Celebrate Success

Today, National Heritage Areas and the National Park Service are making an impact nationwide: Read the our 2024 Annual Report!

National Heritage Areas (NHAs) expand on traditional conservation approaches by supporting large-scale, community-driven initiatives that engage communities in heritage preservation activities. NHA entities collaborate with stakeholders to determine how to make heritage relevant to local needs and interests. These entities serve as catalysts for community and economic development. Data presented here is from reports submitted by 58 of the 62 NHAs.

In 2024, NHAs continued to serve communities and support their partners. In summary, NHAs:

Leveraged $60 million in cash and in-kind support to carry out heritage projects and programs, creating over a 2:1 impact of the $28.1 million in federal Heritage Partnership Program funding received.
Engaged 2,021 formal partners and 3,245 informal partners in heritage area activities.
Benefited from 18,525 volunteers contributing over 178,740 hours for heritage area projects equally over a $5.7 million value.

Preserving our Heritage. Across the country, National Heritage Areas and their partners are reviving historic downtowns, preserving large landscapes and cultural practices, and sharing our nation’s history through the arts. In 2024:

291 historic sites and 9,654 acres of cultural landscapes preserved and maintained, including battlefields.
46 collections projects undertaken, including the conservation of artifacts and creation of oral histories.
91 historic preservation grants awarded totaling $ 1.8 million.

Recreation and Conservation. Through recreational projects such as access to land and water trails, National Heritage Areas are improving connectivity and accessibility, creating more vibrant and healthy communities. In 2024:

92 recreation projects undertaken.
675 miles of trails maintained, and 4,012 new miles of trails developed.
58 recreation grants awarded totaling $936,615.

Through collaborative conservation activities, National Heritage Area entities and their partners are improving air and water quality and supporting healthy ecosystems. In 2024:

11,200 acres of land restored and maintained via invasive species removal, replanting, and toxic site clean-ups.
34 conservation grants awarded totaling $691,036.

Educating Current and Future Leaders. Through programs such as Ohio & Erie Canalway NHA's Summit Lake Youth Ambassador Program, National Heritage Areas and their partners are providing meaningful and inspirational connections to our nation’s heritage via the outdoor classroom. In 2024: