UNESCO Plaque Unveiled at Historic Gracehill
Friday 5 June 2026
A significant milestone in Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage was recently marked with the official unveiling of a UNESCO plaque at Gracehill.
The plaque celebrates its recognition as a site of outstanding global importance within an international network of heritage sites.
Gracehill was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on 26 July 2024 as part of a transnational partnership of four component sites including Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Herrnhut, Germany; Christiansfeld, Denmark; and Gracehill. The collaborative World Heritage designation is entitled ‘Moravian Church Settlements.’
The historic Moravian village of Gracehill is a unique and beautifully preserved settlement that has long been recognised for its architectural integrity, cultural significance, and enduring community spirit. The plaque unveiling was co-ordinated to coincide with the annual in-person meeting of the transnational partners, which rotates each year between the four nations.
Civic leaders, cultural representatives, international guests and members of the local community joined to commemorate this momentous occasion. The recognition is expected to boost cultural tourism, strengthen local pride, and reinforce efforts to preserve the area for future generations.
In addition to the plaque unveiling, the all-day gathering of stakeholders also included the official opening of a new garden dedicated to Sister Shaukirk (1730-1797) by US Consul General James Applegate. Attendees were treated to musical performances by Gracehill Primary School and Ballyduff Silver Band.
Sister Shaukirk’s movements across continents uniquely connect the communities now recognised within the transnational Moravian Church Settlements UNESCO World Heritage site as she lived for a time in each settlement. She spent the last years of her life in Gracehill and is buried in God’s Acre, the graveyard next to Gracehill Moravian Church.
Prior to a Transnational Church service at Gracehill Moravian Church, Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA formally launched the Gracehill Local Management Plan, demonstrating commitment to the ongoing promotion of Gracehill as a World Heritage destination whilst also providing protection and conservation for future generations. The Plan was signed by Minister Lyons; as well as by the outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Jackson Minford; Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, Dr David Johnston OBE; and recently retired Bishop of Gracehill Moravian Church, Sarah Groves.
The former Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, 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, Gordon Lyons, 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.”
Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, David Johnston OBE, 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.”
The UNESCO plaque on the exterior front-facing wall of Gracehill Moravian Church.