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

Battle of Lexington State Historic Site

Lexington, MO  |  Get Directions

Explore battlefield remnants and the Anderson House, used as a field hospital during the Battle of Lexington, 1861. details>>

Wilson County Historical Museum

Fredonia, KS  |  Get Directions

The County Historical Society and Genealogical Chapter are housed in the former sheriff's residence, office and jail. details>>

Independence Historical Museum & Art Center

Independence, KS  |  Get Directions

Independence Historical Museum and Arts Center offers a walk through Independence, Kansas history and a look at local artists' work. details>>