About the Foundation
Founded in the Republic of Lebanon on 31 March 2008, the Lebanese Heritage Foundation (notification N°405) emerged from an ethical obligation toward empowering local communities with sustainable development practices. A sister organisation of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), it is based on the university's Kaslik campus.
A record, built in seasons.
Each milestone marked with its Phoenician letter — from 𐤀 to 𐤆.
- 2006 — 2008First archives
Restoration of the Gibran Khalil Gibran archives (1883–1931) and the Elias Abou Chabkeh archives (1903–1947).
- 2008Foundation
LHF is licensed as a non-profit organisation by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities — notification N°405, 31 March 2008.
- 2014 — 2016Solidere collection
Conservation of the Solidere institutional archives — a 200,000 USD program.
- 2019Capacity building
Conservation & restoration of heritage and ancient archives — 100,000 USD training program.
- 2022Museum & manuscripts
On 5 August 2022 the Lebanese Maronite Order entrusts LHF with the Émile Hannouche Museum in the Bekaa for ten years, open free of charge. The same year, Aid to the Church in Need funds the first curation of manuscripts from the Order's monasteries, among them Kfifan, Ma’ounat, Qozhaya, Mayfouq, Na’meh and Nisbay.
- 2024 — 2025Guardians of the Sacred
With Bulgarian Development Aid, 188 icons from the Émile Hannouche Collection receive preventive conservation and ten, dated 1705 to 1856, are fully restored. They are shown at the USEK Museum from 24 June 2025, and the partnership is renewed for a second group.
- TodayThe work continues
Active across heritage conservation, museum custodianship, child safeguarding, and youth and SDG advocacy — with 15 master trainers across 10 fields.
What guides the work.
Future SDG Ambassadors
We form youth who become strong advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals and for heritage preservation.
Diversity & Inclusiveness
Inclusive in ethos and in practice — open across faiths, regions, generations and abilities. Our safeguarding policy protects vulnerable adults, including persons with disabilities, and keeps its reporting channels accessible to them.
Accountability
Accountable to the people, partners, and heritage we humbly serve — sharing results, stories, and lessons learned.
Continuity of Heritage
Past cultures do have a future. We work in generations — so the record outlasts any single project, donor, or season.
The board.
The board safeguards the foundation's mission, finances, and legal standing.
- Prof. Nehmé AzouryPresident
- Fr. Dr. Joseph MoukarzelFounding President
- Elie EliasSecretary & Accountant
15 master trainers across 10 fields.
Our team brings depth across heritage, education, civil society, and community empowerment.
- 01Medical & healthcare practice
- 02Catholic evangelization
- 03Active citizenship skills
- 04Youth advocacy for the SDGs
- 05Heritage restoration & preservation
- 06Communication skills
- 0721st-century skills in the classroom
- 08Transformative leadership
- 09Governance for sustainable development
- 10Women empowerment & gender equality