Maryland Heritage Areas Program: Economic Contribution Analysis
(December 2020)

Maryland’s history, culture and landscapes are assets unique to the state, drawing heritage visitors year after year. Each of Maryland’s 13 certied Heritage Areas are dened by the preservation of irreplicable sites and the amplication of the voices capturing the stories and spirit of the past. 

Across Maryland, these distinctive areas help establish the identity of a place or region, creating a unique destination dierent from all other areas. Heritage Areas are locally operated entities that foster public–private partnership to preserve historic sites and buildings, natural environments, cultural traditions and uniquely Maryland experiences. 

In June 2019, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) engaged Parker Philips, Inc. to measure the economic and societal contribution of Maryland’s 13 Heritage Areas, and their visitors, across the state. Each individual Heritage Area represents a facet of Maryland’s one-of-a-kind story. 

In a show of unwavering bipartisan commitment, Maryland has protected and proudly shared its collective history  for nearly 30 years through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), an independent unit of government in the Executive Branch that oversees the Maryland Heritage Areas Program (the Program).

Since 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. 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. 

Recognizing that constituent needs and operations evolve over time, MHAA and Program staff embarked on an inclusive strategic planning process in June 2024. More than 600 participants including MHAA members, Program staff, local heritage area management entities, grantees, and various partners and stakeholders worked to inform this plan that will guide MHAA and the Program at the state level for the next seven years. 

This plan clarifies the Program’s vision and purpose, desired results, guiding principles, and outlines priorities and strategies for success. This exciting path forward prioritizes impactful grantmaking, increasing support to the heritage areas, and refining governance, operations, and messaging. It also recognizes the central and essential role heritage plays in contributing to tourism, community enhancement, and sustainability.