Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area is a non-profit, membership organization. It is staffed by volunteers and is actively promoting heritage activities throughout the region. Some of its accomplishments and activities are highlighted below.

Current Activities:

• Provides an umbrella organization and networking opportunities for individuals, organizations and communities interested in sustainable heritage development through a variety of activities. Quarterly informational meetings are held in different locations in the heritage area and focus on topics of interest to the participants. An annual Gathering is held every spring and features a national keynote speaker as well as panel discussions and workshops on a variety of topics.
  
• Maintains and continues to expand the online Heritage Trails Guide. Initially funded with grants from the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism, Ameritech’s Community Technology Fund and the Ohio Arts Council, the thematic heritage trails guide is updated periodically by volunteers. Additional thematic tours are being planned for the future.
  
• Communicates with its members through an electronic newsletter. This newsletter provides valuable up-to-date information about issues of interest in Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage
Area.


• Maintains a Calendar of Heritage Events for the region. By focusing heritage activities, Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area’s calendar provides information for both residents and visitors interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
  
• Partners with other organizations to undertake project of mutual interest. The key to a successful heritage area program is to partner with organizations to maximize the impact of projects while also making efficient use of resources. Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area is always looking for partnering opportunities on regional heritage issues.
· Provides outreach through presentations to raise awareness about Ohio’s Hill Country’s special sense of place and the need to preserve it while building economic opportunity for the future. Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area is building and shaping a new, positive identity for Ohio Appalachians through recognition and celebration of heritage.

Past Accomplishments:

• Assisted the Wayne National Forest in the design development for their new headquarters building in Nelsonville, as well as the interpretive material in the visitor center.
  
• Developed a heritage handbook to provide a framework for individuals, organizations and communities to conduct heritage self-assessments and to think creatively about how heritage can be brought to life and celebrated in any community.
  
• Provided assistance to communities applying for Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism Heritage Area grants.
  
• Sponsored an Underground Railroad Chautauqua to promote the important Underground Railroad history of the region.
  
• Developed a seven-minute informational video, in cooperation with Ohio University, as an outreach tool for the organization.