Heritage Tourism and Economic Impact

2004 Study - from NHA web page

NPS, the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, and Michigan State University have completed a study that estimates the direct and indirect regional economic impacts of heritage visitors in seven national heritage areas. MSU used a modified Money Generation Model (MGM2) to analyze data collected through visitor surveys. The seven participating areas were: MotorCities NHA, Essex NHA, Lackawanna Heritage Valley, Silos and Smokestacks NHA, Cane River NHA, Augusta Canal NHA, and Ohio and Erie National Heritage CanalWay.
A report for each each area reflects visitor demographics, visitation profiles, and the level of awareness among residents and visitors of the heritage area designation. A summary report highlights trends across the heritage areas, project conclusions and recommendations. to view the procedure guide, individual area results and a summary report, visit the MSU website.
To view the most recent MGM2 report, click here.

Make sure and read Donovan Rypkema's BLOG on his recent visit to Shepherdstown.

http://www.placeeconomics.com/2009/02/small-town-small-college-and-norcs.html

Reminder of our March 10th 2009 lunch at the DISH resturant in Charles Town WV.

The Thomas Shepherd Grist Mill

From the information on the National Register of Historic Places web site

The Shepherd Grist Mill was built prior to 1739 and operated for over two centuries in Shepherdstown, formerly Mecklenburg, which is the oldest town in what is now West Virginia. It was originally settled in 1719.
The mill stands on High Street which leads to the Pack Horse Ford crossing of the Potomac River and was the former Indian Trail across the Potomac River. It became known to the early settlers as the Philadelphia Wagon Road into the upper Shenandoah River.
Thomas Shepherd’s mill started a trend in mill building in the mid-1700’s as local farmers grew wheat and needed to market their produce. Shepherdstown became a focal point on the Potomac to get the farmers produce to markets down the river.
There were over 31 listed grist or merchant mills in Jefferson County which served markets in Alexandria to Philadelphia. Thomas Shepherd inaugurated a “bread basket” for the growing nation.
The large 40 foot Fitz Steel Overshoot Water Wheel seen today was moved from its original location 100 yards further downstream on the Town Run into its location next to the mill.