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.