World Heritage Symposium

Affirming Cultural Identity: World Heritage in the 21st Century

Join ICOMOS-USA, World Heritage USA, and partners in San Antonio, Texas, 1-3 November 2023, as we explore and celebrate the cultural identities that make up our shared heritage.

Click here to see the full schedule and to register. The symposium takes place at the University of Texas at San Antonio Downtown Campus. Check the schedule for the location of various local tours, galas, and receptions.

The Symposium and Conference will feature two themes: 1) the World Heritage nomination process and leveraging World Heritage Sites for economic and social prosperity, and 2) Indigenous and Transboundary cultural traditions and partnerships. Our time in San Antonio will include tours of the World Heritage Site Missions and their neighborhoods along with extended discussions of Indigenous heritage, monuments of oppression, the International Underground Railroad, tourism, and the opportunities associated with World Heritage Sites. We’ll conclude our time in San Antonio with the 2023 Gala Celebration of World Heritage, a festive dinner fundraiser at the El Camino de San Antonio Missions Center. Please join us for this exciting 3-day event.

The Society’s executive director, Vincent Michael, will lead the tour for Dia de los Muertos/La Villita on Thurs, Nov. 2nd, 2:00 – 5:00 PM.