Our Mission & Goals

The Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area (MS Delta NHA or the Heritage Area) is a partnership between the people of the Mississippi Delta and the National Park Service (NPS). It is one of 55 National Heritage Areas in the United States designated by Congress that tell nationally important stories, celebrating our nation's diverse heritage through community-based partnerships and local collaboration.

The MS Delta NHA was designated by Congress in 2009. The MS Delta NHA is managed by The Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University and is governed by a 15-member board representing agencies and organizations defined in its Congressional legislation. The MS Delta NHA includes 18 counties that contain land located in the alluvial floodplain of the Mississippi Delta: Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, DeSoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Warren, Washington, and Yazoo.

The Mission Statement

Our mission is to preserve, perpetuate, and celebrate the Mississippi Delta’s rich and complex heritage by fostering a climate of collaboration that supports Delta communities and their economies. 

The Goals

The following goals emerged from the process of developing the Management Plan and reflect the mission and vision statements, and legislative mandates. The goals are the basis for strategies and action steps that are presented in detail the Management Plan’s strategy sections.

Goal #1

Perpetuate the unique culture of the Mississippi Delta through engagement of the people who live here to preserve, celebrate, and share the places and stories of the region.

Goal #2

Save historic and natural resources by raising awareness of the threat of their loss, providing recognition for saving places and directing resources to training, education, and preservation.

Goal#3

Build a heritage-area wide network of partners by providing opportunities for engagement in a variety of activities.

Goal #4 

Contribute to sustainable economic development through activities that will strengthen local and regional economies.