While historical sites have always been an attraction (remember your parents dragging taking you to Williamsburg, Sturbridge or Washington, DC?), it seems that in recent years the concept of heritage tourism, also referred to as cultural tourism, has become a deciding factor in where people choose to travel. Heritage tourism is officially defined by The National Trust for Historic Preservation as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past”. I think the key word here is “authentic”. Having just been to Charleston, I would consider it a prime example of heritage tourism in action. Walking through the historic part of Charleston you can feel the history. You are surrounded by it. Very close attention is paid to preserving the physical aspects of the past and connecting them to the history that is most relevant to the area. Even so, it is a place where local residents and tourists co-exist, with tourism supporting the local economy and providing business opportunities and jobs.
While Charleston is an entire city focused on heritage tourism, there are many other examples on a smaller scale. An example local to where I live is the Connecticut Freedom Trail, which documents and designates sites around the state associated with the movement towards freedom of Connecticut’s African-American citizens. It includes over 120 distinct sites around the state, many of which were stations on the Underground Railroad.
Do you live in an area that takes advantage of its history to attract visitors? I would love to hear about it!
Photo: The photo above is the Fort Moultrie Monument in White Point Gardens (also referred to as The Battery or Battery Park) in Charleston, South Carolina. It features Sergeant William Jasper, who was chosen to represent the soldiers of Fort Moultrie that defended Charleston against the British in the Revolutionary War, June, 1776. The statue dates to 1877. I decided to show the statue from the back because I love how the limb of one of the many huge old oak trees in the park stretches across the walkway behind the monument.
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
I live about 15 minutes from Portsmouth, NH. Portsmouth is a ‘destination’ place sitting near the mouth of the Piscataqua River which divides NH and ME. It was settled in 1623 and is one of the nation’s oldest cities. There is a full time population of roughly 21,000 people who work hard to maintain the character of this lovely New England town. Architecture, parks, brick sidewalks, wonderful restaurants on the water and a long list of cultural and fun activities keep visitors flooding into the town during the warm weather. Being natives and neighbors, we do try to avoid the major tourist weekends which can be just a wee bit congested. 🙂 Love your home state of CT. 🙂
Hi Judy! Portsmouth is a place I have heard so many great things about! I would love to get up there one weekend this summer or fall – I just know I would love it! I do love my home state as well but I love to see new places!