Celebrate Success

Today, National Heritage Areas and the National Park Service are making an impact nationwide: Read the our 2023 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.

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 NHAs. In 2023, NHAs continued to serve communities and support their partners with a renewed collective purpose. In summary, NHAs:

Leveraged $87.6 million in cash and in-kind support to carry out heritage projects and programs, greatly increasing the impact of the $28.1 million in federal Heritage Partnership Program funding received.
Engaged 2,779 formal partners and 4,556 informal partners in heritage area activities.
Benefited from 26,465 volunteers contributing over 327,402 hours for heritage area projects- a $10 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 2023:

166 historic sites and 9,167 acres of cultural landscapes preserved and maintained, including battlefields.
91 collections projects undertaken, including the conservation of artifacts and creation of oral histories.
102 historic preservation grants awarded totaling $1.5 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 2023:

181 recreation projects undertaken.
1,284 miles of trails maintained, and 38 new miles of trails developed.
65 recreation grants awarded totaling $3.2 million.

Through collaborative conservation activities, National Heritage Area entities and their partners are improving air and water quality and supporting healthy ecosystems. In 2023:

12,336 acres of land restored and maintained via invasive species removal, replanting, and toxic site clean-ups.
49 conservation grants awarded totaling $609,728.

Educating Current and Future Leaders. Through programs such as Yuma Crossing NHA’s 3rd & 4th Grade Yuma Live History Field Trip 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 2023:

Capacity-building assistance provided to 980 organizations.
2,064 educational programs developed.
325 grants to support educational programs awarded totaling $1.3 million.