Managing a Historical Attraction

One of the best ways the general public can understand history is by visiting historical attractions. They are the lifeblood of tourism across the globe and integral to the cultural heritage of any given nation. But it is no easy thing to combine preservation, entertainment, and education as well as making enough money to sustain an attraction.

Here are three key features of managing and running a historical attraction.

Interpretation

Depending on the size and nature of a historical attraction the amount and style of interpretation are intrinsic to how the public interacts with it. On the one hand, too little can make an attraction seem lifeless and unimportant, and on the other, too much can cloud the beauty or mystery of a built monument. The style of interpretation can either enhance or detract from the nature of the attraction, and a balance must be struck.

Many museums or attractions make use of digital technology such as interactives, apps or handheld devices, which is great if it suits the space. Most will have some form of visual or textual interpretation, and many of the best will have tour guides who are on hand to offer insights and field questions.

managing an historical attraction

When a company or body first invests in a historical attraction, they will budget for interpretation accordingly and try to understand the public who are likely to attend. A historical attraction that is only interesting to locals will need to invest less in translations, for instance. One that has historical significance that is not immediately apparent will need to invest in expert guides, for another example.

Maintenance

The relative scarcity of ancient monuments means that those that have survived had special importance in how they were constructed. However, when they become tourist destinations, their historic nature comes under considerable strain. This means that new resources must be put into place in order to maintain preservation.

Most heritage attractions will have a dedicated team on board to deal specifically with keeping the attraction well preserved. They will be the ones who organize preservation materials, bespoke paint restorers, air duct cleaning companies and any other environmental contractors to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the attraction.

In addition, a huge amount of work will be done in order to ensure that the historical nature of the attraction does not detract from the personal safety of its visitors. Heritage monuments were not all designed to take modern visitor needs into account. Maintenance teams look to find ways of balancing preservation and safety compliance, as well as extending accessibility to all.

Marketing

Tourism marketing is a big deal, and a large amount of an attractions budget will go on ensuring people know where to find it. For city-based attractions, marketing budgets will combine forces with local tourist boards or groups of similar attractions. For those attractions (and there are many) that are out in the countryside or less accessible than more centrally based ones, they have to work extra hard to attract visitors.

Some will have to enlist the help of local transport companies, show excellent local knowledge such as nearby hotels, other attractions. These days it also pays to have a knowledgeable digital marketer on board who can extend the marketing reach further afield. Historical research can yield surprising results, and it is important to keep a regular blog of research finds – you never know what historical links this can churn up!

Why Studying History is so Important

Shouldn’t bygones be bygones? This is a question that people ask themselves in relation to the study of history. Studying history is however quite important. Through it you get a bearing of how we came to be where we are. For instance you can get a sense of how the Greek civilization, the Roman era and the Roman Catholic period came to influence our present civilization.

Learn From Our Mistakes

History further helps us avoid the mistakes of our forefathers. Throughout history people have made blunders that not only cost nations and individuals in terms of capital but of lives. Studying the past shows us how for example the two world wars cost millions of lives and financial loss. Through such wars however great nations have been born and some extinguished forever. As they say the victors are the ones who write our history. You also get to arrange for the future. Strategies can be put in place to avoid or get through tragedies such as the Great Depression.

Political Evolution

Knowing our past assists in policy making. You get to find out what shaped the beliefs and culture of the past people. You find out how monarchies came to be formed in Europe, the decentralized system in most African communities or the ideas that shaped the system that the American founders set in place. History shows us who fared better among countries that chose communism as compared to those that chose capitalism.

Who Influenced the Future

Many great people have existed over the years and by reading we get to know them and their achievements. These great minds, leaders and inventors should be acknowledged since their contributions continue to awe or influence the present generation. You can see great art from Michelangelo, Van Gogh or da Vinci, great maritime feats, Great War heroes or engineering achievements. In every discipline there is a person whose work influenced entire generations.  Here is a look at some of the most influential people throughout history.

Better Thinking Skills

Studying history may help you get through life in a smarter and logical way. By knowing what went on internationally, locally and at an individual level you know what drives people to greatness. That then helps you in adjusting your lifestyle, creating goals and achieving them. Development at an individual or national level majorly stems from an in-depth knowledge of our past.

Knowing about our culture, beliefs and traditions and how they came to be is crucial. People in the past came up with these traditions to make life livable and harmonious. History helps us appreciate how the culture they formed however barbaric or primitive gave the present generation a lifeline. You shouldn’t forget your history then. Should you?

Why We are Fascinated with Ancient History

The study of our past is a vast field. It is mysterious, deep and extremely fascinating. The pharaohs of Egypt, the civilization that flourished in the Indus valley, ancient Greeks and Romans, these are only a few of the so many communities which have now vanished. Although they are gone their relics and stories remain and their story will be told as long as humanity continues to thrive on this planet.

Fascination with the Past

What makes all those people and their traditions and practices so interesting? Maybe it is because they lived in a world so different from the one we are familiar with. Human beings are alike in so many ways, the capacity for intelligent thinking, yearning for love, same basic needs and a drive to express ourselves. And yet the question remains, how did people who are so similar fundamentally create empires so different? The answer to the question is a complex one and trying to answer that question throws light on more questions. What is the true nature of humanity? Studying history is a path to studying ourselves.

Lost Civilizations

Ancient history offers us perspective. It is an escape from the mundane modern life. The thrilling tales of mighty rulers, wars fought out to a bitter end. They are entertaining as well as inspiring. It is surprising how much humans have achieved despite very little advance in technology. Rumors of ancient lost secrets and priceless artifacts still have archeologists and even bounty hunters digging deep. Countless novels have been written and movies made which relate to archeology and often some long lost civilization.

Understanding of the Past

Studying history is not just memorizing dates and events. It is more about understanding why something occurred. Just like our life is defined by our experiences history tries to paint a larger picture. It can define how we behave as a collective. Studying and analyzing the causes and effects of a past event is exactly what is required to prevent it from happening again or to repeat it. Just like experimental observations are important for science to progress history studies events over long intervals of time.

Also our ancestors are a part of us. We bear our identities with pride. We all come from history. In all the stories we hear about our homeland there was somebody related to us living those tales. Understanding who we once were and how that part of us influences the world we live in now is truly what makes ancient history such a fascinating study.