The Beach to Bay Heritage Area pursues National Heritage Area Designation with Delaware

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA) is partnering with our friends in Delaware to work towards a National Heritage Area (NHA) designation within the Delmarva region. The public is encouraged to take part in this exciting new initiative! ​

As part of this exciting initiative, BBHA organized three community conversations across Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore to inform the public about the process. These conversations were held in Crisfield, Salisbury, and Berlin. These gatherings gave the public a chance to share their input on how the region stands out on a national level and our region's contributions to our nation’s history and heritage. They also served as a way to learn more about National Heritage Areas and the potential funding opportunities that such a designation could bring to our local communities. 
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What Are National Heritage Areas?
National Heritage Areas are nationally significant regions where culture, nature, and history create a unified landscape. They not only elevate a region's heritage to the national stage, but also enhance a region's ability to steward the area's historical, cultural, and natural assets. While the National Park Service (NPS) provides technical assistance and funding, a local coordinating entity is appointed to ensure that the needs and wishes of the community are met. This makes National Heritage Areas a community driven partnership that has great potential to not only preserve historical and cultural resources, but develop local communities as well.

It is important to note that while National Heritage Areas collaborate with the National Park Service, they are not considered units of the National Park System and designation does not affect private property rights, water rights, or hunting and fishing rights.

Benefits of National Heritage Areas
National Heritage Areas offer several benefits to the communities they encompass. From providing funding for community projects to preserving the cultural assets that define our identity, National Heritage Area designation has the potential to make the Delmarva region shine brighter. 

​Benefits Include:

• Preservation & promotion of the cultural, historic, & natural assets that help define our cultural identity and stories.
• Fostering pride in place and in the communities we call home.
• Grant funding opportunities that support community projects such as historic preservation, programming, or community development.
• Tourism development that will bring greater attention to the region, increasing both visitation and spending at local businesses. 
• Economic & community development through the enhancement of public spaces and infrastructure, support of local arts, and projects that address community needs.
• Economic Growth with an average return of $5.50 for every dollar invested by the federal government. 
• Educational experiences, both formal and informal, that connect residents and visitors alike with the region's heritage.
• Enhanced quality of life through the introduction of amenities and improved public spaces. 

Learn more about our National Heritage Area endeavor, download useful documents and handouts, and get updates here.