Hello, In this morning's "The Lowell Sun" there is an article which is titled: "Revolutionary Boost for Local History," and subtitled: "Freedom's Way National Heritage Area proposed." http://www.lowellsun.com/front/ci_4497137 www.lowellsun.com The article starts out: An area of northeastern Massachusetts that extends from Greater Lowell to northern Worcester County would be designated as a National Heritage Area under legislation that is advancing on Beacon Hill. Local officials, .....have for years sought to recognize the significant historical role played by communities north and west of Boston where the Colonists rose up against the British and ignited the American Revolution. A swath .... which includes 37 cities and towns, stretching from Malden ..... along with eight communities in southern New Hampshire, would be designated ......" (Unfortunately, "The Lowell Sun" does not have a very good web site. It does not provide the photos (etc.) which go along with their articles on their web site.) And, there are many articles which appear in their paper which do not appear on their web site. One example of this is there is an article in the "Travel" section of this morning's newspaper about the "Buckman Tavern" in Lexington. It is a good-size article and includes photos of the tavern (built circa 1710), but the article does not appear on-line. ... At the end of the article on the National Heritage area, it states: "Massachusetts now has two, national heritage areas: the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor, and the Essex National Heritage area." And, I personally know that a good portion of Lowell, MA, is a "State Heritage Park." It basically is the same area where the "Lowell National Historic Park" is ! I don't know what the difference is between a "National Historic Park" and a "National Heritage Area," but it probably has something to do with over 40 towns and cities being involved vs. one city being involved ! I just did a Google search and found this web site: http://www.cr.nps.gov/heritageareas/ Hope this is interesting ! Betty (near Lowell, MA)