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 Area News & Announcements
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.)
Rising Up Award Honorees Announced
Four Dorchester County individuals and organizations have been honored with Rising Up awards, celebrating their efforts to respond to the upheaval of 2020 with innovation, creativity and compassion. (Click on the headline to read more.)
Heritage Partners Receive Mini-Grants
The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area has awarded mini-grants totaling nearly $7,500 to four organizations to assist with projects that enrich heritage resources and events in Dorchester County. This second round of HCCHA mini-grants brings the total to $25,000 awarded to non-profit organizations and municipalities this fiscal year. (Click on the headline to read more.)
Heritage Board Nominations Sought
The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area is seeking nominations for two at-large seats on the Heritage Area’s Management Board. Both terms are for three years and will begin in January 2020. If you have a passion for preserving Dorchester County’s heritage, please consider this opportunity. (Click headline to read more.)
Need more information?
Send us an email at info@visitdorchester.org
Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area
2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613
