The Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA) has named U.S. Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL) a 2025 Heritage Champion, recognizing his leadership and commitment to preserving America’s National Heritage Areas. Rep. LaHood was one of four honorees celebrated during ANHA’s annual Congressional Breakfast and Awards Reception, held in February at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill.
Heritage Champions are selected for their outstanding efforts in supporting and advancing the work of National Heritage Areas (NHAs), which are designated to protect and promote the nation’s historical and cultural landscapes.
“Since arriving in Congress, Rep. LaHood has been a champion for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area and a strong supporter of National Heritage Areas,” said Sarah Watson, Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln. “His belief in celebrating the best of America follows in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln and his father, Ray LaHood, both of whom also represented Central Illinois in Congress. Rep. LaHood is a worthy Heritage Champion, and we look forward to working with him to tell the story of the 16th President and the communities that shaped him.”
Joining LaHood in receiving the 2025 Heritage Champion distinction were:
Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior and former Governor of North Dakota, recognized for his advocacy of the Northern Plains National Heritage Area and his support for the National Heritage Area Act.
Former Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), honored for his instrumental role in the designation of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), acknowledged for his longstanding commitment to NHAs, including his leadership on the House Natural Resources Committee.
During the awards reception, the bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional National Heritage Area Caucus, Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), spoke on the importance of NHAs in preserving America’s diverse cultural and historical legacies.
“Heritage Champions play a vital role in telling America’s story and celebrating our shared national heritage,” said Sarah Capen, Chairperson of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas. “2025 honorees represent states across the country and hail from different political parties, but they have all provided steadfast support for America’s National Heritage Areas. Our work would not be possible without their leadership and tireless efforts, which we know will continue in the years ahead.”
National Heritage Areas: A Lasting Legacy
National Heritage Areas were first established in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area. Today, 62 NHAs exist across the United States, spanning more than 600 counties in 35 states and one U.S. territory. Unlike traditional National Park units, NHAs are lived-in spaces that reflect the nation’s history through community-led conservation and heritage tourism initiatives.
Focus areas for NHAs include pivotal moments in American history, such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, westward expansion, and industrial innovation, as well as the preservation of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, managed by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, works to preserve and promote the sites and stories that shaped Abraham Lincoln’s early life and legacy in central Illinois.
NHAs operate through partnerships between federal, state, and local organizations. They receive technical support and matching funds from the National Park Service (NPS) while remaining independent of the NPS system. In 2023 alone, NHAs leveraged $48 million in non-federal donations and in-kind support—nearly double their federal funding—to sustain programs and events attended by 2.4 million people nationwide.
National Heritage Area Act and Continued Support
The National Heritage Area Act (S. 1942), signed into law in 2023, established standardized criteria for NHA funding, management, and designation. The legislation ensured the continued operation of 45 NHAs whose authorizations were set to expire by the end of 2024 and authorized the creation of seven new NHAs. Under the act, NHAs are granted annual funding of up to $1 million per year for 15 years, further solidifying their role in preserving America’s heritage for future generations.
For more information about the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, visit www.lookingforlincoln.org.