New Heritage Area would Include Medford, Neighboring Communities

Rep. Ed Markey

- Allison Goldsberry

Congressman Ed Markey’s (D-Malden) office announced yesterday Markey has voted in favor of legislation to create the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

The new Heritage Area includes Medford, Malden, Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, and Woburn from Markey’s district and 39 other communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

“Sometimes we forgot 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 region,” said Rep. Markey in a press release.

According to the National Heritage section of the National Park Service website, national heritage areas are geographically distinctive areas designated by Congress that tell “nationally important stories” about America through their natural, historic, and cultural resources.

National heritage areas have access to assistance and limited financial and technical support from the National Park Service. The land is locally-managed and is not owned by the National Park Service. The goal of the designation is to help communities better preserve these areas and increase cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

The legislation was passed by the House Natural Resources Committee and now heads to the full House for a vote.