Heritage

What makes a community feel like home? How does local history shape local identity? Can a sense of belonging make a place better to live in?

We are exploring what heritage means to local people and how it can improve lives.

What is heritage?

You might think of local history, historic buildings, and museums. Heritage is all those things. We think it can also be much more: places, landscapes, ideas, events, traditions, food, sport, industries, accents, and many other things.

We don’t believe there is one fixed heritage for any place or people.

Places that don’t fit a ‘traditional idea’ of heritage can still be rich in heritage. Communities that have often been overlooked can be part of defining local identity.

RSA Heritage Index

Mapping the UK’s heritage assets and activities. The index brings together over 120 data sets to show where our heritage is at the local level. It's a resource for local communities to help them get the most of out of their heritage assets.

Heritage and Inclusive Growth

We’ve seen tourism and heritage are important to the economy. Can they help reduce inequality? How local history is making a difference in communities across the UK.

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Current RSA projects

All current RSA projects across education, public services, health, future of work, sustainability, finance, heritage, democracy and more.