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Good news about Heritage
Positive stories about Heritage, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
32 stories.
Africa’s cultural landmarks: tombs of Buganda kings
The tombs of Buganda kings on Kasubi Hill, built from natural materials, require ongoing care to preserve their cultural significance. This upkeep ensures the structures remain a vital part of the Baganda people’s heritage. The attention to maintenance reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding their history.
Aeon
TREASURE & INSPIRE: Poké Box and Phansi Museum fuse heritage in Durban
A Durban café blends global and Zulu traditions, preserving cultural heritage through food at the Phansi Museum. The collaboration brings together two local treasures in one spot, offering a fresh way to celebrate and sustain diverse culinary roots. It’s a creative fusion that invites visitors to explore and appreciate shared history.
Daily Maverick
Inside Kazakhstan’s historic rock-hewn mosques now recognised by UNESCO
Five rock-hewn mosques and associated sacred sites dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries make up Kazakhstan’s newest UNESCO World Heritage property. The complexes preserve centuries of Sufi tradition alongside much older beliefs.
Euronews
CRÉATION AFRICA: Fashioning modern magic from deep heritage roots
A Lesotho-based fashion brand is blending traditional Basotho design with modern women’s wear, creating stylish, heritage-rich luxury fashion. By celebrating cultural roots, Thethana offers a fresh take on fashion that honors local craftsmanship while appealing to contemporary tastes. This fusion of old and new brings global attention to Lesotho’s creative talent.
Daily Maverick
Pay Phone, a Lifeline During 2019 Australia Wildfires, Gains Heritage Status
A pay phone in Narooma became a vital lifeline during the 2019 wildfires when internet access failed, allowing people to call loved ones as flames approached. Its new heritage status honors its role in connecting families in crisis. The recognition ensures this simple but vital tool is remembered for its service.
The New York Times
CRÉATION AFRICA: Translating Zulu heritage into contemporary — and comfortable — furniture
Durban-based designer Siyanda Mbele is redefining African furniture by blending Zulu heritage with modern, functional design. His sleek, stylish pieces challenge outdated stereotypes, offering comfort and elegance. This fresh approach celebrates cultural roots while meeting contemporary needs.
Daily Maverick
England’s Beloved Sycamore Gap Tree Is Showing Signs of Life, Three Years After Vandals Chopped It Down
The Sycamore Gap tree’s stump is sprouting new leafy shoots, three years after vandals cut it down. This resilience offers hope for the tree’s recovery and brings comfort to those who cherished it. The signs of regrowth are a small but meaningful victory for nature and the community.
Smithsonian Magazine
Our constitutional values are part of our common heritage
Our constitutional order gives expression to the values of nonracialism, nonsexism, equality, democracy and human dignity. These are as much our heritage as the cultures we practise and the languages we speak, the traditions we observe and the cultures we celebrate.
Daily Maverick
S’pore joins regional bid to add Malay dance form zapin to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list
SINGAPORE – Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia will be putting up a joint bid for zapin, a traditional Malay performing art with deep roots in the region, to be inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
The Straits Times
SA’s living heritage — Home Affairs’ reforms honour equal citizenship
There is something distinctly South African about dedicating a public holiday to heritage and then spending a good part of it debating what, exactly, is being celebrated.
Daily Maverick
Nova Scotia to mark 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities with new signs
Nova Scotia will soon put up signs marking the 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities across the province.
Global News
Jazz legend John Coltrane's Philadelphia house to become a cultural heritage site
John Coltrane’s Philadelphia home, where he created pivotal work in the 1950s, will become a cultural heritage site. The project, announced on the centennial of his birth, will also serve as a community space. Preserving this landmark honors his legacy and invites others to engage with his music and influence.
NPR
Glowing mushrooms, 120 creepy crawlies among new additions to Heritage Festival
The Funtastical World of Fungi exhibition at the Singapore Botanic Gardens showcases glowing mushrooms and 120 other creatures, offering visitors a unique way to learn about fungi. The display of mycelium on Petri dishes adds an educational and visually striking element to the festival. This creative approach helps raise awareness about the natural world in an engaging way.
The Straits Times
Beyond listings
Pakistan has expanded its tentative list of heritage sites to 37, adding 12 new cultural and heritage sites this year. This move helps preserve its rich history and could lead to more global recognition. The country’s request to UNESCO to consider Rani Ghat and Banbhore is a promising step forward.
Dawn
Can Ancient Ruins Be Protected From Wildfires? Greece Is Trying.
Greece is taking steps to protect its ancient ruins from wildfires by fireproofing sites, even if it alters the surrounding landscape. The effort helps preserve cultural heritage at risk from rising blazes across Europe. It’s a practical trade-off to safeguard history for future generations.
The New York Times
Family in Batangas persists to keep generations-old pottery tradition alive
A family in San Juan, Batangas, is working to preserve their century-old pottery tradition, ensuring it doesn’t fade away. Their dedication keeps a cultural heritage alive, offering a glimpse into the past for future generations. This effort highlights the value of sustaining local crafts and traditions.
Rappler
Public invited to shape content of 2,000 sq m Singapore Chinese Heritage Gallery opening in 2031
Singapore’s future Chinese Heritage Gallery is inviting public input to shape its content, ensuring the space reflects community voices. This collaborative approach helps create a more inclusive and meaningful cultural experience. The effort highlights a commitment to preserving heritage through shared perspectives.
The Straits Times
NDR 2026: S’pore to showcase Chinese heritage with new gallery and exhibition
Singapore is celebrating its Chinese heritage with a new gallery and exhibition. The space will honor the contributions of Chinese pioneers, offering a meaningful way to connect with the community’s history. This initiative preserves cultural legacy while fostering pride and understanding.
The Straits Times
Kids can get up to $3k funding for Punggol heritage projects; new Peppa Pig stage show
Children can now apply for funding to explore Punggol’s heritage through a new initiative. The program supports young people in creating projects that celebrate local history. It’s a chance to engage with culture in a creative, meaningful way.
The Straits Times
Sydney Opera House’s famous boardwalk to benefit from $120m renovation fund
The Sydney Opera House will receive a $120 million upgrade to replace aging concrete beams, slabs, and piers beneath its famous boardwalk. The project will also modernize venue technology, ensuring the iconic site remains a vibrant cultural hub. This investment secures the structure’s future while preserving its heritage for generations to come.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Solitude standing: Stonehenge opens lottery for unique solo experience at English Heritage site
English Heritage is offering a rare chance to visit Stonehenge alone, giving people a moment of quiet reflection in one of Britain’s most famous landmarks. The lottery opens the site to those who value solitude, creating a peaceful experience usually impossible for millions of visitors. It’s a meaningful way to connect with history in a new way.
Euronews
Refreshed heritage trail in Yishun offers two routes for exploration
Yishun’s heritage trail has been updated with two new routes, giving visitors fresh ways to explore the neighbourhood’s history. The changes make it easier for locals and visitors to discover the area’s past. This thoughtful update preserves Yishun’s cultural heritage while offering a more engaging experience.
The Straits Times
Rome’s viral graffiti cleaner is taking on an ancient problem
A content creator is cleaning graffiti from Rome’s historic walls, sparking conversations about preserving heritage and the value of street art. His work is drawing attention to the city’s ancient problem while inspiring others to care for its cultural landmarks. The effort highlights how small actions can make a big difference in protecting shared history.
Al Jazeera
São Tomé and Príncipe’s historic plantations added to UNESCO world heritage list
Beyond their architectural and agricultural importance, the sites also preserve the memory of thousands of workers who were brought to the islands under harsh conditions during Portuguese rule.
Africanews
Tunisian town of Sidi Bou Said added to UNESCO World Heritage list
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the ancient ruins of Carthage, the picturesque village is a major tourist stop.
Africanews
Six ancient medinas in Comoros join UNESCO's World Heritage list
Some of the ancient cities of palaces, mosques, public squares, and narrow streets date back to the 12th century and are still inhabited.
Africanews
Before Cultural and Natural Wonders Earn UNESCO World Heritage Status, They Are Put on a 'Tentative' List. Here Are Five Nominees Worth Visiting Now
UNESCO’s tentative list highlights over 1,800 hidden cultural and natural wonders from around the world, offering travelers a chance to explore these marvels before they gain official World Heritage status. The list helps protect and celebrate lesser-known sites, inviting visitors to discover their beauty and significance.
Smithsonian Magazine
‘Transformative’: Green light for $240m Perth CBD revamp with hotel and rooftop pool
A $240 million development will transform Perth’s St Martins Centre into a hotel, retail hub, and office spaces, revitalizing the CBD. The project includes a sky bar and restored heritage arcade, bringing new life to the area. This unanimous approval marks a major step forward for urban renewal in the city.
The Sydney Morning Herald
The museum that lets blind people touch 18th-century sculptures
The Cappella Sansevero in Naples has created a new protocol allowing blind visitors to touch 18th-century sculptures while preserving their historical integrity. This inclusive approach ensures cultural heritage is accessible to everyone. It’s a thoughtful step toward making art more widely available.
El País (English)
Historic Italian theatres vying for UNESCO's World Heritage status
Eighteen historic condominium-style theatres across Italy's Marche, Emilia Romagna and Umbria regions are seeking to be recognised by UNESCO and are hoping for a place on its prestigious World Heritage List.
Euronews
It looks much like any older home. Inside lies an extraordinary unrenovated gem
A Sydney family is carefully restoring a heritage home, preserving its original character while bringing it back to life. Their project shows how thoughtful renovation can protect history while creating a vibrant space. It’s a heartening example of respecting the past while embracing the future.
The Sydney Morning Herald
The Tower of London Plans to Turn Its Moat Into a ‘Green Classroom’ and Show Off Its Architecture Archives in a Major Renovation
The Tower of London’s moat will become a “green classroom,” and new education centers will showcase its archives. The project aims to make the historic site more accessible to students, researchers, and the community. Fundraising is already underway to support the ambitious renovation.
Smithsonian Magazine
