In 1996, the United States Congress recognized the national significance of the historic 500-square-mile region north of Boston, Massachusetts, by establishing the Essex National Heritage Area (Essex NHA).
Essex NHA covers 34 cities and towns and is managed by Essex Heritage, a nonprofit organization that rallies communities around saving the unique character of Essex County: the thousands of historic, cultural, and natural places that were crucial in shaping our nation; the places that led to this region's designation as a National Heritage Area; the places that make Essex County like nowhere else.
Essex Heritage involves residents in actively supporting over 10,000 historic places that make this area a great place to live. They do this by offering inspiring events like Trails & Sails—which boasts 150 unique experiences in 6 days—and by developing programs and partnerships that support the hundreds of heritage organizations and historic sites within the Natonal Heritage Area.
Essex NHA is home to:
-
9,968 historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places
-
400 historic farms
-
86 museums
-
26 National Historic Landmarks
-
9 State Parks
-
2 National Park Service units:
- 1 National Wildlife Refuge
Learn more at EssexHeritage.org.