These facilities, approximately 25,000 square feet of combined space, will allow all three organizations to serve our community better. The economic impact of this project cannot be overestimated. Visitors will travel to the Center for History and Art from near and far for exhibits and programs and to use the research facilities. In 1997, a record 225 million people visited our nation's museums. This means that museums have actually eclipsed theme parks in popularity.
Research indicates that cultural tourists stay longer and spend more than other tourists.
In America today, genealogy is the third-largest hobby. The Historical Society's library will draw thousands of visitors seeking their roots. Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of first-time visitors and over a third of all visitors to Virginia are heritage tourism visitors. HOW YOU CAN HELP Investing in your community's heritage is easy. All gifts are tax-deductible.