The largest industry in the world is tourism, and heritage tourism is the fastest growing segment of that industry. Using an area’s history as an attraction for visitors to explore all that an area has to offer is not only profitable, it is an already available resource on which to capitalize.

Many states have seen a significant return for investment in promoting heritage tourism. Connecticut’s heritage tourism program has seen a $10 return for every $1 invested. The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior, along with the National Governors Alliance, have encouraged areas to expand heritage tourism as engines of economic growth and revitalization.

Newberry County will soon have the opportunity to vote on the renewal of the Capital Project Sales Tax — not an additional tax, but the continuation of what is currently being paid by every visitor to Newberry County.

One CPST project is the restoration of the Old Post Office/former Library as The Newberry Museum. This project stands to centralize and stimulate heritage tourism for telling Newberry County’s story. The Newberry Museum will act as the hub to draw visitors to the museum and then inform and interest them to go back out into the county to see, not only Newberry’s historic sites, but to experience its cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.

The Newberry Museum is not being designed as the repository of dusty old things, but as a vibrant and vital economic factor in promoting all of Newberry County and Newberry College. It has been said that Newberry County is the Charleston County of the Up Country.

Like Charleston, Newberry County has well over 800 designated historic properties. Only Charleston and Berkeley counties had more Revolutionary battles and skirmishes fought on their soil. Newberry has a rich heritage of agriculture, industry, education, banking, and commercial development as well as stories of individual achievement that need to be told. Newberry County even rivals Charleston for its intriguing ghost stories.

Cultural and heritage tourism accounts for 23 percent of all domestic travel in the United States. Over 850 million people visited museums last year — more than to all major league sports events and theme parks combined. Statistics indicate that heritage tourists spend more and stay longer than other tourists.

Heritage tourists want to get off the beaten path to experience local foods and culture. In addition, heritage tourism spawns new businesses and a renewed sense of pride and community spirit. It is not an industry that has to be recruited, it is already here. Heritage tourism simply needs an organizational force to generate awareness.

Through interactive maps, themed and permanent exhibits, and educational programs, The Newberry Museum will be that force for Newberry County and College.

In addition to the museum, CPST projects include vital communication for public safety, needed repairs, improved facilities, and recreational enhancements. Remember a “YES” vote will cost no more, but a “NO” vote potentially will.

Denise Reid

Newberry