The Heritage Program at Land Between the Lakes works to protect and share the significant cultural history of our National Recreation Area. To this end, it focuses on five broad areas of responsibility.
Compliance with Federal Laws: Before the federal government can undertake a project that may affect significant cultural resources on the ground, efforts should be made to identify and protect those resources. Archaeologists with the Heritage Program conduct historical research and field survey to make sure “undertakings” (road maintenance, timber harvest, facility expansion…) do not negatively impact the Heritage (cemetery, historic homeplace, prehistoric archaeological site, Civil War earthworks…). Coordination and consultation with local communities, Tribal governments, and historic preservation organizations ensures that Federal agencies apply consistent criteria to protect cultural resources on public lands as well as manage areas of traditional importance.
Outreach to the Public: The Heritage Program at Land Between the Lakes believes it is important to share our unique history with the visiting public and with the surrounding community. We speak with schools, libraries, community groups, and visitors about a variety of local topics concerning the vibrant heritage between the rivers. We also believe that it is important to hold an ongoing dialogue with the former residents and tribes that occupied this land so as to continue to learn the history of the area from the people who know it best.
Research into Land Between the Lakes History: The National Recreation Area has a complex and fascination history. From prehistoric Indians from 10,000 years ago, to Cherokee and Chickasaw habitation, to frontier settlement, the Iron Industry, environmental restoration, and the displacement of the local population in the 1960s, Land Between the Lakes heritage is vast, and we continue to build a more complete understanding of our shared past.
Stewardship of Cemeteries: The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is home to over 270 known historic cemeteries. Through collaboration with our partners and the descendant families, the Heritage Program strives to make sure these important sacred sites are accessible to the public, open for visitation and reflection, and safe from vandalism and damage.
Tribal Relations: The Heritage Program is responsible for Tribal Consultation and acts as the liaison between the federal land manager and our tribal partners who called this land home in past centuries. We assist with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) requests, grow and provide ceremonial tobacco to our tribal partners, and collaborate on projects concerning Native American heritage.
