Pennsylvania tells a story about technology and ideals.

Lancaster-York Heritage Region:

Farming is one of the five themes of the Lancaster-York Heritage Region.

York and Lancaster Counties: A Portent for Pennsylvania and the Nation

The Lancaster-York Heritage Region was officially designated in 2001. It encompasses nearly 2,000 square miles and includes the counties of Lancaster and York.

 

 

 

 

This region is one of Pennsylvania’s most successful tourist attractions. According to a 1997 state study; in comparison to all leisure travelers, heritage tourism in Pennsylvania:

· Stayed 1.3 days longer per trip.

· Spent $29 more per person per day.

· Spent $191 more per person per trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parts of the Pennsylvania Constitution that allows this program to flourish...

 

Natural Resources and the Public Estate
Article I Section 27.

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

 

Project "70"
Article VIII Section 15.

“In addition to the purposes stated in Article VIII, section seven of this Constitution, the Commonwealth may be authorized by law to create debt and to issue bonds to the amount of $70,000,000 for the acquisition of land for State parks, reservoirs and other conservation and recreation and historical preservation purposes, and for participation by the Commonwealth with political subdivisions in the acquisition of land for parks, reservoirs and other conservation and recreation and historical preservation purposes, subject to such conditions and limitations as the General Assembly may prescribe.”

 

 

Land and Water Conservation and Reclamation Fund
Article VIII Section 16.

“...the acquisition of additional lands and the reclamation and development of part and recreational lands acquired pursuant to the authority of Article VII, section 15 of this Constitution, subject to such conditions and liabilities as the General Assembly may prescribe.”

 

Intergovernmental Cooperation
Article IX Section 5.

 

A municipality by act of its governing body may, or upon being required by initiative and referendum in the area affected shall, cooperate or agree in the exercise of any function, power or responsibility with, or delegate or transfer any function, power or responsibility to, one or more other governmental unit including other municipalities or districts, the Federal government, any other state or its governmental units, or any newly created governmental unit.

How is this program a particularly late-twentieth century phenomenon?

 

During the late 20th century, Pennsylvania begins to see it’s industrial development greatly decrease.  Pennsylvania citizens identified strongly with many of these industrial occupations.  In order to maintain this sense of identity, Pennsylvanians created programs, like heritage areas, to preserve this sense of identity for future generations.  Additionally, these designated areas can profit from historical programs that draw commerce to the area.

Who wins and who loses?

 

In the York and Lancaster region, the only real losers are those who fear the rapid commercialization of the area.  This includes the areas strong population of farmers and small town folk  Prior to the heritage area designation, these two counties were already thriving on an economy built around tourism.  This designation further bring authenticity to the historic tradition of York and Lancaster county.  Some of the concerns raised by the region include:

· Deterioration of Tourist Destinations

· Lack of Hospitality

· Compromised Built Environment

· Commercialization of Traditional Culture

Why is the state government in charge of the designation and funding program?

 

The reason for this is that it is required by law in the Pennsylvania state constitution.

This is spelled out in Article III Section 24

“...No money shall be paid out of the treasury, except on appropriations made by law and on warrant issued by the proper officers;”

 

 

Why do counties want to be included in a state heritage area?

 

The counties of Pennsylvania want to be included in these heritage areas so they eligible for state funding and for the authenticity that a designated heritage area brings.

What do the area’s managers want you to think?

Rolling hills. Patchwork farmlands. Quaint towns and villages. The bond between Lancaster and York Counties runs deeper than the water they share. It's a bond built on values, traditions and a passion for our past.

Connected by the Susquehanna River, the communities of the two counties tell the story of America. It's about the people who first settled on our land, their fight for freedom and the lives and culture they enjoy today.

This is who we are - this is our heritage.

Our Mission: As a designated Pennsylvania Heritage Area, the Lancaster-York Heritage Region helps identify, preserve, interpret and promote the wonderfully rich heritage and culture of Lancaster and York Counties. We exist because the residents of York and Lancaster Counties are concerned about our quality of life - protecting farmland, preserving open space and natural areas, revitalizing town centers, diversifying the tourism industry, and connecting younger folks with the history and culture of our ancestors.

Goal: In association with local, state and national partners, the Lancaster-York Heritage Region works to create more livable and economically vital communities.  The goals of the Lancaster-York Heritage Region include strengthening place, building understanding and identity, enhancing the visitor experience and building strong institutions for partnerships.