Cultural Tourism DC, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Washington, DC culture and heritage, is the recipient of the DC Historic Preservation Office and the Office of Planning’s Excellence in Historic Preservation Award in Public Education for the five of the most recent DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails. The DC Historic Preservation Office and the Office of Planning recognized Cultural Tourism DC, District Department of Transportation, and the five neighborhood working groups that helped create the trails as an innovative model combining historic resources, education, and tourism.

“We are honored to be recognized for our Neighborhood Heritage Trails, and we know the entire city will benefit from this program for years to come,” says Linda Harper, Cultural Tourism DC executive director. “Our Heritage Trails go beyond the typical walking tours by building respect and civic pride while raising the awareness of the value of each neighborhood’s fabric and the need to preserve it.”

For the last 11 years, Cultural Tourism DC has collaborated with communities and the District Department of Transportation to put history on the streets of Washington. The Neighborhood Heritage Trails are a system of self-guided walks marked by illustrated signs telling the stories of Washington’s historic neighborhoods.

The trails recognized are located in Deanwood, Brightwood, Adams Morgan, Shaw, and Mount Pleasant. Each begins at a Metrorail or Metrobus station, encouraging the use of public transportation and promising a healthy walk, bike ride, or Segway trip. A free companion guidebook - in English or Spanish - summarizes each trail.

The Heritage Trails were recently named the Official Walking Trails of the District of Columbia by the DC City Council. The resolution recognizes the Heritage Trails for “combining the elements of health and history. The Heritage Trails will enhance the quality of life for DC citizens,” providing “trail walkers with approximately two hours of gentle, outdoor exercise at the walker’s own pace and schedule.”

Earlier this year, Cultural Tourism DC received the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Award of Merit for its audio tour Civil War to Civil Rights: Downtown Heritage Trail. The free downloadable audio tour chronicles 34 historic sites in Downtown Washington with words, music, ambient sounds, and special sound effects. The AASLH provides leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

The Downtown audio tour was developed by Audissey Guides, a pioneer in the high-tech tourism industry. Both the tour and the accompanying guidebook are available for free download at www.CulturalTourismDC.org and as a free podcast on iTunes. Since its introduction in February 2009, the audio tour has been downloaded more than 10,700 times.

The Washington, DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails are funded by the District Department of Transportation, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, and U.S. Department of Transportation.

About Cultural Tourism DC

An independent coalition of more than 230 culture, heritage, and community-based organizations, Cultural Tourism DC and its members help you experience DC’s authentic culture and heritage. For more information, visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org or call 202-661-7581.

Cultural Tourism DC: Celebrating 10 Years of Trails, Tours, and Culture in the Capital!