In order to answer the question, “Do Americans still visit history organizations,” the American Association for State and Local History conducted a first-ever national visitation report in late 2019 with positive results.
Be Heard: Take the survey for the 2020 visitation survey by the American Association for State and Local History.
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) is a national association that provides resources, support, and guidance to its member organizations, primarily history museums, historic sites, and historic houses, and their associated staff and volunteers. AASLH analyzed data from over 1250 history organizations nationwide to develop a 40-page report with detailed observations about trends in institutions of different sizes, types, and geographical regions. In addition, museum professionals from an array of backgrounds have elaborated on specific topic areas, like free museums or small museums, on the AASLH blog. The full report is available to AASLH members or to the public for a nominal fee.
REPORT FINDINGS
- From 2013 to 2018, average annual visitation increased 5.7 percent
- Small institutions reported the strongest gains; organizations with annual operating budgets of less than $50,000 reported an 18 percent increase in visitation from 2013 to 2018
- Visitation increased in every major region, with the Mountain Plains leading the way at 19.4 percent
Preservation Maryland is encouraged by these positive increases in attendance and support for museums and historic sites across the country. As an organization, Preservation Maryland supports Maryland’s historic sites through advocacy for additional state funding, our own grant program called the Heritage Fund, and by hosting the state’s annual history conference.