About the Downeast Maine NHA
The initiative to seek designation as a National Heritage Area began with local farmers who sought to save the wild blueberry industry as well as the associated cultural legacy and the biodiversity that wild blueberries support. Over time, the conversations these farmers had begun many years before evolved to reveal a collective regional passion to preserve the landscapes and culture that define this place
What Is An NHA?
National Heritage Areas are places where important aspects of the collective heritage story of this country – past & present – are visible in the landscape, people, culture, and communities that exist today. NHAs are a partner program of the National Park Service, but they are NOT a National Park and they are NOT operated or governed by the NPS or the Federal Government.
The National Heritage Areas Program was created in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan as a method for preserving the story of America’s heritage through local, community-led efforts.
NHAs foster collaborative, community-driven heritage conservation and economic development. The program provides a tool for citizens to shape the long-term future as stewards of their community heritage through fostering community awareness and pride of place.
NHAs are managed at the local level by a nonprofit organization and oversight team that likely includes your neighbors, friends, colleagues, and community leaders.
Goals of the Downeast Maine NHA
Inspire long-term citizen engagement in stewarding heritage resources
Build collaborations and thus capacity to achieve mutual goals
Develop education programs and learning opportunities around local heritage
Develop a sustainable tourism industry founded in local culture and outdoor heritage
