New Heritage Area will Include Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford and Woburn

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today in the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden), helped pass legislation out of the committee that will establish the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The new Heritage Area, which will include Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford and Woburn in Rep. Markey’s district, along with 39 other communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would highlight the region of New England that gave birth to the historic events of the American Revolution.

“Sometimes we forget that the small towns and cities where we were born and live were the birthplace of this great nation. The New England spirit had a tremendous influence on shaping the American way of life. I am proud to support the creation of this new Heritage Area to preserve the history of our region,” said Rep. Markey.

 

The legislation passed by the House Natural Resources Committee today by a vote of 23 to 12 and authorizes the creation of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area along with funds to support it that would be matched by local and state funds. The new Heritage Area designation will allow for cooperation between the local communities and the National Park Service to better conserve these special places and develop increased recreational and educational opportunities for these tremendous resources.

 

The legislation will now go to the full House for a vote.

 

For more information about National Heritage Areas, please go to: http://www.nps.gov/history/heritageareas/FAQ/INDEX.HTM

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2007

CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836