Heritage tourism | Cambridge, MD

Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area

The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area leverages public and private partnerships to assist individuals, organizations and government entities protect, preserve and promote Dorchester County’s unique historic, cultural and natural resources. Its mission is to broaden and deepen the beneficial effect of heritage tourism on the local economy through advocacy, interpretation and preservation that enhances assets and people’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of those assets.

Each of Maryland’s Certified Heritage Areas is defined by its distinctive characteristics that make it different from other parts of the state. Most of Dorchester County is certified as the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area. The themes that define us are these:

Agricultural Life
Arts, Artists & Entertainment
Chesapeake Landscapes and Outdoor Adventures
Dorchester Families and Traditions
Dorchester History, Architecture & Artifacts
The Environment
Harriet Tubman and the Eastern Shore African-American History
Maritime Villages, Trades and Life
Native American Heritage

Explore

Pick up a Dorchester Heritage Guide and Passport Booklet and explore the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area at your own pace. The 12 stops on the self-guided Passport Tour highlight Dorchester County’s unique history.

Heritage Partner Spotlight

Heritage Area Resources

Heritage Area News & Announcements

Heritage Board Nominees Sought

The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area is seeking nominations for their Management Board. The Heritage Board’s mission is to protect, preserve and promote Dorchester County’s history, natural resources and culture and to encourage economic development through heritage tourism. Nominations are due Nov. 30. (Click the headline to read more.)

Chesapeake Scenic Byway named All-American Road

The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway (CCSB), which runs through Dorchester County, is among 15 new All-American Roads announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Two of the 16 sites highlighted on the 400-mile Byway are in Dorchester County – Long Wharf in Cambridge and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. (Click on the headline to read more.)

Heritage Mini-Grants (February)

The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area has awarded mini-grants to two Dorchester County heritage organizations to assist with projects and support operating expenses. The Heritage Board is continuing to accept mini-grant applications on a rolling basis – both for projects and for COVID-19 related operating expenses. (Click the headline to read more.)

Heritage Mini-Grants (January)

The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area has awarded mini-grants to two organizations to assist with projects that enrich heritage resources in Dorchester County. The Heritage Board is continuing to accept mini-grant applications on a rolling basis – both for projects and for COVID-19 related operating expenses. (Click the headline to read more.)

Heritage impact estimated at $40.2 million

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority has released the results of an economic impact study that estimates that the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area contributes $40.2 million to the statewide economy and supports and sustains 570 jobs. (Click on the headline to read more.)

Heritage Area Grant Opportunities

Two approaching heritage grant opportunities are available for nonprofit organizations and municipalities in the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area (HCCHA). Additionally, for those interested in more information about applying for MHAA funding, an "Early Bird" grants workshop is scheduled for Dec. 15. (Click on the headline to read more.)