The Essex National Heritage Commission is the philanthropic manager for the Essex National Heritage Area, embracing the 34 towns and cities of Essex County. Established by Congress in 1996, one of 37 such areas nationwide,” where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally-distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography.” ENHAs “tell nationally important stories…and are representative of the national experience through both the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved within them.” ENHC develops public/ private partnerships coordinating hundreds of heritage organizations and sites throughout Essex County.