A Vision for the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area
Communities and organizations across Downeast Maine already share core goals with the National Heritage Area program and implement projects and programs that support them . They all strive in some way to achieve one or more of the following goals :
• Foster community-driven , heritage-based conservation and economic development .
• Create collaboration amongst citizens and long-term commitment to pro-actively shape the future of their communities .
• Inspire stewardship of heritage resources by community members through increased awareness of natural environment and cultural experience .
• Nurture active engagement in learning about and sharing history and heritage .
• Provide a platform for heritage-based economic development by attracting visitors and new residents .
Community members want to support each other and work together , especially across sectors typically seen as unconnected . They want to retain and attract residents while promoting and preserving valued local heritage . They want businesses to thrive , expand , innovate , and increase in number . They want children and families to connect with place and community and be aware of existing and new opportunities for themselves here in DownEast Maine .
The National Heritage Area program focuses on four core values that also directly align with core values of communities and organizations across Downeast Maine .
• Sustainable economic development
• Healthy environment and people
• Education and Stewardship
• Community Engagement and Pride
Wild Blueberry Heritage Center - Marie & Dell Emerson built Wild Blueberry Land in 2001 . In 2021 , their iconic wild blueberry shaped retail shop was transformed into the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center & Museum . The Center celebrates an important part of the traditional Downeast Maine way of life , and the people whose lives are dedicated to wild blueberries .
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