the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums
“From the President’s Pen” An unexpected weather change brought gloriously cooler temperatures to the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States in late August. Like flipping a switch, the air became crisper, the shadows cast by a sun lower in sky become longer, and the sky a richer blue. Miraculously, fall seems to have arrived early… Continue reading ALHFAM President’s Fall 2025 Message
In 1775, two lanterns in Boston’s Old North Church signaled the start of a revolution. Now, 250 years later, museums and byways across the country have a chance to bring that spirit to life through “Two Lights for Tomorrow.” (You can learn more about Two Lights for Tomorrow here; although this link is for Virginia,… Continue reading 250th Spark: Two Lights for Tomorrow Kicks off 250th Celebration Next Month
Hello ALHFAMily, In some ways, it is hard for me to believe we are already two-thirds through the first quarter of 2025. It has been a very busy two months for the ALHFAM Board of Directors. The Committee on Organizational Partnerships (COOP) has been in conversations with board members of EXARC about the possibility of… Continue reading President’s Message Feb 2025
By Sarah Hoenig Bread is a staple at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s period kitchen, representing one of the many food traditions in this globally connected community. But when it comes to recreating authentic bread from the 1850s, the type of leavening agent used—whether sourdough, hops, or salt-rising starter—can be surprisingly elusive. With the popularity of… Continue reading Yeast & Bread at Fort Nisqually in the 1850s: Unpacking the Mystery of Bread Leavening
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
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
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!
I recently picked up a copy of Museums in Crisis from a pile of curbside books destined for the trash. Outdated or still relevant?
Piecing is Period...A Gown Revision We’ve all had that gown that we love but made before we knew better. Sometimes with a little ingenuity and a handy needle, it is possible to correct those earlier mistakes.
The Future of the Past Last year the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation conducted a survey of over 40 living history organizations. Read the results in this blog written by director of education Mark Howell.
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