Maryland Heritage Areas Program

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.