MHAA-Funded Projects: (clockwise from top left) Ghost Rivers, Baltimore National Heritage Area; Historic Sotterley, Southern Maryland National Heritage Area; Pocomoke Indian Nation, Beach to Bay Heritage Area; Harwood Nature Center, Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area; Downtown Cambridge, Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area; Woodend Nature Sanctuary, Montgomery County Heritage Area

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is a state program that is housed administratively within the Maryland Historical Trust. The governing body of the Program is the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) which is an independent unit of government in the Executive Branch of government that operates in the Maryland Department of Planning.

Since the Maryland Heritage Areas Program began in 1997, 13 certified heritage areas have been designated throughout the state, each distinguished by unique physical and cultural characteristics. Their boundaries include acreage in all 23 counties and the city of Baltimore, and a diverse array of historic, cultural, and natural assets. Maryland’s heritage areas support the economic well-being of our state’s communities by preserving and celebrating the state’s history, cultural traditions, and natural resources.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program designates, supports, and collaborates with certified heritage areas and their partners to create place-based experiences for the public that preserve and promote Maryland’s unique stories and contribute to the well-being of local economies.

The primary activities of MHAA and the Program are to:

• Designate, support, and work in close partnership with a statewide network of local certified heritage areas
• Award grants that highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism and economic development
• Provide technical assistance and training to heritage partners statewide

The certified heritage areas are managed by independent entities that have their own staff, boards, and strategic plans that play a key role in fulfilling the vision and results of the Program at the local level.

Through funding from the Department of Natural Resource’s Program Open Space, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority has awarded more than $74 million in grants to hundreds of organizations in the heritage areas that promote, support, and create place-based experiences for visitors and residents alike. Since its inception, these grants have generated over $175 million in matching funds. This combined investment contributes greatly to local economies and speaks to the Program’s remarkable success, impact, and potential.

Maryland's Certified Heritage Areas

Anacostia Trails Heritage Area(Prince George's County)

The Anacostia Trails Heritage Area preserves and promotes the natural, historical, and cultural resources of Prince George's County, Maryland.

Baltimore National Heritage Area(Baltimore City)

The Baltimore National Heritage Area promotes, preserves, and enhances Baltimore's historic and cultural legacy and natural resources for current and future generations.

Beach to Bay Heritage Area(Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties)

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area promotes, preserves, and protects the cultural heritage, historical linkages, and natural assets of Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.

Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area(Anne Arundel County)

The Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area’s mission is to advance, support, and promote the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the region.

Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area (Dorchester County)

The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area's mission is to broaden and deepen the beneficial effect of heritage tourism on the local economy through advocacy, interpretation, and preservation that enhances assets and people's awareness, understanding, and appreciation of those assets.

Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area(Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties)

The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area -- with its partners -- preserves and promotes the historic sites, towns, cultural landscapes, and diverse stories in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington County, Maryland.

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Area(Cecil and Harford Counties)

The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway provides leadership, technical assistance, and advocacy to guide land use decisions that enhance our quality of life by supporting expanded recreation and economic opportunities, and to promote a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Montgomery County Heritage Area(Montgomery County)

Heritage Montgomery is dedicated to preserving and promoting local history, culture, and distinctive natural areas and fostering a sense of stewardship and pride in our community.

Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area (Garrett County)

The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is a program of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce that works with stakeholders, partners, and businesses to implement the Heritage Area Management Plan by offering technical and financial assistance for heritage-related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the county.

Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area/Canal Place (Allegany County)

In cooperation with local, state, and federal stakeholders, the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area's mission is to effectively manage the property and facilities at Canal Place and be a catalyst for the enhancement, preservation, and promotion of the assets and attractions within the Heritage Area in order to foster economic development and heritage tourism in Allegany County.

Patapsco Valley Heritage Area (Baltimore and Howard Counties)

As the non-profit managing organization for the Patapsco Valley Heritage Area (PVHA), Patapsco Heritage Greenway (PHG) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, interpreting, and restoring the environment, history, and culture of Maryland’s most dramatic river valley for all.

Southern Maryland National Heritage Area (Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties)

The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area’s mission is to enhance Southern Maryland through innovative heritage tourism experiences, comprehensive cultural and natural resource conservation, and excellence in educational opportunities.

Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area (Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot Counties)

The Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area works with community partners to tell the story of Maryland's Eastern Shore through preservation and enriching experiences to promote the cultural and natural heritage of the region while enhancing its economic vitality.

The Maryland System of Heritage Areas

Click map to enlarge

For more information about the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, contact Ariane Hofstedt at [email protected] or (410) 697-9586.