The Alliance of National Heritage Areas recognizes 2026 Heritage Champions at annual Congressional Breakfast and Awards Reception
February 4, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC – A U.S. Senator, two members of the House, and a longtime conservation leader are Heritage Champions for 2026. The awardees were recognized on Wednesday, February 4 during the Alliance of National Heritage Areas’ (ANHA) annual Congressional Breakfast and Awards Reception in the Rayburn House Office Building. Heritage Champions have gone above and beyond to support and advance America’s National Heritage Areas.
2026 Heritage Champions are:
- Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO):Senator Bennet has been a strong champion for Colorado’s three National Heritage Areas. Along with fellow Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper, he led the effort to reauthorize Colorado’s NHAs and has been supportive of efforts to ensure the future of NHAs. Senator Bennet is currently running for Governor of Colorado, where he hopes to continue his efforts to preserve Colorado’s history and natural beauty.
- Danny Davis (D-IL):Rep. Davis is the sponsor of the legislation that created the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area – one of our newest NHAs. Bronzeville’s story is personal for Davis; like many who settled in Bronzeville during the “Great Migration,” Rep. Davis was born in the rural south but found a home on Chicago’s Southside. Davis is retiring at the end of the 119th Congress, putting a cap on a distinguished 30-year career in Congress.
- Mike Ezell (R-MS):Rep. Ezell represents a southern Mississippi district that encompasses the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. A member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. Ezell was essential in ensuring NHAs received their FY 2025 funding after months of delays. Though only in his second term in Congress, he is already a worthy Heritage Champion.
- Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association: Therea Pierno has served as President and CEO of NPCA since 2015 and will be retiring in the coming weeks. Among her many accomplishments is strengthening NPCA’s ties with ANHA and welcoming NHAs into the broader National Park community. ANHA is excited to name her a Heritage Champion in recognition of her many years of advocacy for both National Parks and National Heritage Areas.
In addition to the awardees, speaking at the Breakfast were the co-chairs of the bipartisan National Heritage Area Caucus, Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Joy Beasley, Associate Director, Cultural Resources, Partnerships and Science Directorate at the National Park Service.
“The vital work of National Heritage Areas would not be possible without the efforts of our champions on Capitol Hill and leaders at allied organizations,” said Sara Capen, Chairwoman of ANHA. “Their advocacy proved to be essential over the past year, as Heritage Areas faced uncertainty stemming from delays in receiving federal funding. Thanks in no small part to their unyielding support of National Heritage Areas, we emerged from 2025 as strong as ever. It is our honor to recognize Senator Bennet, Rep. Davis, Rep. Ezell, and Theresa Pierno as 2026 Heritage Champions.”
President Ronald Reagan established National Heritage Areas in 1984 when he signed a bill that created the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area. Today, there are 62 National Heritage Areas located across the United States, all established through community-led efforts. Rather than an enclosed park as is typical of other programs administered by the National Park Service (NPS), NHAs are lived-in spaces that often span large geographic areas that cross multiple jurisdictions, including more than 600 counties in 35 states and one territory.
Focus areas for NHAs are varied and include the American Revolution, transportation, arts and culture, technological innovation, Civil Rights, and conservation. The story of NHAs’ work and contributions to their communities is told in the most recent edition of Heart & Soul, now available on ANHA’s website. You can also learn more about NHAs through a short video released earlier this week and available on ANHA’s YouTube channel.
NHAs are administered by a local coordinating entity and receive matching funds through the National Park Service but are not National Park units. Importantly, they do not impact the private property rights of existing landowners within or adjacent to an NHA designation. In addition to Congressionally authorized matching funds, NPS provides technical assistance and a strong partnership. In 2024, NHAs leveraged $60 million in non-federal donations and in-kind support to carry out their work – more than double their federal funding. This funding allowed NHAs to engage with thousands of partners and volunteers to implement their programs and projects and extend millions in grant funding for educational purposes.
What they’re saying:
“A champion of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, Senator Michael Bennet’s enthusiasm of history, heritage, culture, and preservation have been obvious upon his visits to and tours of SdCNHA,” said Julie Chacon, Executive Director of Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. “His support and devotion to the three Colorado National Heritage Areas and the National Heritage Areas Program will be valued endlessly.”
“Throughout his career in Congress, Representative Danny Davis has played a key role in advocating for cultural heritage preservation and ultimately for the National Heritage Area Act,” said Bernard Turner, Executive Director of Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Areas in Chicago. “He supported the designation of the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area, and has emphasized the importance of protecting cultural landmarks, promoting historical awareness, and expanding economic opportunities for historically underserved communities. His efforts align with his broader commitment to community empowerment, preservation of African American history, and the enrichment of public programs that strengthen local identities.”
“Congressman Mike Ezell has been a steadfast champion for the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area and for National Heritage Areas across the country,” said Rhonda Price, Director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. “His leadership in securing and supporting federal funding ensures that communities along the Gulf Coast can preserve their history, celebrate their culture, and invest in projects that strengthen our local economy. This award reflects his leadership, and we are grateful for his continued dedication to the people and places of our coast.”
“Theresa Pierno is a true trailblazer in conservation and supporting the health of our National Parks and other treasured spaces in America,” said Capen. “She has earned the title of Heritage Champion through a lifetime of dedicated service to NCPA and other conservation organizations and causes. I am particularly grateful for her commitment to welcoming NHAs into the broader National Parks community and her collaboration with our organization over the years. Though she will be missed in her retirement, her legacy will no doubt live on.”
To learn more about NHAs, their value, and their work, please visit https://www.nationalheritageareas.us. Additional pictures of awardees and speakers at the breakfast are available upon request.
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) receives his Heritage Champion award. Pictured (L-R) are Sara Capen, Chairwoman of ANHA; Sen. Bennet; Andrew Spencer, Executive Director of South Park NHA; Julie Chacon, Executive Director of Sangre de Cristo NHA; Sabrina Stoker, Executive Director of Cache la Poudre NHA; and Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA), co-chair of the National Heritage Area Caucus.
The Alliance of National Heritage Areas works collectively to protect and promote the people and places that tell America’s stories. We are a membership organization of congressionally designated National Heritage Areas and partner-affiliated organizations promoting the professionalism and benefits of the program through education and advocacy. Together, we facilitate and celebrate partnerships that improve our effectiveness and impact.
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