Historic Bethlehem Partnership President Charlene Donchez-Mowers has been recognized for "her outstanding achievement in securing" the designation of Historic Moravian Bethlehem as a National Historic Landmark District. The Bethlehem native "worked tirelessly for almost 10 years" to research and develop a nomination application which was finally approved by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior in October 2012.

"It's one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I've been involved with," commented Donchez-Mowers, who started her 14th year of leading HBP. The partnership also operates under the name Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites.

The HBP was also credited by Sun Inn Preservation Association for supporting Donchez-Mowers in her long-time quest to achieve National Historic Landmark District designation for a 14-acre area of historic Bethlehem in recognition of "Bethlehem's remarkable 18th century heritage for its Moravian architecture and town planning."

Donchez Mowers also said the recognition "brings national significance to Bethlehem and its incredible community history."

Historic Moravian Bethlehem is one of eight National Historic Landmark Districts in Pennsylvania which are among a select list of 150 nationwide districts, according to National Park Service records.

The champion for historic Bethlehem and its preservation also announced to the gathering of some 75 guests at the Sun Inn that a 12 by 14-inch bronze plaque is to be unveiled on a yet-to-be-determined spring date and site within the 14-acre Historic Moravian Bethlehem, a National Landmark District.

She displayed an enlarged photo of the plaque which is in storage at HBP.

The National Park Service plaque, which recognizes Historic Moravian Bethlehem as a National Historic Landmark District, reads "This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America."

According to James Miller III of HBP, the14-acre area is outlined on an official City of Bethlehem map entitled Historic Moravian Bethlehem, which was part of the National Historic Landmark District appication process. The site includes the Colonial Industrial Quarter ooperated by HBMS along the Monocacy Creek and historic Church Street where 18th century Moravian buildings remain since the founding Bethlehem in 1741.

The plaque further states, "Moravian settlers from Europe established a communal society here ... The surviving buildings and industrial structures are outstanding examples of German colonial architecture and Moravian town planning."

Several old Bethlehem buildings within the Historic Moravian Bethlehem district, such as the 1741 Gemeinhaus on Church Streeet, have previously been named National Historic Landmarks, a distinction by the National Park Service for individual buildings.

The Tribute to Historic Preservation award recipients were also honored by Congressman Charles W. Dent, State Senator Lisa Boscola, State Representative Steve Samuelson, Bethlehem Mayor Robert J. Donchez and other local dignitaries. SIPA president Seth Cornish and event chair Jean Kessler, both of Bethlehem, were also present for the celebration.