View the Executive Summary of the Heritage Area Management Plan by scrolling down on this page.

• Maryland's Heritage Areas are locally desginated and State certified regions where public and private partners make commitments to preserving historical, cultural and natural resources for sustainable economic development through heritage tourism.                  

• At the local level, Heritage Areas focus community attention on often under-appreciated aspects of history, living culture, and distinctive natural areas, thus fostering a stronger sense of pride in thet places where Marylanders live and work.

• MISSION STATEMENT To work with stakehoulders, partners, and businesses to implement the Garrett County Heritage Plan by offering technical and financial assistance for heritage related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the County.

• The 2010 Garrett County Heritage Plan is a strategic blueprint for action in the Heritage Area that:

• Seeks to build consensus to enable Plan implementation;

• Prioritizes public resources to generate significant private investment in the Heritage Area;

• Achieves Heritage Area sustainability through public and private partnerships.

      GOAL 1: Establish a management structure for the Garrett County Heritage Area.

      GOAL 2: Preserve, protect, and promote Garrett County's heritage resources.

      GOAL 3: Raise public awareness regarding Garrett County's history, culture and resources.

      GOAL 4: Increase economic development related to heritage tourism in Garrett County for the benefit of Heritage Area stakeholders, partners and friends.

Heritage Areas require a multi-layered approach for success. This includes business management, planning and programming, and marketing and advertising.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the Garrett County Heritage Area Management Entity.