Oldest Port National Heritage Area moves forward

Today, Historic City News reporters recorded that the St Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Nation’s Oldest Port National Heritage Area Project; which celebrates the maritime heritage and culture of Northeast Florida.

National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape.

“A special thank you to our Board of County Commissioners for their display of support today,” said Kathy Fleming, the Executive Director of the St Augustine Lighthouse and Museum which is also the Coordinating Entity for the Nation’s Oldest Port National Heritage Area Alliance. “The Nation’s Oldest Port National Heritage Area will not only be a great complement to the St Augustine 450th commemoration, but will provide a lasting framework for years to come that will celebrate our unique maritime heritage.”

Since 2007, community members and organizations, known as the Nation’s Oldest Port Heritage Area Alliance, have met to share how the rich maritime landscape, converging waterways and the Atlantic Ocean have uniquely shaped the culture and traditions of Northeast Florida’s Nassau, Duval, St Johns and Flagler counties.

The St Augustine Lighthouse and Museum has worked together with the Heritage Area Alliance to prepare a feasibility study for St Augustine to be designated the “Nation’s Oldest Port National Heritage Area”.

The Heritage Area Alliance is dedicated to “connecting residents and visitors with the historic, cultural, natural, recreational and scenic assets of the region through education, preservation and promotion of the area’s distinctive stories, resources and traditions.

“We look forward to continuing the good work alongside our community partners from Northeast Florida and our Congressional delegation.” Fleming said.