What is a Heritage Area?

A heritage area is a voluntary grass-roots program with opportunities for technical support provided by State agencies and other partners to preserve communities, guide resource protection, attract investment, enhance quality of life, and sustain economic revitalization.

In 1998, the New York State Legislature designated the North Shore of Long Island for inclusion in the New York State Heritage Area System.

The Heritage Areas System includes eighteen Heritage Areas and Corridors, places where unique qualities of geography, history, and culture create a distinctive identity that is the focus of the four heritage goals - preservation, education, recreation and economic revitalization. Participation in the statewide system of Heritage Areas provides opportunities for grants and technical assistance to accomplish objectives set forth in the Management Plan.

 

PHOTO ABOVE: WALT WHITMAN BIRTHPLACE, WEST HILLS - NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION