First signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, the National Heritage Area program uses public-private partnerships to promote heritage conservation, recreation, and economic development.

Today, heritage areas continue to receive strong bipartisan support. Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) champions the program as a "cost-effective" way to "help preserve our heritage, spur economic growth, and create jobs."

In 2019, President Donald Trump signed the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, establishing six new heritage areas. There are now 55 National Heritage Areas across 34 states.

President Trump creates six new NHAs alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers on March 12, 2019.

Authorized by Congress on October 12, 2006, Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) tells the stories and builds awareness of our region's past, present, and future: the Kansas-Missouri border war, the Civil War, the settlement of the western frontier and rural America, and the enduring struggle of freedom. FFNHA supports and promotes approximately 323 partners, including historic sites, museums, historical societies, libraries, and other cultural-heritage tourism destinations in 41 counties across the Kansas-Missouri border.

Featured Locations

Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum

Baxter Springs, KS  |  Get Directions

Visit the Heritage Center & Museum. Learn about the 1863 attack by Quantrill. details>>

Burnt District Monument

Harrisonville, MO  |  Get Directions

The Monument honors families that endured turmoil of the Missouri/Kansas Border during the Civil War. details>>

Wentworth Military Academy Museum

Lexington, MO  |  Get Directions

Wentworth Military Academy was the oldest military academy west of the Mississippi River, steeped in 137 years of excellence. details>>