Innovations & New Educational Delivery Methods at Henricus Historical Park

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

March 2020 began an unforeseen process of innovation and reinvention for Henricus Historical Park. Henricus, a 17th century outdoor living history museum in Chester, Virginia, relies heavily on revenue derived from school field trips, special events, and general visitation to meet operating expenses. It is a regional cooperation supported by the central Virginia counties of Chesterfield and Henrico, and the 501(c)(3) Henricus Foundation; each party being responsible for one-third of the annual operating revenue.When COVID-19 struck, revenue-generating business, relied upon to meet Foundation obligations, dried up. Schools canceled field trips, special event bookings stopped, and museum events designed to generate revenue were halted. In addition, public support was cut by 35% in anticipation of significant county revenue shortfalls and nearly 40% of permanent museum employees were furloughed and ultimately laid-off permanently. With precipitous headwinds, Henricus employees seized the opportunity to reimagine delivery of educational programming, events, and the visitor experience. Now, nearly one year later, Henricus Historical Park continues to adapt, evolve, and innovate to meet and exceed the educational and programming expectations of students and visitors throughout central Virginia and beyond.