Preserving Iconic World Sites: From Babylon to Venice
Join WMF’s Vice President of Programs, Jonathan S. Bell, to explore the recent history of global heritage preservation with this virtual 92nd Street Y course.

date & time
Location
Virtual
Presented by Roundtable, the online classroom of The 92nd Street Y
The world’s heritage places, from iconic archaeological sites and historic buildings to vibrant urban neighborhoods and cultural landscapes, excite and enthrall us all. Yet, these awe-inspiring symbols of human ingenuity and identity require intentional protection and preservation. The impacts of climate change, the ravages of conflict, the pressures of new development, and the inertia of neglect all require thoughtful, science-based strategies to safeguard our world's most treasured places.
Celebrate 60 years of World Monuments Fund with Vice President of Programs, Jonathan S. Bell, who will explore the evolution of a global heritage preservation movement from the 1960s to today with this virtual Roundtable course.
With insights drawn from iconic sites around the globe, including Venice, Lalibela, Angkor, Babylon, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and Bears Ears National Monument, participants uncover how technical preservation efforts engage with local stewards to effect positive change, address global challenges, and protect our shared heritage for the future.
This is a three-session course, happening each Tuesday from July 15-29:
Session 1: Origins of a Movement: Venice to Lalibela
Session 2: Healing from Conflict: Angkor and Babylon
Session 3: Indigenous Heritage: Rapa Nui and Bears Ears National Monument
This is a live, virtual course. Your purchase of this course includes interactive opportunities and unlimited, permanent access to recordings of each session.
WMF members are eligible for discounted pricing. Please contact membership@wmf.org, for more information.
Preserving Iconic World Sites: From Babylon to Venice
Join WMF’s Vice President of Programs, Jonathan S. Bell, to explore the recent history of global heritage preservation with this virtual 92nd Street Y course.
date & time
Location
Virtual
Presented by Roundtable, the online classroom of The 92nd Street Y

The world’s heritage places, from iconic archaeological sites and historic buildings to vibrant urban neighborhoods and cultural landscapes, excite and enthrall us all. Yet, these awe-inspiring symbols of human ingenuity and identity require intentional protection and preservation. The impacts of climate change, the ravages of conflict, the pressures of new development, and the inertia of neglect all require thoughtful, science-based strategies to safeguard our world's most treasured places.
Celebrate 60 years of World Monuments Fund with Vice President of Programs, Jonathan S. Bell, who will explore the evolution of a global heritage preservation movement from the 1960s to today with this virtual Roundtable course.
With insights drawn from iconic sites around the globe, including Venice, Lalibela, Angkor, Babylon, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and Bears Ears National Monument, participants uncover how technical preservation efforts engage with local stewards to effect positive change, address global challenges, and protect our shared heritage for the future.
This is a three-session course, happening each Tuesday from July 15-29:
Session 1: Origins of a Movement: Venice to Lalibela
Session 2: Healing from Conflict: Angkor and Babylon
Session 3: Indigenous Heritage: Rapa Nui and Bears Ears National Monument
This is a live, virtual course. Your purchase of this course includes interactive opportunities and unlimited, permanent access to recordings of each session.
WMF members are eligible for discounted pricing. Please contact membership@wmf.org, for more information.
About the Speaker
Jonathan S. Bell
Heritage Professional and Vice President of Programs, World Monuments Fund and Urban PlannerJonathan S. Bell came to World Monuments Fund (WMF) from National Geographic Society, where he oversaw a large portfolio of projects that included archaeological research and cultural heritage. Over the course of his career, he worked with the Getty Conservation Institute on World Heritage Sites in China and Egypt, evaluated cultural site management from Kazakhstan to Colombia, and oversaw strategic planning for large-scale flood infrastructure for the County of Los Angeles. Dr. Bell serves on multiple ICOMOS scientific committees as an expert member and sits on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Architectural Conservation. He holds a BA from Harvard University, a DEA from the Sorbonne, an MSc in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, and a PhD in Urban Planning from UCLA.