Alliance of National Heritage Areas

Alliance of National Heritage Areas The ANHA is a membership organization of the Congressionally-designated National Heritage Areas.

A national heritage area is a region that has been recognized by the United States Congress for its unique qualities and resources. It is a place where a combination of natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources have shaped a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape. In heritage areas, local communities and leaders cooperate on efforts to preserve the resources that are important to

them. The partnership approach to heritage development involves collaborative planning around a theme, industry and/ or geographical feature that influenced the region's culture and history. This planning strategy encourages residents, government agencies, non-profit groups and private partners to agree on and prioritize programs and projects that recognize, preserve and celebrate many of America's defining landscapes. The heritage areas seek short and long-term solutions to their conservation and development challenges by fostering relationships among regional stakeholders and encouraging them to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. Preserving the resources and activities in heritage areas in ways that recall the traditions that helped to shape these landscapes enhances their significance.

Representative Marcy Kaptur has long been a champion of National Heritage Areas, including the one in her backyard - Ohi...
08/29/2026

Representative Marcy Kaptur has long been a champion of National Heritage Areas, including the one in her backyard - Ohio & Erie Canalway. She has also sponsored legislation to create a new NHA for Ohio's Maumee Valley and was a co-sponsor of the National Heritage Area Act.

Thank you for your leadership!

Congressman Glenn Thompson has long been a champion of National Heritage Areas and currently serves as co-chair of the N...
08/27/2026

Congressman Glenn Thompson has long been a champion of National Heritage Areas and currently serves as co-chair of the National Heritage Area Caucus. He is a 2020 recipient of the Heritage Champion award and proudly represents the Oil Region NHA.

Thank you for your leadership, Congressman!



Picture Caption: Congressman G.T. Thompson (second from right) presents the 2026 Heritage Champion award to Congressman Mike Ezell (right). Also pictured, L-R, are ANHA Chairwoman Sara Capen and Director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Rhonda Price.

08/25/2026

Don't take it from us; listen to what the Great Communicator had to say about the value of creating a National Heritage Area: “We believe such activity will stimulate tourism, jobs, and economic growth, as well as greater cooperation between local, state, and federal governments.”

Congratulations to I&M Canal National Heritage Area, as well as all 62 National Heritage Areas, on the anniversary of the signing of the legislation that created the first National Heritage Area.

We're celebrating members of the Congressional National Heritage Area Caucus, starting with Caucus Co-Chair Paul D. Tonk...
08/25/2026

We're celebrating members of the Congressional National Heritage Area Caucus, starting with Caucus Co-Chair Paul D. Tonko!

Rep. Tonko has long been a champion of NHAs and proudly represents Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Thank you for your leadership and support!



Picture caption: Rep. Tonko speaking at the 2026 ANHA Congressional Breakfast and Awards Reception held on Capitol Hill.

07/30/2026
Across northeastern Pennsylvania, thousands of fourth-grade students are stepping aboard a moving classroom that brings ...
07/20/2026

Across northeastern Pennsylvania, thousands of fourth-grade students are stepping aboard a moving classroom that brings the region’s industrial and railroad heritage to life.

Through the Heritage Express: 4th Grade Edition program, students from across the Lackawanna Valley visit Steamtown National Historic Site and ride a historic train through the same landscape once shaped by anthracite coal mining and the railroads that powered America’s industrial growth.

Developed through a partnership involving the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, Steamtown National Historic Site, educators, and regional partners, the program transforms local history into an immersive educational experience tied directly to Pennsylvania curriculum standards.

Since returning in 2023, the program has connected more than 3,000 students to the stories, communities, and transportation networks that helped build the nation.

Programs like Heritage Express demonstrate how National Heritage Areas preserve living history through education, partnership, and community engagement — ensuring the next generation understands the significance of the places they call home.

Learn more: https://shm.to/LJYKHmZ

Incredible! This is what it's all about.
07/07/2026

Incredible! This is what it's all about.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸For 250 years, our nation's story has been written by extraordinary people, remarkable ...
07/04/2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

For 250 years, our nation's story has been written by extraordinary people, remarkable places, and the events that shaped who we are.

Across the country, National Heritage Areas help bring those stories to life. Through preservation, education, community partnerships, public art, recreation, storytelling, and heritage tourism, we connect people with the places and experiences that define America's past and inspire its future.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're reminded that history isn't just found in textbooks. It's found in our neighborhoods, landscapes, main streets, waterways, traditions, and the communities that continue to preserve and share them.

Here's to the next chapter of the American story, and to everyone working to ensure it is remembered, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.

Happy Independence Day from the Alliance of National Heritage Areas! 🇺🇸

Learn more about NHAs at: https://nationalheritageareas.us

The Blackstone River Greenway/Bikeway is more than a recreational trail. It’s a vital link connecting communities, histo...
05/27/2026

The Blackstone River Greenway/Bikeway is more than a recreational trail. It’s a vital link connecting communities, history, and landscapes across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Through programs like Bike Ambassadors, Blackstone Heritage Corridor is doing more than leading rides. They are building public support for the full bi-state completion of the trail while helping people experience the Valley’s rich industrial, cultural, and transportation history firsthand.

As the only organization actively advocating for the trail’s full completion across both states, the Corridor continues to champion a vision that expands access, strengthens regional connectivity, encourages outdoor recreation, and preserves the stories embedded within the Blackstone Valley landscape.

This is heritage areas at their best: connecting people to place while advocating for investments that benefit communities for generations to come.

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1101 30th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington D.C., DC
20007

Telephone

(202) 625-4393

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