Heritage Tourism
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. As one of the fastest growing industry sectors and with recent figures suggesting 81% of U.S. tourists are considered cultural tourists, heritage tourism equates to a $171 billion annual spend. Heritage tourism does not only present an economic benefit for historic and cultural sites, but also helps to sustain other businesses sectors and offer employment opportunities.
When promoting heritage tourism, it is essential accurate information is provided to the widest range of potential visitors as possible. Effective project management can ensure the required information is collected, goals are developed, the tourism system is planned, and consistent, easily understandable promotional materials are distributed through various media.
By working with historic property owners, municipalities, local businesses, tourism agencies, and other professionals, Histórica can assist with the creation of a successful heritage tourism program.
Please see below for details of our recent heritage tourism projects.
Downtown Heritage Trail
Created as part of the Boynton Beach Heritage Education Program, the Downtown Heritage Trail highlighted approximately 50 historic, cultural, and natural sites and developed an easily walkable trail. Tour brochures were available at a number of outlets and could be downloaded from the city website. Interpretive signs were posted at the most significant sites. QR codes were included on the signs and brochures to provide access to the heritage trail website which contained additional information and photographs of the sites.
Black History Website
A website was created to highlight significant sites and provide information on the traditional African American and Bahamian neighborhood. Sites were marked on an interactive map where visitors could click on each location to view historic photographs and information on persons associated with the site. As very little information was available through historic records, the valuable information included on the site was obtained through interviews with long-standing members of the community.
Going, Going, Gone? Exhibition
A photographic exhibit showcasing Broward County’s nationally recognized architecture of the 1950s and 60s known as “Mid-Century Modern”. Over several years, the exhibition appeared at the Tallahassee State Museum of History; the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale; the Vintage South Florida Festival, Hollywood; and, the Old Davie School Historical Museum, Davie.
Vintage Hotels Symposium
A symposium on the future of small beach hotels in Broward County. The event included a panel discussion on historic hotels and presentations from a representative of Historic Hotels of America and a speaker who provided information on the architecture, preservation, and continued use of small hotels.
Cemetery Heritage Trail
The Cemetery Heritage Trail included three city cemeteries, two of which were for the burial of African American and Bahamian residents. Brochures were available in printed form and online and interpretive signs were installed at each location. The signs and brochures contained QR codes that provided access to additional information held on a website. Historic grave markers at one site were mapped and added to an interactive map on the website allowing visitors to obtain information on the marker and the persons buried there.
Arts and Antiques District
Contribution to a grant-funded study for the creation of the “Dania Beach Art and Antique District” which focused on establishing important historic and cultural locations, identifying assets for rehabilitation, designating locations for public art, and providing pathways and links to existing park areas. Significant sites were identified through survey and research, the results were incorporated into the detailed site plans and final report, and the findings were presented to the City Commission and the public for discussion and adoption.
Cemetery Tours
Tours of three cemeteries in the City of Boynton Beach. The tours provided information on the history of the sites, the persons buried there, the design and manufacture of the grave markers, efforts to maintain and preserve the sites, and ongoing research to further understand the significance of the sites and historic burial practices of early African American and Bahamian residents.
Lost in Broward Exhibition
A photographic exhibition bringing attention to the large number of hotels, motels, and apartment buildings lost to demolition in Broward County. The exhibition included historic photographs of the demolished structures with informational panels explaining the history and architecture of the sites.
Historic Site Interactive Website
Created as part of the Boynton Beach Heritage Education Program, the interactive website and smart phone application provided information on approximately 170 historic and cultural sites throughout the city. Historic photographs were provided for each site (where available) to allow the user to see how sites had changed over time or how demolished structures once looked. The smart phone application included a map showing the user’s current location, distance to the next site, and audio information for the most significant sites.
Celebration of Conrad Pickel
Organization of an annual event celebrating the work of Conrad Pickel, renowned stained-glass maker, sculptor, and artist. The event consisted of bus tours to view examples of his work in churches, cemeteries, and commercial buildings followed by a series of lectures and demonstrations on the stained-glass manufacturing process. The attendance numbers grew annually, and attendees included local residents, visitors, and people who had travelled to the city specifically for the event.
MiMo Hotel Tour
A tour of Mid-Century Modern hotels and apartments from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road. The theme of the tour, in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, focused on how Tropical Modern structures of the 50s and 60s are now stylish, prosperous world destinations. Guest narrators provided information on the architecture and access to several of the hotels was arranged.
York Minster Tour
A tour of York Minster, the Minster stoneyard, and the stained glass workshop. Organiized in association with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, this tour provided access to areas not normally open to the public with information provided by the craftsmen who repair the structure.