By actively engaging with visitors and residents, gleaning knowledge from that engagement to build strategic partnerships with communities that not only benefit them but the state as a whole, and finally, investing dollars in meaningful ways that will have the biggest impact, we ground our direction in the past, celebrate the present, and lead communities into the future, helping South Carolina thrive from the mountains to the sea.
Your leader in protecting, growing, and enjoying South Carolina.
For more than 30 years, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor has been a trusted compass for South Carolina, providing leadership and direction to communities seeking to preserve, protect, and promote their best assets while guiding visitors to the most unique and special places in the state.
Who We Are
We are committed to promoting and preserving the cultural, natural and historic resources of South Carolina
Founded in 1996, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SCNHC) is a nonprofit organization and one of 55 congressionally designated National Heritage Areas (NHA) of the National Park Service (NPS) — recognizing the national importance of South Carolina’s natural, cultural, and historic resources. NPS partners with NHAs to provide technical assistance and distribute matching federal funds from Congress.
Spanning 17 counties from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, SCNHC is committed to preserving, protecting and promoting the history and heritage of South Carolina through its competitive grant program, which has awarded over $15 million in funds to tourism projects across the state.
SCNHC’s support reaches far beyond its designated areas to cover all of South Carolina through its community development services. From community and business branding to design and marketing strategies, SCNHC helps cities and local businesses across the state promote themselves and encourage tourism.
In addition to its grant projects and community development services, SCNHC manages several key programs including the American Resilience Conference, The Southern Edge Magazine, Paddle SC, South Carolina Seven (SC7), SC Trail Towns, and the Carolina Barbados Connection Project.
Programs
Our partnerships and programs are building a better South Carolina.
The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor has spearheaded a number of successful programs that focus on education, research and promoting South Carolina.
Our Impact
We are making South Carolina a better place to live, visit and explore.
From historic preservation to community development, program management and everything in between, our skills work together to build a better South Carolina. We are innovative in finding ways to preserve our state’s cultural, natural and historic resources.
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15
Awarded more than $15 million to various tourism projects across the state
47
Number of non-heritage corridor communities helped
67
Number of waterways documented
25
Number of places in South Carolina tied to Barbados
10,000
Number of participants in SC7 over 7 years
28
Issues of Southern Edge Magazine printed
Partnerships
We can guide you to a brighter path forward.
You care about the small towns, the environment and are looking to leave a legacy behind. So are we. Together we can enrich local communities while building your presence within the community. The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor has programs and initiatives that we can match you with. With our help, you have the ability to reach a large audience and assurance that your investment will enhance the quality of life in specific communities across South Carolina.
Learn about partner opportunities
Champions of South Carolina
Introducing the Blue & Green Minds Podcast — Your Window into Resilience, Nature, and Well-Being
At the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SCNHC), we’re always exploring new ways to connect people with the stories, people, and places that make South Carolina remarkable. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our new audio series — the Blue & Green Minds Podcast — a companion to the ideas behind the American Resilience Conference and a deep dive into how connecting with nature and community matters in our daily lives.
The Blue & Green Minds Podcast brings conversations about resilience, mental and physical well-being, environmental stewardship, and the human experience into your headphones. With fresh episode releases that invite you to slow down, reflect, and learn from voices at the intersection of nature, community, and resilience.
2027 American Resilience Conference Comes to the Gillard Center in Charleston, SC
The South Carolina Resilience Conference is entering an exciting new chapter! In 2027, we’re expanding to become the American Resilience Conference, bringing leaders, innovators, businesses, and organizations from across the country together for a bigger conversation about resilience.
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- Community Health & Wellness
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- Ready & Protected
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- Land, Water & Legacy
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- Innovation & Infrastructure
And this is only the beginning! Speakers, sessions, exhibitors, special events, and more are still being announced. Follow along on social media and visit the American Resilience Conference website for the latest #ARC2027 updates.
2026 Spring/Summer Issue of The Southern Edge Magazine
The Spring/Summer 2026 Edition of The Southern Edge Magazine has arrived, and this issue takes a special look at South Carolina’s role in America’s story as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Journey through the people, places, stories, and historic sites that helped shape the fight for independence right here in the Palmetto State. From Revolutionary War history and heritage to the communities carrying these stories forward today, this edition celebrates South Carolina’s lasting impact on our nation.
As we mark 250 years, there’s never been a better time to explore the history in our own backyard and discover the stories that continue to shape South Carolina.
Read the Spring/Summer 2026 digital issue today and subscribe today to get our next issue!
