Southern Maryland is where many of the ideas and events that helped shape America first took root. Recognizing Southern Maryland’s exceptional place in the nation’s history, the United States Congress authorized the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area in 2022. As one of 62 national heritage areas in the nation, the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area preserves the historic, cultural, and natural resources that define our region.

The National Heritage Area Master Plan (also referred to as a Management Plan) is a blueprint for strengthening communities, protecting what is fragile, telling what has been silenced, and ensuring that everyone has a place in the story of Southern Maryland’s future.

Stay tuned for the full Master Plan. In the meantime, read the summary here.