Downeast Maine National Heritage Area
The nationally important story of the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area focuses on our Natural Heritage, and how the forces of nature have and continue to shape us as people.
Downeast Maine Heritage
A Nationally important story
Downeast Maine embodies a nationally important story of the waters, land, sky, and cultures of the Atlantic northeast, and of the complex relationships between the people of five nations and the harsh and bountiful natural environment that shapes their identity and way of life – a story which exists only here, on the easternmost edge of the continental United States.
The feasibility study
The Feasibility Study was the first step in seeking a National Heritage Area designation. The Feasibility Study shows that the area’s heritage resources and story are nationally significant, that the community supports the designation, and that there is strong commitment to manage the program for the long term. The Feasibility Study began in March 2020 and was conducted by a group of local representatives from organizations and communities across both counties who represent the region’s significant heritage and current/future regional and local goals.
The Downeast Maine National Heritage Area was designated on January 5, 2023, and includes both Washington and Hancock Counties, whose heritage stories are deeply intertwined.
Our Goals, Objectives, and Strategies are based on community discussions and include information gathered during the Feasibility Study phase.
The Planning Team works with the NHA Coordinator and includes community members from local units of government, non-profit organizations, businesses, educators, and citizen initiatives.
Who runs the NHA? Is it like a national park? How is the NHA paid for? Explore these questions and more in our FAQ section.