 |
|
|
|
 |
| Old Barracks Museum in Trenton |
|
|
|
|
|
Do you like to visit historic places while on vacation? If so, you are part of a growing number of Americans who enjoy heritage tourism. This major industry generates billions of dollars a year and is attracting families, senior groups and even international visitors. The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines heritage tourism as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.” According to a study by the Travel Industry Association of America, people who take part in historic and cultural activities spend more, do more and stay longer than other types of U.S. travelers.
Heritage tourism makes use of assets that already exist, rather than creating new attractions. People enjoy connecting with places built in a different era. They like to hear the stories of the past. To see the fine craftsmanship in historic buildings and to witness dramatic re-enactments of Revolutionary War battles.
The heritage experience is even more dynamic when visiting the home or workplace of a person of great fame. In Camden, the only house that Walt Whitman ever owned attracts visitors from around the world. This restored museum contains the actual bed and furniture that were in the house during Whitman’s life. Thomas Edison’s home and laboratories in West Orange have been under renovation for a few years. Now, his estate called Glenmont is open to the public for tours. Work is still in progress on the laboratories where the motion picture industry and the sound recording industry began.
Cape May might arguably be described as one of the inventors of heritage tourism. A small group of concerned residents began by rescuing the 1879 Emlen Physick mansion from demolition. Their volunteer efforts to preserve not only the Physick Estate but Victorian architectural treasures throughout Cape May helped to revitalize the nation's oldest seaside resort.
|
|
|
|
 |
| A Victorian inn at Cape May |
|
|
|
|
|
The group later incorporated as the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) which promotes the restoration, interpretation and cultural enrichment of Cape May. This non profit organization has grown to encompass a membership of more than 3,200, a paid staff of 160 and some 300 volunteers. MAC offers a year-round calendar of events that serves more than 300,000 people each year including tours of the Mansion; walking tours of the historic district and trolley tours interpreting Cape May's Victorian heritage. In the early 1970s, MAC started a series of special events that are still celebrated: a Victorian Fair, a Victorian Week and since 1974, Christmas Candlelight House Tours.
The benefits of heritage tourism have the most widespread affect in National Heritage Areas. These vast regions, established by the U.S. Congress, tell America’s stories and attract visitors to a variety of places. Many heritage areas have been put together over the years. All receiving incredible economic benefits whether through tourism, or reuse of historic buildings. New Jersey’s National Heritage Area celebrates the state’s major role in the fight for independence. The Crossroads of the American Revolution Heritage Area features locations in more than 200 towns, including the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton.
The National Register of Historic Places has more than 80,000 listings including National Historic Landmarks, historic areas in the National Park System, buildings, districts, structures and objects. The Register’s website also features travel itineraries based on a theme that include maps and photos for planning heritage trips.
Links
Videos
|
