The NPS is committed to telling the diverse stories that form the proud heritage of our nation's history.  The American Latino experience is far too rich, too vast, too entwined in the American narrative to go unrecognized. 

 

The initiative includes the creation of an American Latino Theme Study, Latino themed National Historic Landmarks, and an American Latino Heritage Fund at the National Parks Foundation. For more information visit http://www.nps.gov/history/crdi/latino.html or contact: American_Latino_Heritage@nps.gov. 

Representatives from Northeast Region National Heritage Areas on top of the dome of the U.S. Capitol, with the Washington Monument and the National Mall in the background.

U.S. Representatives Charlie Dent and Paul Tonko, co-chairs of the Congressional National Heritage Area Caucus, introduced H.R. 4099, a bipartisan bill to create a system of National Heritage Areas. The bill has 43 co-sponsors. The legislation was drafted in cooperation with the Alliance for National Heritage Areas (ANHA) and with input from the National Park Service (NPS).

 

"Heritage areas not only preserve our vibrant culture and rich history, they spur economic growth in communities across the country," said Rep. Dent. "Throughout my home state of Pennsylvania, these public-private-partnerships are recognized as significant contributors to local and regional economic development. Modernizing the heritage area system and enhancing its efficiency will help ensure the long-term viability of these important economic drivers."

 

"The tool kit for economic recovery includes highlighting our nation's rich heritage areas and strengthening our awareness to a sense of place," said Rep. Tonko. "These items have proven to be persuasive tools in the very competitive sweepstakes for jobs."

 

"The ANHA is extremely grateful to Congressmen Dent and Tonko for advancing the proposed legislation to improve the National Heritage Areas program," said ANHA Chair and former Executive Director of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, C. Allen Sachse. "NHAs are a proven model to save and share America's heritage with minimum public investment. NHAs have been saving America's significant stories and creating jobs in NHA towns since 1984. We're looking forward to continuing this legacy within the framework of the new legislation."

 

The National Heritage Area Program is a cost-effective initiative; relying on a public-private partnership in which every federal dollar is matched with an average of $5.50 in other public and private funding. Heritage areas have a proven record of fostering job creation and advancing economic, cultural, historic, environmental, and community development. In addition to creating jobs, NHAs generate valuable revenue for local governments and sustain communities through revitalization and heritage tourism.

 

For years legislators, NPS and NHA advocates have been working to see legislation for the National Heritage Area Program. Without specific program legislation,  each of the 49 existing NHAs has been individually designated by Congress.

When the Dayton Development Coalition, the primary economic development organization located at the heart of the National Aviation Heritage Area, went looking for a special place to host a recent meeting with aviation executives and Senator Sherrod Brown they turned to the National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA).  The Wright Family Foundation, an Alliance partner, offered Hawthorn Hill, the home of Orville Wright for the meeting location.

 

Designated as a part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in 2009, Hawthorn Hill was built in 1914 and was Orville Wright's home until his death in 1948. Wright descendants, Amanda Wright Lane and Stephen Wright want the site to be more than a house museum. They are pleased to see it used to advance the industry their great Uncles Wilbur and Orville began in 1903.

 

Allan McArtor, Chairman of Airbus Americas, Inc. joined Sen. Brown and Dayton business executives at Hawthorn Hill to announce a $5 Million dollar project with the Dayton-based National Composite Center for development of composite technologies that will be used by Airbus in future air vehicle designs.

 

"It lifts our spirits and confirms our objectives to see such leaders in Uncle Orville's home. While we can't build airplanes at Hawthorn Hill, we can help build business relationships at this unique element of the National Aviation Heritage Area. It is a perfect example of how NAHA is using the past to help make for a brighter future for the National Aviation Heritage Area," said Amanda Wright Lane, great grand-niece of the Wright brothers.

 

One of Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation's (SVBF) projects is the Huntsberry Farm Riparian Buffer Restoration Project at 3rd Winchester. The goal is to prevent sedimentation and non-point source water pollution from entering Redbud Run by excluding livestock and providing alternative watering sources -- aiding the restoration of threatened fisheries and waterfowl habitat. Pasturing the farm is the most economical way to restore and maintain the open fields that characterized battlefield during the Civil War. This project provides a model of restoring and improving stream health while increasing the farm's productivity.

 

This spring, the Foundation completed the best management practice (BMP) improvements as outlined in the Conservation Plan, developed as a partnership with the Trout Unlimited Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (TU CCPI) and the Resource Conservation & Development Council Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (RC&D CCPI).  SVBF's principal partners in facilitating this project were the Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) and the Lord Fairfax Soil & Water Conservation District.

 

As a result of this effort, the Huntsberry farm north of Redbud Run was returned to a fully sustainable, working farm system that includes over 8,200 feet of rotational grazing (following historic fencing alignments), stream exclusion and wetland protection fencing, nutrient management plan, electric power, well, pumping plant and potable watering systems for livestock and human needs, planting of native grass and trees within the newly fenced riparian buffer, and a newly installed hardened stream crossing at the ford along Redbud Run.

 

This conservation work would not have been possible without federal and state matching funding support (including a Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund grant) that covered 83% of the total $66,040 costs.

 

This project struck a balance in the needs for cultural resource protection, conservation, preservation, sustainable agriculture, recreation, and interpretation. This work is part of SVBF's $1.5 million 3rd Winchester Restoration and Interpretation project, the largest non-land acquisition project undertaken by the Foundation, and scheduled for completion on the 150th anniversary of the battle in 2014.

 

One of several grass-roots projects and initiatives is the restoration of the Divide Ski Area Historic Trail. Near Seward, Alaska, the trail was quickly being decimated by motorized traffic. The Seward Nordic Ski Club - in partnership with KMTA CCA, the Chugach National Forest Service, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Iditarod Trail Blazers and the City of Seward worked to restore the damaged trail and put gates up to restrict access to motorized vehicles. Over 200 people participated in a Luminary Ski with lighted ice candles along the trail - a New Years celebration testament to the success of the project.

 

The sign next to the 10-foot waterwheel with a sharpening stone reads: "Moose Pass is a peaceful little town. If you have an ax to grind, do it here."

Another successful project was the repair of the Estes Brothers Grocery & Waterwheel, a well-known historic stop along the corridor. The waterwheel was in a state of disrepair. The Moose Pass Sportsman's Club, Moose Pass Advisory Planning Commission, Jaffa Construction and KMTA CCA partnered to restore the waterwheel to good working condition. 

 

 

Other projects include:

 

�       Prince William Sound Museum Oral History/Museum Development

�       Exhibit Planning for Seward Museum

�       Slab of History sign restoration

�       Iditarod Monument construction

        

Stay tuned for progress on an plan for NHA signage and a curriculum project that will bring the area's fascinating history to the classroom.

 

 

For more information about the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area, please visit www.kmtacorridor.org   

 

 

 

 

The theatre's transformation was an impetus of a program to improve Main Street facades of businesses devastated by the disaster

Throughout American history, quilt-making has been viewed as a community-building activity as well as a form of communal creativity. The Blue Ridge Parkway Commemorative Community Quilt Project, created on the occasion of the Parkway's 75th Anniversary, provides a visual and lasting reminder of the region's relationship with the Parkway and how the Parkway inspires us all.

 

Looking at this unique work of art, its purpose becomes apparent. As each square portrays an individual community's expression or identity, it inherently compliments adjacent squares, all of which are bound together by threads of community. Greater awareness of these relationships and continued understanding and collaboration is its message of hope for our region.

 

The quilt traveled to numerous locations in North Carolina and Virginia and was on display in the Parkway Visitor Center in March and April.

More quilts are exhibited in other locations on the Parkway, the Folk Art Center and the NC Arboretum. Visit www.blueridgeheritage.com for more information.

 

The Essex National Heritage Commission and the National Park Service are pleased to receive a $5000 donation from TD Charitable Foundation to support Essex Youth Summer Jobs program. The grant will allow for the hiring of three additional under-served youth to work at NPS sites in Salem and Saugus.

 

"Connecting youth to our local heritage and national parks is a top priority for Essex Heritage and the National Park Service," said Annie C. Harris, Executive Director, Essex National Heritage Commission. "And we are thrilled to receive this grant from TD Charitable Foundation to hire additional youth who will engage in educational and enrichment programs, while gaining valuable employment experience and life and leadership skills. This program is a successful example of the benefits of public-private partnerships."

 

"A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy," said Daniel Griggs, Market President, TD Bank. "TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank� and the TD Charitable Foundation provide financial and other support to affordable housing initiatives, financial literacy and education and the environment, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families."

 

The Job Corps program began in partnership with the North Shore Work Force Investment Board with federal stimulus grant funding which underwrote portions for two summers. The program is continues with NPS funding with investments by Essex Heritage. The program is directed towards youth ages 14-18 as a first job experience. They rotate through a variety of jobs including maintenance, administration, visitor services and interpretation.

 

"Youth who excel in this program are hired as National Park Service employees and brought back to work season after season," said Michael Quijano-West, Superintendent of Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites. "This grant funding enables us to hire three additional youth who will now be able to explore our national heritage and work alongside our rangers and staff this summer. This program provides essential job skills for youth and will help cultivate the next generation of stewards for our country's natural and cultural resources."

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and John Kerry testified in support of creating a new national historical park within the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Senator Kerry also testified in favor of reauthorization of Essex National Heritage Area.

 

Senator Kerry stated that "The Essex National Heritage is a sterling example of how private/public partnerships can succeed in conservation."

 

Senator Reed testified that,  "Rhode Island is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and the Blackstone Valley is a national treasure.  Turning this area into a national historical park is a smart way to preserve our nation's history and invest in Rhode Island's future. 

 

Recently Thoreau Walks to Wachusett Trail was launched including an on-line map and In Thoreau's Footsteps events in the towns of Ayer, Concord, Fitchburg, Medford and Westminster, MA.  This trail-based outreach combines public lectures and walks with Thoreau, recreated by Richard Smith, to bring to life his teachings, writings, observations and curiosity about nature and humanity.

 

Freedom's Way National Heritage Area conducted planning sessions with historical societies, libraries, and natural destinations, to consider how the words of Thoreau linger in 39 of the towns where he often traveled. Held at the Thoreau Farm- Birthplace and at Indian Hill Music Center, Littleton, MA, participants were encouraged to explore themes and effective ways to collaborate and leverage support. The Trails invite all ages to "go exploring" by foot or bike and discover anew the natural and built landscapes that connect us to the past and the future.

 

Along with the great music, the festival features demonstrations by Flowstyle BMX and the Scranton Police Department, a bike rally for children, a kids' fun run, food, vendors and exhibits.

 

Don Shappelle is a singer/songwriter from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania who lives on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Much of his music features the river in subject and spirit. Trains are a constant theme in his music. The influences of blues, folk, and rock traditions mixed with a bit of jazz and ragtime make up the styling of Don's songs. The Merchants of Groove Blues Reunion plays a wide variety of originals and blues classics. Jason O's original music is seamlessly funky and folky with a pop twist and an honest lyrical style.

 

For more information about the Heritage Explorer Bike Tour and Festival, visit www.HeritageExplorer.org

 

The organizations are co-sponsoring the "Bicycle Barnstorming Tour," a three-day exploration of barns in the Area for cyclists, heritage enthusiasts, and historic preservationists.

 

"These old barns are some of the most distinctive remnants of our pioneer heritage," said Monte Bona, MPNHA's executive director. "They reflect the area's agricultural flavor, and the industry and practicality of its pioneer colonizers. The Barnstorming Tour will help people appreciate not only the barns themselves, but the characteristics they represent."

 

This summer's Barnstorming Tour is the first of what will hopefully become an annual event.

 

"The tour will allow us to display the area's heritage, promote recreation, and encourage heritage tourism - all of which will develop the economic benefit of historic preservation," Bona said.

 

It will also raise awareness leading hopefully to the restoration of old barns and the possibilities of converting them for use as heritage-related businesses or other economic ventures.

 

The event has been funded in part by a $5,000 grant from the Eccles Fund for Utah with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Elissa Garofalo was named President and Executive Director of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, after serving as Vice-President since 2009. She began her career with the D&L in 2000 after working on several community and downtown revitalization programs. Elissa became one of Pennsylvania's first Main Street managers when she held that position in Jim Thorpe from 1981-1986. Her past experience also includes consulting for the National Main Street Center and 10 years as co-owner of an outdoor specialty store.

 

Garofalo is succeeding C. Allen Sachse, who stepped down from his position after 12 years. Sachse is serving as a part-time advisor focusing on the D&L's partnerships with federal and state governments.

 

Addressing upcoming challenges facing heritage areas, Garofalo stated, "The D&L is fortunate. Allen will continue to work hard with state and federal legislators to secure funding. Meanwhile, we will also be undergoing a transformation to our culture as we actively seek out new funding and revenue opportunities."

 

"I'm excited and deeply committed to the D&L's objectives," Garofalo said. "My professional career has been devoted to revitalizing regional communities and responsibly taking advantage of our historic landscape."

 

The D&L also promoted Silas Chamberlin to Director of Stewardship & Interpretation. Chamberlin will help develop and implement D&L policies related to conservation, preservation, and interpretation of the Corridor's resources. For more information, visit: http://www.delawareandlehigh.org/