The mission of the Baltimore National Heritage Area is to promote, preserve, and enhance Baltimore’s cultural and historic legacy and natural resources for current and future generations. Originally a department under the Office of the Mayor, the Baltimore National Heritage Area is now managed through the non-profit Baltimore Heritage Area Association, Inc.
The purpose of the heritage area is to help local agencies and non-profits to carry out projects and programs that recognize and protect heritage resources; develop recreational and educational opportunities; increase public awareness and appreciation of natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources; protect and restore historic sites and buildings that reflect the heritage area’s themes; and ensure that signs identify points of interest.
One of BNHA’s most publicly visible projects is its network of urban heritage trails. BNHA often works closely with Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, and staff members regularly attend numerous public meetings and sit on partner organization boards and committees. The BNHA Year in Review publications provide an in-depth look at the work of the heritage area.
The Baltimore National Heritage Area includes the following National Historic Landmarks:
- Basilica of the Assumption (Baltimore Basilica)
- Davidge Hall (College of Medicine of Maryland)
- Edgar Allan Poe House
- First Unitarian Church of Baltimore
- Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
- H.L. Mencken House
- Lightship Chesapeake
- Mount Clare Station and Roundhouse
- Peale Museum
- Phoenix Shot Tower
- Saint Mary's Seminary Chapel
- Steam Tug Baltimore
- USCGC Taney
- USS Constellation
- USS Torsk