River Roots is Susquehanna NHA’s blog series featuring history from York and Lancaster Counties that showcases the Susquehanna River’s historic, cultural, and natural resource contributions to our nation’s heritage.

RiverRoots Heritage Blog

Twenty-five years ago, a group of people believed that the history, culture, landscapes, and communities of Lancaster and York Counties deserved to be recognized and celebrated in a new way. That belief became a reality when the Lancaster-York Heritage Region was designated as a PA Heritage Area on August 22, 2001 and, over the past quarter century, has grown into what we know today as Susquehanna National Heritage Area.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I find myself thinking less about the milestones themselves and more about the people and partnerships behind them.

Organizations do not preserve places, tell stories, or create meaningful experiences on their own. People do. Over the past 25 years, countless individuals have contributed their ideas, expertise, time, resources, and enthusiasm to help shape Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Communities opened their doors. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations found ways to work together. Volunteers shared their knowledge. Donors and supporters invested in the future. Generations of staff brought their energy and persistence to the work.

Together, they helped turn ideas into places and experiences that people can enjoy today.

The Zimmerman Center for Heritage, Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, River Discovery Boat Tours, diverse educational programs, new parks and recreational trails, and preserved historic sites like the Mifflin Farm have all been part of that journey. Each represents years of vision, collaboration, and commitment.

The Susquehanna River remains the thread that ties so much of this work together. It connects Lancaster and York Counties, links communities and generations, and shapes our natural and cultural heritage. It also ties the stories of this place to the larger story of America.

That connection became even more significant in 2019, when Lancaster and York Counties were designated as America’s 55th National Heritage Area. The designation recognized something people throughout this region had understood for generations – the Susquehanna National Heritage Area holds stories of national significance, and those stories are worth preserving and sharing.

But designation was not the destination. It gave us an opportunity to do more.

Today, we are building on 25 years of experience while looking toward the next generation of success. The Historic Mifflin Farm will be transformed into the Susquehanna Discovery Center and Heritage Park. Our new Heritage Partnerships Program will expand what we can accomplish together. Our historic electric tour boat will have a new home to ensure its long-term care. And our trails, programs, visitor experiences, and educational opportunities will continue to introduce new audiences to the remarkable stories of this region.

This work feels especially meaningful in 2026, as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. America’s story is not confined to the places we read about in history books. It is also found in the communities where we live, the landscapes we share, the river that connects us, and the people whose lives shaped this place.

For 25 years, Susquehanna National Heritage Area has had the privilege of helping tell those stories.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey, and especially to the staff, Board members, partners, volunteers, supporters, and communities who continue to believe in what this region can become.

Twenty-five years ago, we began with a vision. Today, we have a thriving National Heritage Area that belongs to all of us.

There is much to celebrate. There is even more to look forward to.

Happy 25th anniversary to Susquehanna National Heritage Area, and to everyone who has helped make this journey possible.

One River. Two Counties. Hundreds of Stories. One Amazing Team.

Mark N. Platts, President & CEO

Susquehanna National Heritage Area

25 Years, One Evolving Identity

Over the past 25 years, our name and logo have changed as our organization has grown and our vision has evolved. From the Lancaster-York Heritage Region to Susquehanna Heritage and, ultimately, Susquehanna National Heritage Area, each identity reflects a different chapter in our story. But through every change, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to connecting people with the remarkable history, landscapes, communities, and stories of our two-county State and National Heritage Area.

Take a look back at the logos that have marked our journey from 2001 to today.

2001 Lancaster-York Heritage Region

2009 Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area

2015 Susquehanna Heritage

2019 Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Pennsylvania’s 12 State-Designated Heritage Areas

Our story began at the state level. In 2001, Lancaster and York Counties were designated as Pennsylvania’s 10th State Heritage Area, following a locally driven process that brought communities together to identify and celebrate the region’s history, culture, natural resources, and recreational opportunities.

That designation made us part of Pennsylvania’s growing Heritage Areas network, a statewide effort that recognizes the unique places and stories that help define the Commonwealth. Today, Pennsylvania has 12 state-designated Heritage Areas, each independently managed and shaped by the communities it serves.

America’s 55th National Heritage Area

Our story continued to grow at the national level. In 2019, Lancaster and York Counties were designated as the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, America’s 55th National Heritage Area, following more than a decade of locally driven work to demonstrate the national significance of the region’s history, culture, landscapes, and connection to the Susquehanna River.

That designation made us part of the National Heritage Area network and strengthened our partnership with the National Park Service. It recognized that the stories found here are not only important to our local communities, but also contribute to the larger story of America.

Twenty-five years is something to celebrate, but it is also a reminder that heritage is never finished. There are always more stories to uncover, more places to explore, and more connections to make.

We invite you to be part of the story. Visit one of our sites, explore a trail, get out on the river, discover a historic place, or simply take a closer look at the communities around you. There is always more to discover in Susquehanna National Heritage Area.

Thank you for being part of our story. We hope you’ll join us for the next chapter.