The Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area is part of a movement that began in 1984 to preserve important facets of the American experience. A National Heritage Area is a location that has been identified as having a significant impact toward the foundation and growth of the United States of America. For an area to be considered for this permanent designation, it must be nationally unique and contain layers of sites and activities that, when taken together, tell an important story about our country.

How National Heritage Areas Work

National Heritage Areas preserve and share important aspects of our country’s heritage. These are not traditional parks where land is owned by one organization. Instead, it is a lived-in region where the cultural, historical, recreational and natural resources combine to form a nationally significant landscape. The Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area is one of just 55 places to receive this designation.

While the federal government designates National Heritage Areas, each one is independently managed and operated through grassroots partnerships and collaborations between residents, local businesses, local governments and non-profit organizations. Each National Heritage Area has its own specialized strategic management plan, approved by the Secretary of the Interior, that outlines its goals, mission and vision. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association was established specifically by its founding organizations and core community partners to oversee this process.

Each National Heritage Area also receives technical assistance from the National Park Service. For the Ohio & Erie Canalway, Cuyahoga Valley National Park takes that role. While not specifically part of the National Park System, we like former NPS Director Jon Jarvis’ statement that “we’re part of the family.”

To learn more about National Heritage Areas and their role in preserving important stories in our country’s history, visit:

• National Park Service NHAs

• Alliance of National Heritage Areas