Destination Southern Maryland is the
Southern Maryland
National Heritage Area
Destination Southern Maryland
is the Southern Maryland
National Heritage Area
what is
a heritage area?
There are 13 Certified Heritage Areas in Maryland. As noted on the Maryland Historical Trust website:
Maryland’s Heritage Areas are places to experience – to see, hear and even taste – the authentic heritage of Maryland in ways that you cannot experience anywhere else. Heritage Areas exist where the stories of the people, the land, and the waters of Maryland, which have been intertwined for thousands of years, are told. In Heritage Areas individuals, businesses, non-profits and governments form partnerships to preserve the best of Maryland’s historic sites and towns, unspoiled natural landscapes and enduring traditions. These tangible links to both place and the past encourage residents to recognize they have a special piece of the American story to treasure and share with others, and that in doing so they create more livable and economically sustainable communities.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is funded through Program Open Space (through the transfer tax) and overseen by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) in conjunction with the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT). Each of the 13 Maryland Heritage Areas has a distinct focus or theme that represents a unique aspect of Maryland’s character. All of these heritage areas are grant funded through their management grants, and they also administer and oversee seed grants and assist with state capital and non-capital grants.
what is the
southern maryland national heritage area?
National Heritage Areas are places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes.
The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area is one of 13 certified heritage areas in Maryland and one of 62 Congressionally designated national heritage areas across the country.
Contained within Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and southern Prince George’s counties, the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area brings federal, state, and private resources to promote heritage tourism, conserve natural landscapes, and enhance the local economy.
Southern Maryland’s history is vital to our nation’s heritage and future; however, we must recognize the complexity of its legacy.
Our Mission
Destination Southern Maryland is also the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area (SMNHA). Our mission is to enhance Southern Maryland through innovative heritage tourism experiences, comprehensive cultural and natural resource conservation, and excellence in educational opportunities. SMNHA is also an economic engine, providing product development and increased economic activity throughout the region through grants, partnership building, and sustaining regional identity. – Lucille Walker, Executive Director
Our mission is to enhance Southern Maryland through innovative heritage tourism experiences, comprehensive cultural and natural resource conservation, and excellence in educational opportunities. SMNHA is also an economic engine, providing product development and increased economic activity throughout the region through grants, partnership building, and sustaining regional identity. – Lucille Walker, Executive Director
the launch of
the Southern Maryland
National Heritage Area
On May 25, 2023 Destination Southern Maryland launched the official Southern Maryland National Heritage Area event. This event highlighted the designation of Southern Maryland’s Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties into one national heritage area, signed into effect in December of 2022.
the launch of
the Southern Maryland
National Heritage Area
On May 25, 2023 Destination Southern Maryland launched the official Southern Maryland National Heritage Area event. This event highlighted the designation of Southern Maryland’s Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties into one national heritage area, signed into effect in December of 2022.