Government Consulting Solutions

40 years ago–on August 24, 1984–President Reagan signed the bill that established National Heritage Areas.

This, as Reagan called it, “new kind of national park” combined preservation, conservation, recreation and economic development in a culturally significant region.

The Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area, which is made up of 60 communities in the 862 sq. miles that was impacted by the I&M Canal, was the first (hence the reason the signing was in Chicago). Today, there are SIXTY TWO, and we're excited to share this milestone anniversary with them, including our fellow Illinois NHA's Looking For Lincoln and Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area.

📸 Steve Stout

Alliance of National Heritage Areas MotorCities National Heritage Area Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area, Inc. Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area Baltimore National Heritage Area Cane River National Heritage Area Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area National Aviation Heritage Area Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area

Has it been a year or more since you've been to the Du Quoin State Fair? Well, it’s time to study up - the gates to the 2024 fair open tomorrow!