the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums
Heritage travelers aren’t just looking for a single-site visit — they want an experience. According to a 2023 Travel Trends report, 97% of travelers said they want to experience the local heritage and culture of a town. In particular, they want to try the local cuisine (70%), see the sites (67%), learn about history (58%),… Continue reading 250th Spark: The Great American Road Trip: A Powerful Tourism Strategy for America’s 250th
Research shows that exploration and learning are top motivators for heritage travelers, who actively seek authentic and meaningful experiences year-round. To keep visitors coming back throughout the year, consider refreshing how you tell your story every few months—or more frequently, if possible. Regular updates not only encourage repeat visits from your local community but also ensure your site feels vibrant, dynamic, and engaging for all.
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,… Continue reading 250th Spark: Collaborating Across Heritage Sectors
Hello ALHFAMily, Having just celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States, I am mindful of all we can be thankful for within this organization. Our organization is run by an all- volunteer Board of Directors who give freely of their time and mental resources to tackle the issues we face at the institutional… Continue reading President’s Message December 2024
For history museums, the upcoming 250th anniversary is an opportunity to showcase your historical, cultural, and natural assets, as well as a powerful hook to attract new audiences and deepen connections with your community. But if you’re working with limited time and resources, creating new events, programs, or exhibits specifically for the 250th may seem… Continue reading 250th Spark: Rebrand Your Existing Events for the 250th
As we look towards the 250th anniversary of America in 2026, it's important to ensure we are representing the breadth of experiences and diverse narratives that make up the nation's history. The easy route for Semiquincentennial planning is to celebrate the white history of our country. I encourage you to take it a step farther… Continue reading 250th Spark: Telling Every American’s Story
During the conference’s haymaking class, Lauren Muney gave me a gorgeous antique scythe. She had prepared it for someone in the class, and I was the only one without a scythe. More...
This month’s Inspirational Spark is The Power of Place, one of the five themes AASLH has identified in its Making History at 250: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial. The concept of “place” can work for any organization, whether your site has a distinct tie to the Revolutionary War era or not.
With the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the rearview mirror, planning for the United States’ 250th is kicking into high gear. This monthly column will highlight plans from across the nation in hopes that you find inspiration for your own 250th anniversary commemoration!
When the staff at Howell Living History Farm were approached to host the 2024 ALHFAM Annual Meeting and Conference, the initial response was a resounding “NO WAY!” Not because we don’t value the amazing ways this conference connects the ALHFAMily, or shares knowledge otherwise inaccessible due to geographical distance, or even promotes a healthy level… Continue reading Exploring the Conference Theme: 2024 ALHFAM Annual Meeting and Conference
ALHFAM 