What is the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association?

The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1990 to guide the Heritage Tourism Initiative in McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties.  It is made up of a diverse group of people with different points of view from across the region.  Several representatives of local, state and federal agencies also serve in ex-officio roles.  The advisory council meets monthly at different locations around the region.  These meetings are open to the public and association members.  Membership in the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association is free.

Mission

To promote and preserve the natural and cultural resources of McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties through a heritage tourism program designed to:

• increase visitation to the region
• serve as an educational tool
• act as a catalyst for economic development

Guiding Principles

• authenticity
• thoughtful interpretation
• strengthened local capacity
• partnership development
• creative marketing

Background

The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association began in 1990 when the region was selected as a state and national pilot heritage tourism area by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.  Upon completion of the three-year training period the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association became a permanent entity, chartered in the State of Tennessee as a private, not-for-profit organization.  It is governed by an advisory council made up of people from McMinn, Monroe and Polk Counties as well as representatives from several local, state, and federal government agencies.  Base funding is provided by the counties of McMinn, Monroe and Polk, several municipalities, civic groups, and private businesses.  Special projects are funded by state and federal grants, donations, and earned income.  Since 1990, approximately $475,000 in outside grant funds have been secured for Overhill projects.  Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association has also assisted local groups with grants writing, resulting in thousands of dollars in grants for community projects.

On going Projects and Activities

The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association

• raises money for and manages an annual marketing and public relations program
• sponsors training workshops to sharpen local skills in tourism development, arts expansion, and organizational development
• coordinates familiarization tours for travel writers and tourism professionals
• responds to visitor inquiries
• produces promotional and educational materials
• provides technical assistance to local groups for special projects
• works with state and federal agencies, artists, arts presenters, museums and other groups to expand the arts and humanities across the region.
• works in partnership with managers of public lands and conservation groups to educate residents about natural resources
• works with regional, state and national agencies on economic development

Awards and Accolades

• The 1998 USDA Forest Service Spirit Award
• The 1994 Tennessee Governor's Award for Community Arts
• The 1995 USDA Forest Service Award for Leadership in Rural Communities Assistance
• Highlighted in the President's Committee on the Arts & Humanities Position Paper on Cultural Tourism which was presented at the White House Conference on Tourism
• Selected for case studies conducted by a variety of agencies, institutions, and organizations

Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association Regional Projects:

Below is a sampling of regional projects completed or underway in the Tennessee Overhill.  Local projects have also received technical assistance, and in some cases funds, from the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association, but they are not included in this list.

• National Trust For Historic Preservation Heritage Tourism Initiative in McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties.  This three-year pilot program is recognized at the state and national level as a successful program.
• Olympic Preparation.  The Overhill planned and managed the cultural events that occurred as part of the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Competition, sponsored a five-year market study, developed a hospitality training curriculum, sponsored a workshop on hosting international visitors, assisted the Ducktown Basin Museum with a festival to showcase local culture, and produced collateral materials for both educational and marketing purposes.  
• Cultural Legacy Project.  The focus of this project is to identify indigenous art forms and artists, build the local arts presenting infrastructure, provide assistance to area non-profits and artists, and develop exciting ways to interpret the culture and landscape of the region as a way to educate both visitors and residents.
• From Furs to Factories.  The purpose of this project is to interpret the history of the Industrial Revolution in McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties.  Activities included research, production and installation of interpretive signs, publishing a book and brochure.
• The Tennessee Overhill:  A Cultural Landscape.  Photographs by Mark Steinmetz and an essay by James Jones offer a different look at the Overhill landscape, (exhibit & book).
• Roadside Signs:  Expressions of Place.  Photographs by Tom Rankin and an essay by Brent Cantrell offer a fresh look at the landscape and culture of the Overhill, (exhibit & book).
• Economic Impact of Travel & Tourism Research Project.  This study identified appropriate economic indicators for tracking travel and tourism in the Overhill, developing an information gathering process, and creating a reporting format.
• Bald Mountain Railroad Excursion.  TOHA negotiated and assisted with planning for 3 annual railroad excursions along the Historic L&N Old Line from Etowah to Copperhill.
• Visitor Orientation Signs & Maps.  TOHA produced and installed visitor orientation signs at selected high traffic areas across the region.  Map pads, with key attractions are also produced and distributed annually.
• Rural Connections I & II.  The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association and the following constituent groups participated in programs to train local people in ways to increase community income:  Coker Creek Ruritan Club, Copperhill CANDO, Friends of Reliance, Etowah Historical Commission, Community Action Group of Englewood.
• Cherokee Heritage Initiative.  Part of the Blue Ridge Initiative, this project will result in a trail to highlight Cherokee history and culture in Tennessee and North Carolina.
• African-American Heritage Project.   The focus of this project will be to gather historic photographs from African-American neighborhoods in the Overhill through photocopying sessions at neighborhood churches.
• Agriculture Trail.  A brochure leads visitors to places to buy local agricultural products and enjoy agricultural landscapes.
• Resource Library.  Includes slides, local histories, historic photographs, and  informational booklets.