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Maryland Historical Trust

Heritage Areas

A winding paved path with wooden railings in a green forest.

About heritage areas 

Heritage areas promote, support and create place-based experiences for visitors and residents alike, highlighting Maryland’s historic, cultural and natural resources to strengthen local economies. 

The heritage area boundaries touch all 23 counties and the city of Baltimore, and each has a special focus or theme that reflects its own distinctive character. 

Heritage areas are designated through the Maryland Heritage Areas Program. Some of Maryland’s heritage areas are also designated as National Heritage Areas by the federal government and receive federal support. 

What will I find in a heritage area?

Heritage areas typically include:  

  • Historic buildings and/or districts
  • Cultural traditions
  • Unique natural landscapes
  • Museums, trails, and parks
  • Local food, music, and art 

Explore Maryland's heritage areas

Each of Maryland’s 13 heritage areas are certified by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) and managed locally by an organization with its own staff and board. Through the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, heritage area management entities receive annual grants for management, marketing, and mini-grants to local organizations. This helps fulfill the vision and results of the program at the local level. 

Map of Maryland with highlighted heritage areas, each labeled and colored differently.
Map of the 13 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, Patapsco Heritage Greenway 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.