ESHI Activities

Vision for the Eastern Shore Heritage Area

The MHAA guidelines for recognition require a succinct description of what will be different in the proposed heritage area resulting from its success.  Over the last year, five workshops have gathered public input on potential goals and visions for the area.  The first workshop, held at Chesapeake College, was sponsored by US Senator Paul S. Sarbanes to gauge local support for heritage development and to begin crafting a vision for the region. The workshop drew more than a hundred people from different regions and backgrounds.  In general, the vision that emerged from those workshops can be summarized as:

In years to come, the Eastern Shore Heritage Area program will successfully protect the beauty and heritage of the region, improve the quality of life for its residents, and craft an enriching experience for visitors.

Participants also elaborated many supporting goals for their area.

Following this workshop each county hosted other workshops to uncover specific recommendations and concerns. These workshops were heavily attended demonstrating large public support for the project.  Attendees greatly supported the development of a heritage area and contributed greatly to this report.