Celebrate Success

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 52 of the 55 NHAs.

Read the full report from 2022

In 2022, as the United States started to open up after unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, NHAs continued to serve communities and support their partners. In summary, NHAs:

Leveraged $75 million in cash and in-kind support to carry out heritage projects and programs, greatlyincreasing the impact of the $26.1 million in federal Heritage Partnership Program funding received.
Engaged 2,633 formal partners and 4,208 informal partners in heritage area activities
Benefited from 28,183 volunteers contributing over 331,265 hours for heritage area projects - a $9.9 million-dollar 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 2022:

236 historic sites and 9,248 acres of cultural landscapes preservedand maintained, including battlefields.
81 collections projects undertaken, including the conservation ofartifacts and creation of oral histories.•
75 historic preservation grants awarded totaling $1.2 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 2022:

177 recreation projects undertaken.
902 miles of trails maintained and 67 new miles of trails developed.
54 recreation grants awarded totaling $609,728.

Collaborative conservation activities led by National Heritage Area entities and their partners improve air and water quality and support healthy ecosystems.
In 2022:

8,848 acres of land restored and maintained via invasive speciesremoval, replanting, and toxic site clean-ups.
48 conservation grants awarded totaling $1.7 million.

Educating Current and Future Leaders. Through programs such as Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm NHA's Alaska Outdoor School Program, National Heritage Areas and their partners are providing meaningful and inspirational connections to our nation’s heritage via educators and the (outdoor) classroom.
In 2022: