"A nationwide community project..."

Welcome to the largest community heritage project in history, the first comprehensive online guide to America's local history, culture and environment. Inspired by the Federal Writers' Program, which created the highly acclaimed original American Guide Series of state guidebooks in the 1930's, our goal is to develop 3,000 digitized County Heritage Guides, along with a National Heritage Database (NHDB) in cooperation with local County Partners. See What's in it for me? for more information on the Project's impact on you & your community. See Volunteers and Editorial Guidelines.

"I like what you're doing. Even though I've spent most of my time advocating protection of Colorado's natural heritage, my then & now project got me involved in preserving human history. I believe, like you, that the two are connected. People are happier and feel more secure with themselves, therefore with others, when they have a sense of place, of belonging. Appreciating history promotes place and makes people feel like they do belong to a unique community....Wilderness protection doesn't happen these days without local support, just one reason why the two are connected." [John Fielder, Nature Photograper; don't miss John's latest project Ranches of Colorado]

Partnering with local communities

We partner with local high schools, governments, and nonprofits to help document, preserve and promote their local history and environment. Partners represent the Project in a County, while volunteers research, write, and edit portions of each County Heritage Guide. See Partners and Volunteers.

Contribute to our Heritage Book Drive!

Our Vision: Bring local heritage to the world

The American Guide Series is still considered an invaluable reference for both historians and heritage tourists. However, these acclaimed books skipped many communities, and their local attractions. Without the limitations of a physical book, our 21st century County Heritage Guides share the organization of the originals, while adding adding modern features, such as GPS locations, online maps, and hyperlinks to other resources. Once online, each Guide will be distributed in print and other media. Meanwhile, the NHDB is designed to become the place to collect the rest of our heritage. Future AGP programs may include TV, radio, and film productions, as well as related products. Volunteers can help develop related Blogs, Podcasts, YouTubes, email newsletters, and more!

To fulfill our vision, we need 3,000 Partners, 20,000 volunteers, and your financial suppport!

Please make a Donation or purchase a Sponsorship in the name of your favorite County!

Note: The American Guides Project is a tax-exempt, educational charity under IRC 501(c)(3). As such, donations and sponsorships may be deductible as charitable contributions. See your tax advisor for your proper treatment.