In 2003 Congress designated 25 counties in Western North Carolina as the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. A National Heritage Area is a region in which residents, businesses, and local governments have joined together to conserve and celebrate heritage and special landscapes. Projects and programs in tourism, education, and economic development will be focused around the region's distinctive agri-heritage, craft, music, and Cherokee culture.

In 2002 Heritage Area legislation was introduced in The U.S. House and Senate. The Bill was in June 2002 by representatives of HandMade in America and Advantage West, a regional economic development agency. Passage of H.B. 1759 in November 2003 gave designation to The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and provision of $500,000 for first year funding.

For more information about the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area www.blueridgeheritage.com/

History of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
In 1996 The Blue Ridge Heritage Initiative was established to plan and implement projects that demonstrated ways that a regional culture can provide a focus for preservation, education, and community and economic development. Major partners in the Initiative included: HandMade in America, The North Carolina Arts Council, The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and The North Carolina Folklife Institute. Between 1996 and 1998 over 50 public meetings were conducted throughout the region to allow community residents the opportunity to share heritage projects.