Planning Background

In addition to strategies for developing a countywide heritage tourism plan, the 2014 Plan Prince George’s 2035 Approved General Plan encourages planning and coordination between local cultural resources and heritage organizations, and partnering to pursue grants, loans, and tax credits to promote cultural and heritage tourism. The 2013 Approved Subregion 5 Master Plan includes policies to support historic preservation and heritage tourism:

• Public awareness and appreciation of historic sites and resources is promoted.

• Participation and use of existing historic preservation programs and the creation of new incentive programs is encouraged.

• Economic development is promoted through heritage tourism and recreation.

The plan describes the importance of historic preservation to this area of Prince George’s County: “Historic communities and buildings provide an appealing sense of place that is often absent in newer areas. They are important elements of an area’s cultural heritage and enhance quality of life. (Accokeek) is dotted with farms, outbuildings, barns, farmsteads, scenic roads, and vistas; all of which offer opportunities to promote the region’s heritage through education and recreation. Increased public awareness and appreciation for historic sites and archaeological resources, as well as the promotion of cultural assets and heritage tourism, can instill a sense of community pride and help safeguard significant historical remnants. Encouraging maintenance of resources can lead to considerable economic returns for the county.”

Visitors at National Colonial Farm