As the 250th anniversary of America’s founding approaches, heritage organizations—from museums to scenic byways—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, byways, and other heritage organizations can collaborate effectively to make the 250th anniversary a resounding success.
Why Collaboration Matters for the 250th
The anniversary provides a national spotlight on American history, drawing in travelers, educators, and heritage enthusiasts eager for authentic experiences. By working together, organizations can:
Leverage resources
Share marketing budgets, staff expertise, and historical assets.
Attract larger audiences
Cross-promotion expands reach, attracting diverse groups of visitors.
Create cohesive experiences
Regional collaborations offer travelers seamless, enriched itineraries.
Build lasting connections
Partnerships formed now can strengthen the entire heritage sector for years to come.
5 Steps to Build Strong Collaborations
1. Identify Shared Stories
Start by exploring the overlapping themes in your area’s history. Does your museum house artifacts from a key moment in transportation history that aligns with a nearby scenic byway’s narrative? Do local stories of migration, industry, or social movements connect your organizations? Highlighting shared histories will make collaborations natural and compelling for visitors.
Example: A museum focusing on colonial history could partner with a nearby byway to offer a "Founding Era Road Trip," combining exhibits, outdoor stops, and curated driving routes.
2. Host Collaborative Planning Sessions
Bring together staff and stakeholders from museums, byways, parks, DMOs, and other heritage tourism organizations to brainstorm joint programming. Hosting virtual or in-person sessions can foster creative ideas and identify overlapping goals.
Key Agenda Topics:
Co-hosting events or festivals
Coordinated marketing efforts
Shared funding opportunities for 250th projects
Pro Tip: Use collaborative tools like Trello or Google Workspace to streamline communication and project management.
3. Create Cross-Promotional Campaigns
Work together to develop unified messaging around the 250th anniversary. Consider creating a regional “250th Passport” that encourages visitors to explore multiple sites, earning stamps or discounts as they go.
Ideas for Cross-Promotion:
Social media takeovers featuring partner organizations.
Shared event calendars highlighting all local 250th-related programming.
Co-branded merchandise (e.g., 250th-themed maps or tote bags).
4. Design Immersive Visitor Experiences
Visitors are seeking more than just passive observation—they want immersive, hands-on experiences. By pooling resources, heritage organizations can craft interactive programs that span multiple sites.
Examples:
A "Historic Trails and Tales" package: Visitors explore byways with audio guides featuring local museum curators narrating key stories.
A living history weekend: Museums and byways collaborate to host reenactments, storytelling events, and guided tours tied to the 250th theme.
5. Secure Funding Together
Joint applications for grants or sponsorships can strengthen funding proposals and demonstrate wide community impact. Foundations and sponsors are often more likely to support projects with broad collaboration.
Tips for Shared Grant Applications:
Highlight how your partnership expands the audience reach.
Include specific metrics for success, such as projected visitor numbers or economic impact.
Focus on inclusivity—how your partnership engages underrepresented communities in the 250th anniversary.
Looking Ahead
The 250th anniversary is more than just a celebration of America’s past; it’s a chance to inspire collaboration that shapes the future of heritage tourism. By working together, museums and byways can craft experiences that are richer, more engaging, and more impactful than anything they could achieve alone.
Start building these connections now, and your organization will be well-positioned to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
How is your organization preparing for the 250th anniversary? Let us know in the comments or share your ideas on social media using #250thCollaboration!