by voice vote on December 3, 2020. The bill went to the Senate for consideration in December during the 116th Congress and it was not enacted into law. The 117th Congress began on January 3, 2021.
|
A great example of collaborative NHA work from National Aviation Heritage Area, National Coal Heritage Area, and Rivers of Steel NHA especially during this year. Shout out to Elizabeth, Christy, and Brianna who made a group itinerary. Brianna and Elizabeth will be using this itinerary at an upcoming regional online travel show. Read more: https://visitnaha.com/made-in-america/
|
Discovery Road - “Road Trip”
The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA) and Discovery Road are using historic images, interviews, and original research to present the “Road Trip” documentary episode and award-winning programming despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The program features iconic Airstream trailers and a tour of Utah businesses that bring the motor homes back to life for people around the world! The shiny Airstreams are bucket list items for families and a safe way to travel. Producer James Nelson says interviews from a distance, wearing masks and keeping equipment clean is important.
“The camera has a zoom lens and our crew members wear masks. We can still gather stories and preserve history,” Nelson said.
|
Three NHAs Receive National Park Foundation Grants
Essex NHA, Rivers of Steel NHA, and Cache La Poudre NHA received Capacity Building Grants from the National Park Foundation (NPF) to help build organizational capacity of national park partner organizations through Strong Parks, Strong Communities (SPSC). This unique and first-time opportunity was a way for park partners to apply for funding for a project specific to their organizational needs. Read more about the NPF SPSC Capacity Building Grants. -- Sign up to get the NPF newsletter
|
In Crossroads of the American Revolution NHA, the year is customarily capped by the Ten Crucial Days reenactments, with thousands of visitors witnessing Washington’s Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River and the Continental Army victories at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. While in-person events were cancelled due to COVID, the Crossing reenactment and Trenton’s traditional Patriots Week moved online with special programming. A pre-recording of the Crossing was available on Christmas Day. The December 26 anniversary of the first Battle of Trenton was marked with online presentations on the story of the battle, participation of Blacks in the battle, a puppet show and author talks, and the William Trent House Museum will host an online Hogmanay (Scottish New Year’s) concert of Scottish music. Read more information.
|
Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area (SCVNHA) is pleased to share a new website to better connect people with the rich cultural and natural heritage of southern Arizona’s Santa Cruz Valley. The site explores the nationally distinctive themes of the SCVNHA, including its rich biological diversity (Sky Islands & Desert Seas, Streams in the Desert, and Bird Habitats & Migration Routes), significant aspects of the region’s cultural heritage (Native American Lifeways, Spanish & Mexican Frontier, Desert Farming and U.S.-Mexico Border Culture), and its economic heritage (Ranching, Mining and Military Posts on the Mexican Border).
It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to join the alliance of partners who are working collaboratively to protect and enhance the natural and cultural places, historic communities, and living traditions of the SCVNHA. Designated in 2019, the SCVNHA is developing a management plan to guide efforts to create a future that builds on the cultural traditions, historic places, and natural treasures of the Valley. Learn more at santacruzheritage.org
|
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BRVNHC) received a grant from the Network of the National Library of Medicine, New England Region to acquire a wheelchair bicycle for adaptive recreation programs. Due to COVID-19, plans to host an adaptive cycling series with All Out Adventures of Northampton, MA were postponed. Instead, they will create adaptive cycling events in 2021 featuring the new bicycle which offers greater access to those with mobility impairments. The partners in the Opening Doors to the Outdoors grant project met on November 27 for delivery of the bicycle and a test ride. Read more here.
|
Upcoming Virtual Programs in Blackstone River Valley NHC
January 9, BRVNHC is hosting an online GearHeads Junior Ranger art class with Providence Children’s Museum where artists will repurpose items from recycling bins and found objects. They will participate in a self-directed litter cleanup and record what they find earning a Junior Ranger badge.
The heritage corridor is partnering with Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park on a 6 part Winter Lecture Series from January 23-April 3 on topic s such as the 1913 Hopedale Strike, Cotton Economy, King Midas’s Curse, Ballots and Bibles Related, Labor Reformer Gilbreth, Cotton River-lution.
|
As the Women's Suffrage Centennial draws to a close, articles and podcasts are available on NPS.gov. Listen to the newest podcast Agitators, part of three podcast series, joining The Magic Sash, And Nothing Less.
|
Virtual Programs in Essex National Heritage Area
Essex NHA partnered with Lawrence History Center to host a free virtual regional education forum for informal educators on December 15. The forum dealt with the topic of “When Place-based Education Loses Its Place” and how education programs have pivoted during the challenges of Covid-19 to reach students who can no longer visit sites.
Essex Heritage is planning
a series of teacher professional development workshops with a grant from the National Park Foundation. These workshops called “Teaching Hidden Histories” will take place between January and May 2021. They are designed to help prepare youth to become active participants in a society and culture. The collaborative workshops will partner with local organizations and scholars to explore local examples of larger structural inequities and the fight for more access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Stipends are available for teachers.
|
Wind Turbine in Rivers of Steel NHA
Rivers of Steel NHA recently celebrated the installation of a new WindStax wind turbine at the historic Pump House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The WindStax 40′ turbine is comprised of state-of-the-art, large, vertical axis turbines, which offset the utility expenses at the Pump House with renewable energy, providing long-term support for Rivers of Steel NHA. The wind turbine converts wind energy to electricity and sends that electricity back to the utility grid.
“The installation of WindStax turbine is a symbol of one of the industries of our region’s future, installed in a location significant to our region’s past,” said August Carlino, president and CEO of Rivers of Steel NHA. “It is reflective of our commitment to sustainability and would not have been possible without the generosity of the Epic Metals Corporation Charitable Foundation and the efforts of WindStax Energy.”
The Pump House is one of four historical attractions managed by Rivers of Steel NHA, to secure an industrial and cultural legacy for future generations, while using them as multi-use sites. Read More here.
|
A virtual exhibit by the Upper Housatonic Valley NHA, with the Berkshire Museum and the National Associating for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Berkshires Chapter opened in October. The exhibit features oral histories and photographs from a 2019 museum exhibit. Visitors access the exhibit from the Berkshire Museum's website. It includes excerpts from interviews with 10 leaders and notable Berkshire County African Americans, including Churchill Cotton, Magdalene Adams, Shirley Edgerton, Will Singleton, Wray Gunn, Dennis Powell, Gwendolyn VanSant, Charles Pratt, Evelyn Pratt, and Mabel Hamilton of the NAACP Berkshire Branch whose stories were a part of the NAACP Oral History Project conducted by the Upper Housatonic Valley NHA's Oral History Center and the NAACP over a two year period. These compelling, contemporary stories offer glimpses into each participant’s life and are presented alongside striking black and white portraits by photographer Julie McCarthy and a timeline of events – both local and national – that led us to where we are now.
|
Wheeling Heritage Finds New Ways to Support Small Business
In a year where many small businesses closed their doors, Wheeling Heritage NHA and the Wheeling community helped support the dreams of one local business owner through Show of Hands, the organization’s community-supported crowdfunding event.
For this first-ever virtual Show of Hands, Wheeling Heritage Media produced four videos, featuring a business in need of funding. The videos were shared using social media, and votes were collected in exchange for a $5 donation through Wheeling Heritage’s website. The business with the most votes won the donations collected through the voting process, in addition to funding from community sponsors. The community was encouraged to view, share and vote online for the project they wanted to support. Nearly 400 community members donated and voted.
Flower shop owner Terry Jill Bonar garnered the most votes and was awarded over $6,000 to complete renovations to her shop, allowing her to open to the public. Show of Hands was especially significant this year, serving as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and the role they have in our community.
|
|
During the difficult months in 2020, National Heritage Areas nationwide rose to the challenge and supported their communities. Read more in this newsletter to see creative ways NHAs adapted and lead the way.
Rivers of Steel NHA created new programs, like the Carrie Carpool Cinema and public art experiences like the LightPlay exhibition, modified tours and added virtual learning. Their “Year in Review” video shares how teamwork overcame challenges during this difficult year, demonstrating how Rivers of Steel’s efforts in 2020 have enriched the culture of southwestern Pennsylvania and strengthened the local economy, while providing opportunities for the local community and visitors to experience safe activities and events.
|
117 Years of Flight
On December 17, 1903 the winds at Kitty Hawk, NC were high, but two brothers from Dayton, OH didn’t let that stop them. Orville Wright took the 1903 Wright Flyer into the air at 10:35am, Wilbur Wright helping to steady the wings. After four flights that day, the following telegram was sent home to Dayton: “Success four flights Thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from Level with engine power alone average speed through air thirty one miles longest 57 seconds inform Press home Christmas.”
In celebration of First Flight, organizations in both Ohio and North Carolina joined forces to commemorate the occasion. The National Aviation Heritage Area, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, First Flight Society, First Flight Foundation, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Outer Banks Forever livestreamed wreath-laying ceremonies and flyovers, and offered special programming throughout the day. While typically done in-person and at separate events, virtual opportunities in 2020 allowed the event to take place jointly for the first time.
|
Blue Ridge NHA Proves Resilient
While the leaves turned vibrant in the North Carolina mountains and foothills this fall, the Blue Ridge NHA (BRNHA) team headed to the state’s “High Country” region to launch and promote the Blue Ridge Craft Trails. This new multi-year initiative connects buyers with craft artisans and authentic local craft galleries. It aims to increase incomes for artists and increase heritage tourism in small towns in the 25 counties served by BRNHA. The curated trail highlights 250 craft artists and galleries throughout Western North Carolina at BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com. Watch the latest video about the Blue Ridge Craft Trails here.
Listen to the "Down the Road" podcast which highlights bluegrass and old-time music, stories, performers, and traditions across the mountain and foothills counties of Western North Carolina. These traditions and stories are the heart of another BRNHA initiative, the Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC.
BRNHA joined their partner, the Will and Deni McIntyre Foundation, to bring attention to the impact of COVID-19 on Western North Carolina’s music and cultural artists through a new video series. Watch Pandemic Arts.
|
Lifting Voices from the Shadows
Poudre Heritage Alliance
The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA), nonprofit managing entity of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), partnered with Colorado State University’s Native American Cultural Center, IllumiNatives, League of Women Voters, National Park Service Tribal Consultation, Navajo Tribal Leaders, and the Northern Arapaho tribe to present the “Lifting Voices from the Shadows” program. Lifting Voices from the Shadows was funded through a grant focusing on raising awareness of the 19th Amendment’s centennial this year.
PHA highlighted how Indigenous women did not gain the right to vote in 1920. Many gained the right to vote, along with full U.S. citizenship in 1924 (Snyder Act); although, some states continued to deny Indigenous Americans their enfranchisement until 1962.The events were online due to COVID-19. Native American women shared their personal experiences with voting and address contemporary issues in 3 short videos (~440 views on YouTube), and 2 longer webinar panel videos (~400 live views and ~13,000 views since airing). All videos are available on Cache la Poudre River NHA YouTube Channel. Read more.
|
Girdwood Mural Installed this Summer
This year a Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm NHA Mini Grant helped support a community youth Land Acknowledgement mural with the Girdwood Fine Arts Camp in Girdwood, Alaska. It is a long-standing tradition to repaint the town’s playground mural every other year. This past summer the Girdwood Art Camp partnered with Anchorage-based Alaska Native artist and activist Melissa Shaginoff (@mshaginoff) to create a mural that would give tribute to the original people of Girdwood Valley – the Dena’ina Athabascan people who used this land to trap, hunt, and fish.
The camp – for kids between 5 and 16 years old had participation cut in half due to COVID. As a result, 25 children actively participate in the design and painting of the mural. The project theme brings awareness of the cultural and historical heritage of the Girdwood Valley and Turnagain Arm area. The writing on the mural is in Dena’ina Athabascan language and is meant to honor the land and its original people to build a strong and grounded foundation for environmental stewardship and relationship to the natural world around us. It says: “Dena’ina qut’ana chiqinik, chin’an gheli gu yeh Dena’ina ełnen’aq’ łuh ch’nidatl’ ghu" "Thank you Dena’ina people for letting us walk on your land”
The project was completed and installed in August. It is enjoyed by the public visiting the town playground, skate park, and Forest Fair park.
|
Empire State Trail Now Complete
The Empire State Trail, now the nation's longest multi-use state trail, is open and connects three National Heritage Areas: Erie Canalway, Hudson River Valley, and Champlain Basin. The trail spans 750-miles total, 75 percent of which is off-road trails ideal for cyclists, hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and snow-shoers. The new recreational trail, which runs from New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada, and from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, will provide a safe and scenic pathway for New Yorkers and tourists to experience New York State's varied landscapes. The Empire State Trail is expected to draw 8.6 million residents and tourists annually. See Map.
Hudson River Valley Greenway Executive Director Scott Keller said, "Governor Cuomo's Empire State Trail announcement completes New York State's vision to create a Greenway trail between New York City and the Erie Canal, and it caps the efforts of communities up and down the Hudson Valley to develop an iconic multi-use trail."
|
MotorCities
Highlights
MotorCities NHA and its partners known as the Fort-Rouge Gateway Coalition (FRoG), along with federal, state, and local government officials including Representative Debbie Dingell, cut the ribbon to open the new Fort Street Bridge Interpretive Park, located in southwest Detroit. On March 7, 1932, during the Great Depression, auto workers organized a march to the Ford Rouge Factory in Dearborn. Known as the Ford Hunger March, five unemployed workers were killed. It is one of the most significant events leading to the creation of the United Auto Workers union.
MotorCities held its first virtual annual meeting this fall which was combined with its 7th annual Michigan Auto Heritage Day. U.S. Representative Fred Upton was honored with the Milestone Award, and three distinguished winners from areas of auto and labor heritage received Awards of Excellence. Rep. Upton has been a stalwart supporter of MotorCities from the beginning, co-sponsoring the original authorizing legislation in 1998 and playing a critical role in expanding the Heritage Area westward in Michigan to include Kalamazoo, where Checker Cabs were made, and the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners.
|
Susquehanna National Heritage Area Continues operations in 2020
Visitor centers in Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) remained open with CDC and Pennsylvania COVID-19 guidance of masks, cleaning, and capacity limits.
SNHA River Discovery Boat Tours completed a second season. With so many summer activities limited because of the pandemic, the tours gave people a chance to leave their cares onshore for an hour or two. More than 1,000 participants had the opportunity to enjoy being out on the river, hearing about the amazing history, and seeing the beautiful landscape and the wildlife - including frequent bald eagle sightings. As summer wound down into fall, they extended River Discovery Boat Tours into October.
New Exhibit: A Look Back at Hunting, Fishing & Trapping: SNHA and local historian Lynn Smoker present A Look Back at Hunting, Fishing & Trapping on the Susquehanna River, on display at Columbia Crossing. The exhibit provides a glimpse into the techniques and tools for capturing wildlife on the Lower Susquehanna River. Smoker spent years enjoying the river as an avid hunter and fisherman and a devoted collector of Susquehanna artifacts. Visitors to this exhibit will see original and unique tools and artifacts related to hunting, fishing, and trapping, including a locally built duck boat from 1927 and mounted waterfowl, fish, and furbearing mammals. Read more about the exhibit
River Roots Blog - River Roots is Susquehanna NHA’s blog series. As it flows through Pennsylvania’s Lancaster and York counties, the Susquehanna River is a gateway to exploration and commerce. From the earliest Native Americans, to the American Revolution, to the Civil War, to the Industrial Revolution, so much of America’s heritage can be traced to this waterway. Read more stories.
|
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust celebrated 30 years as an organization during an annual dinner on December 9, 2020. Instead of a large event in Seattle, the event was virtual including a Parade of Accomplishments, awards, and a panel of Greenway leaders.
The parade highlighted key conservation projects from 2020 in the Mountains to Sound Greenway NHA, including new recreation sites, restoration projects, newly conserved lands, and more. Read more here.
The panelist shared inspiring thoughts about the importance of listening to the needs and perspectives of a wide array of communities and creating a space for next generation leaders to create an inclusive future. Panelist: Sally Jewell, US Secretary of the Interior, 2013-17; Former President, Greenway Trust Allan Kafley, Multicultural Outreach Manager at ECOSS Nha Khuc, 2019 Mountains to Sound Greenway Clean Water Ambassador
Nicky Pasi, and Upper Yakima Basin Community Coordinator for the Greenway Trust. Recording
|
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is proud to announce the publication of their first illustrated children’s book Our Treasure in Disguise.
The author, Kelli Spearman, is a retired elementary school teacher who works as historian and tour guide at the Augusta Canal Discovery Center and on the Petersburg Boats. April Henry King, the illustrator, is a local artist who uses watercolor to represent the movement and story of Augusta’s waterways.
There is a lack of early childhood literature about the history of Augusta and its surroundings. The Canal NHA staff pursued a Women in Philanthropy grant to help fill the need. With the grant, the book was written and the artist engaged. As the work developed, the title was taken from one of the displays in the Discovery Center and Our Treasure in Disguise was published. The plan is to provide a copy to every elementary school in the area. The book can be utilized as a means to learn about the history and industrialization of the Augusta Canal, especially now as schools put field trips on hold due to the pandemic. Hopefully, as schools begin to return to normal routines, and field trips are resumed, the book will encourage teachers to plan field trips to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Visit to order book
|
Sangre de Cristo NHA partnered with the San Luis Valley Museum Association to create a TravelStorys App tour of Los Caminos Scenic and Historic Byway, which is a self-guided audio tour along the byway. This project was made possible with funding from both organizations and Colorado Tourism Grant.
With 11,000 years of documented human habitation, the Sangre de Cristo NHA and Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway (The Ancient Roads) are famous for the early Spanish Settlement and communities designed under the Spanish Crown, land grants, and the ancient people who traveled along this Byway and settled in the heritage area. Here a unique blend of Native American, Hispano and Anglo settlement is reflected in the diversity of the people, art, and traditions. The area includes Colorado’s oldest communities built in adobe style architecture and ancient trails by the first hunter gatherers, Native Tribes, and then Spanish explorers looking for land to raise families and build communities. Visitors experience life on the last frontier where settlement took many decades to achieve and many more thrive. The stories of settlements and historic figures come alive. The app can be downloaded onto your phone or viewed online here. Read more here.
|
Join us for monthly NHA best practices call in 2021! Calls highlight heritage area projects, success stories, and challenges.
The next call is January 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM EDT.
|
Like what you're reading? Read more on the National Heritage Area Blog
|
Check out the NPS Online NHA Map
|
|