What is a National Heritage Area?

National Heritage Areas are places where natural, cultural, historic and scenic resources combine to tell a rich and distinctly American story. Designated by Congress, National Heritage Areas recognize how a region’s geography, people, and ways of life shape the immediate vicinity and impact the nation as a whole.

A heritage area is not a national park, but rather a broader regional designation signifying the region’s importance to American history and culture. Usually managed by a partnership of organizations and local governments, national heritage areas pool together resources (cultural, natural and financial) to promote the region for tourism and economic development, while fostering preservation and conservation for the visitors of today and future generations. The National Park Service is authorized by Congress to provide financial and technical assistance to the partnerships that manage the areas. As of August 2008, Congress has designated 40 heritage areas nationwide. Learn more

Why a Heritage Area in the Niagara Falls Region?

When Congress designated the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area in May 2008, the region’s impacts on the natural and cultural development of the United States were recognized at a whole new level.

Congress’ recognition of this nationally important place provides an opportunity for organizations, governments, and citizens in and around Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Youngstown, Wheatfield, and surrounding communities to come together to preserve, support, conserve, and interpret the region’s natural, scenic, cultural, and historic resources. The heritage area’s goal is to encourage public and private partners to join hands to foster tourism, education, and programming initiatives that highlight for visitors and residents alike important events and sites related to American history and culture and the role of hydroelectric power in developing the American economy.

Primary aims include compatible economic development, preservation and conservation of important resources, increased understanding and appreciation among residents and visitors of the region’s history and contributions in a national context, and greater use of the region’s resources for education, vacation experiences and recreation.

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