Friday, August 1, 2025
65 F
Beckley
More

    Study: heritage tourism economic engine for W.Va.

    A recent study of the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s AmeriCorps program suggests its heritage tourism programming is an important economic engine for West Virginia, according to Danielle Parker, executive director for the alliance.

    Advertisement

    The study found that more than half of travelers who visit the program's heritage sites traveled from more than 50 miles and that each visit generated nearly one night’s hotel stay and an average of $271.30 for the local economy, Parker said.

    Heritage tourism usually include museums, state parks, historical theaters, and living history sites such as Jackson’s Mill, near Weston, or Carnegie Hall, in Lewisburg.

    The study also found that museums and historical organizations contribute positively to the quality of life in the state's cities and towns and that people enjoy and learn from their visits to sponsor organizations, Parker said.

    Advertisement

    The alliance worked with McMahon Consulting Group to study the effects that the program and heritage tourism have on West Virginia.

    "We discovered that Americorps members are essential to providing an excellent visitor experience and to developing their site for tourists," Parker said.

    "It's clear from the study that AmeriCorps members’ service is leading to more effective organizations and improving the quality of visitor experiences."

    The Preserve WV AmeriCorps program is a statewide service initiative in which AmeriCorps members are engaged to Main Streets thrive and communities capture their history, and to preserve beloved historical landmarks.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    AmeriCorps members serve one-year terms at historical organizations where they complete special projects aimed at developing heritage-tourism destinations and improving the sponsoring organization's ability to carry out its missions.

    More than 20 historical sites sponsoring Preserve WV AmeriCorps members in 2019, Parker said. Two high-profile sponsors include Cockayne Farmstead, at Glen Dale, and the Waldomore, at Clarksburg.

    Jessica Kittle, assistant director for the memorial foundation for Pricketts Fort State Park, reported that her organization's participation in the program for two years benefited the foundation “by helping us fulfill our mission of preservation through various projects that we would not have been able to complete on our own.”

    The Preserve WV AmeriCorps program is celebrating its sixth year of operation and is currently competing to become a nationally-recognized program.

    Advertisement

    If you are interested in becoming a Preserve WV AmeriCorps site sponsor or member or to obtain a copy of the full study, Parker at info@pawv.org or 304-345-6005.

    The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is the statewide nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation. AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Clyde Craig
    Clyde Craighttp://wvexplorer.com
    Clyde Craig is a writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    August in West Virginia: When mountain customs come home

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — August in West Virginia is a...

    Wild and Wonderful: A journey through West Virginia’s most beautiful places

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There's a reason West Virginia is...

    Historic West Virginia heat waves and how the state can recover its coolness

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While known for its forests and...

    West Virginia to host first-ever Spartan Trifecta World Championship in the U.S.

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will make history in...

    Nature’s classroom in the Kanawha Valley: A vibrant trail system blossoms in Buffalo

    BUFFALO, W.Va. — Among the fields and wetlands of...

    Topics

    August in West Virginia: When mountain customs come home

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — August in West Virginia is a...

    The five worst floods in West Virginia history: A Chronicle of Disaster

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Shaped by rugged mountains and winding...

    Splash into Fun: The Six Best Waterparks in West Virginia (2025 Guide)

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s natural beauty is world-famous,...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories