Bronzeville-Black Metropolis is Illinois' newst National Heritage Area
January 24, 2023
Congratulations to Bronzeville-Black Metropolis for becoming Illinois’ newest National Heritage Area. Welcome to the NPS family!
The Black Metropolis–Bronzeville District is a historic African American district in the Bronzeville neighborhood of the Douglas community area on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. This area testifies to the presence of thousands of African Americans who came to Chicago's South Side in the early 20th century to fashion a better life for themselves and their families.
The Bronzeville–Black Metropolis National Heritage Area was established in the National Heritage Area Act in 2022. It was passed by the US Congress, and signed by president Joe Biden in late December 2022. This new area will help preserve more than 200 locations in the neighborhood between 18th and 71st Streets.
What is a National Heritage Area (NHA)?
A National Heritage Area is a site designated by Act of Congress, intended to encourage historic preservation of the area and an appreciation of the history and heritage of the site. The only other location in Illinois is the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, which encompasses 43 counties across Illinois, highlighting the life and times of Abraham Lincoln (also known as ‘Looking for Lincoln').
We look forward to working with our newest neighbor to the north, and welcome them into the National Heritage Area family. We see many exciting things ahead! Congratulations!
Learn more about this area at
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