravian Church, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA formally launched the Gracehill Local Management Plan.

The plan supports the ongoing promotion of Gracehill as a World Heritage destination. It also sets out commitments around protection, management and conservation for future generations.

The plan was signed by:

• Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA
• Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Jackson Minford
• Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, Dr David Johnston OBE
• Recently retired Bishop of Gracehill Moravian Church, Sarah Groves

Further background on Gracehill’s World Heritage journey can be found on the Gracehill World Heritage page.

Mayor Says Gracehill’s Story Will Be Shared With the World

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, described the occasion as a proud and historic day.

He said: “This is a proud and historic day for Gracehill and for Mid and East Antrim. The UNESCO designation recognises not only the unique heritage of this remarkable village but also the dedication of generations who have safeguarded its character.

“We are delighted to celebrate this achievement with the community and to share this special place with the world. The UNESCO plaque will serve as a lasting symbol of international recognition, ensuring that Gracehill’s story continues to be shared with audiences locally, nationally, and globally.”

Communities Minister Welcomes Investment in Gracehill

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said it was important to support Gracehill’s future as a World Heritage site.

He said: “It was great to be at Gracehill to announce, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, our joint investment in a World Heritage Site manager for the village, to launch the Local Management Plan for the site and to unveil a plaque on the Moravian Church.

“These are crucial investments as we work with local stakeholders and our partners in the Gracehill Moravian Church and Gracehill Trust to ensure that the outstanding universal value of Northern Ireland’s first Cultural World Heritage Site is well understood and managed.

“I am pleased to see representatives from the three other parts of this transnational site here today as well, demonstrating the strong ties and connections that continue to sustain the overall World Heritage Site.”

Gracehill Celebrates Historic International Links

Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, David Johnston OBE, said the event added another chapter to the village’s story.

He commented: “This is an exciting day for Gracehill as we think about the 400th Anniversary of Ballymena and the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

“We celebrate not only Gracehill’s rich historic international ties but also our growing partnerships as we welcome our World Heritage guests and add another chapter to the story of this special place.”

A Lasting Symbol for Future Generations

The new UNESCO plaque is now displayed on the exterior front-facing wall of Gracehill Moravian Church.

For residents, visitors and future generations, it stands as a visible reminder of Gracehill’s global importance.

The unveiling also reinforces Gracehill’s place as one of Northern Ireland’s most significant heritage destinations.

With its preserved village layout, Moravian history and international links, Gracehill is now firmly positioned on the world heritage map.

Visitors can find out more about the village through Gracehill Village and explore wider local tourism through Discover Northern Ireland.