Authors

A. Lindsay

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Public Hist.

Keywords

cultural heritage tourism; social media; web presence; public history; virtual tourist; History

Abstract

Public historians at sites of cultural heritage tourism struggle to engage with an ever-changing audience. The solution proposed in this work is the cultivation of the virtual community as a valuable audience and future donor base. Through an analysis of the web presence and social media activities of three high profile heritage locations in Virginia, Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Colonial Williamsburg, it is possible to devise best practices for interaction with the virtual tourist. These principles can be implemented at any site, large or small, and seek to create an immersive educational experience to be enjoyed by guests of many ages and interests. The key consideration must be to court the virtual visitor as a new and valuable audience essential to the continuation of perceived relevance at heritage locations across the country.

Journal Title

Public Historian

Volume

35

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

67

Last Page

86

WOS Identifier

WOS:000317879700005

ISSN

0272-3433

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