As the 250th anniversary of America’s founding approaches, museums and other heritage destinations have a unique opportunity to come together and create unforgettable experiences for visitors. This milestone offers not just a celebration of history, but a chance to deepen collaboration across sectors, amplify shared stories, and strengthen communities through meaningful partnerships. Here’s how museums, byways, and other heritage organizations can collaborate effectively to make the 250th anniversary a resounding success.
5 Steps to Build Strong Collaborations
1. Identify Shared Stories
Start by exploring the overlapping themes in your area’s history. Does your museum house artifacts from a key moment in transportation history that aligns with a nearby scenic byway’s narrative? Do local stories of migration, industry, or social movements connect your organizations? Highlighting shared histories will make collaborations natural and compelling for visitors.
2. Host Collaborative Planning Sessions
Bring together staff and stakeholders from museums, byways, parks, and other heritage organizations to brainstorm joint programming. Hosting virtual or in-person sessions can foster creative ideas and identify overlapping goals.
3. Create Cross-Promotional Campaigns
Work together to develop unified messaging around the 250th anniversary. Consider creating a regional “250th Passport” that encourages visitors to explore multiple sites, earning stamps or discounts as they go.
4. Design Immersive Visitor Experiences
Visitors are seeking more than just passive observation—they want immersive, hands-on experiences. By pooling resources, heritage organizations can craft interactive programs that span multiple sites.
5. Secure Funding Together
Joint applications for grants or sponsorships can strengthen funding proposals and demonstrate wide community impact. Foundations and sponsors are often more likely to support projects with broad collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The 250th anniversary is more than just a celebration of America’s past; it’s a chance to inspire collaboration that shapes the future of heritage tourism. By working together, museums and byways can craft experiences that are richer, more engaging, and more impactful than anything they could achieve alone.
Start building these connections now, and your organization will be well-positioned to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Read an expanded version of this article with more tips and examples.
By Heidi Schlag
President, Culture-Link Communications
A nonprofit communications consultant, Heidi Glatfelter Schlag owns Culture-Link Communications. Exemplifying her company’s motto “Authentic Stories for Memorable Journeys,” Heidi helps heritage and cultural clients identify unique narratives that truly engage visitors. She then creates integrated, customer-focused campaigns that drive success across marketing, fundraising, media relations, and interpretive efforts. After playing a major role in Havre de Grace, Maryland’s War of 1812 Bicentennial and the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s 50th anniversary, she is now focused on inspiring innovative projects and creative partnerships for the Semiquincentennial via her 250th Inspiration Project. She has been a member of ALHFAM since 2009.
ALHFAM 