Community-Led Conservation and Development

National Heritage Areas are places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes. Unlike national parks, National Heritage Areas are large lived-in landscapes. Consequently, National Heritage Area entities collaborate with communities to determine how to make heritage relevant to local interests and needs.

In 1984, the first National Heritage Area, Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area, was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. In his dedication speech, Reagan referred to National Heritage Areas "a new kind of national park" that married heritage conservation, recreation, and economic development.

On Jan. 5, 2023, President Biden signed the National Heritage Areas Act (P.L. 117-339) into law, establishing a National Heritage Area System, a statutory framework for the NPS’s role in its administration, and seven new National Heritage Areas. As of 2023, 62 National Heritage Areas are designated. 

Today, National Heritage Areas and the National Park Pervice are making an impact nationwide: Read our 2023 Annual Report!

The National Heritage Areas brochure (NPS unigrid) is a great way to learn more and easy to share. 
 

Heritage Areas 101: What is an NHA?
Heritage Areas 101: What is an NHA?

Learn more about National Heritage Areas and the NPS National Heritage Areas Program.

National Heritage Areas FAQs
National Heritage Areas FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about National Heritage Areas and the NPS National Heritage Areas Program.

Last updated: September 9, 2024