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
When we first started talking about the U.S. Semiquincentennial a few years ago, many of us expected a top-down roadmap: a coordinated, well-funded national vision that would cascade down to local museums and historic sites. But the reality of 250th planning has been very different. This anniversary is being shaped not by grand commissions or… Continue reading 250th Spark: Grassroots Power in a Time of Uncertainty
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
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
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.
I recently picked up a copy of Museums in Crisis from a pile of curbside books destined for the trash. Outdated or still relevant?
Written by Jamie Rigsby, Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2010. ALHFAM members can access the full text of this article and thousands more though the A.S.K. database. Not a member? Join today! Few museums or living history sites have conservators on staff. Therefore, the first line of defense to prevent or suspend damage to artifacts are… Continue reading The Safe Handling of Objects
By David Makowsky, Ukranian Cultural Heritage Village Journalists have a tremendous influence in shaping a visitor’s decisions on what to include on their “must do” list. In today’s digital age, a photo or article conveying a museum’s story can raise the public awareness of the institution. The return on investment can be tremendous. For example,… Continue reading To Arms, To Arms… the Media are Coming!
by Tom Kelleher, Old Sturbridge Village & Past President, ALHFAM “I am setting hooks to capture your interest and imagination!” I have been a costumed historical interpreter for a long time now, and have enjoyed visiting living history museums since I was a child. For many decades the best sites strove for ever-greater historical authenticity.… Continue reading What are you doing?
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