Photo by Lloyd Wolf
Creation of a Heritage Trail:
Cultural Assets as Paths toward a Sustainable Future
Fairmont State University students worked with the Marion County Historical Society, Fairmont, and Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau to increase cultural and heritage tourism to Fairmont, specifically to the historic downtown area. Students researched, designed, and created one or more heritage trail maps and guides. At least one prototype trail was produced for use both as a virtual trail on digital devices, and as a physical walking trail with printed and/or live interpretive guides.
Students conducted research, created a scripted guide for each of the stops along the trail, and produced images for use with the digital version. All students carried out research in archives; conducted interviews; worked under the direction of community partners; wrote text/script for the trail narrative; located historic photographs; and visited numerous sites and organizations.
The completed prototype trail and associated research findings were provided to various community organizations in an attempt to boost tourism and garner new attention to the downtown historic district.
Fairmont State's Live Presentation in Washington, DC
Contact Information
Pat Musick
Interim Director, West Virginia Folklife Center
Fairmont State University
1201 Locust Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
Telephone: (719) 200-5296
E-Mail: pmusick@fairmontstate.edu
Previous Conference Participation:
2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009