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Response 3: Describe how you will promote your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.*
<br />4| Collaboration
<br />Response 4.1: If your organization collaborates or has created partnerships with other organizations, groups, or other events,
<br />how is this accomplished?*
<br />The Kittitas County Historical Museum will focus its marketing on Seattle/Tacoma, Portland (OR), and Eastern Washington,
<br />areas where visitors are already predisposed to travel more than 50 miles or stay overnight. Based on guestbook data, about
<br />12% of visitors sign in, often representing families or groups, showing a strong demand for both day-trip and overnight
<br />experiences in Ellensburg and Kittitas County.
<br />Our evening lecture series, Historic Pub Crawl, walking tours, and special events consistently draw attendees from beyond
<br />Kittitas County. Guests have traveled from Arlington, Omak, Okanogan, Portland (OR), Auburn, Snohomish, Moses Lake, and
<br />even as far as California and international locations. Many report first hearing about these programs through online marketing
<br />and social media promotions, demonstrating the effectiveness of our digital outreach.
<br />For 2026, we will expand offerings to include eight lectures, with at least one presenter known to attract visitors from the Tri-
<br />Cities, Spokane, Puget Sound, and Northeast Oregon. Our Pub Crawl has already proven successful in generating tourism,
<br />drawing participants from across Washington and beyond, while walking tours regularly include visitors from other states and
<br />countries.
<br />We will promote new exhibits and events through a mix of targeted digital advertising, website updates, email newsletters, and
<br />collaborations with fellow museums, heritage sites, local businesses, and tourism organizations. By highlighting the Museum as
<br />a hub for unique regional experiences, we will encourage tourists to extend their visit, exploring other attractions in Ellensburg
<br />and Kittitas County.
<br />With proven success and a clear strategy, the Museum will serve as a key driver in attracting non-local visitors, generating
<br />increased day-trip and overnight tourism for the region.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Application Questions: Part 3
<br />The Kittitas County Historical Museum collaborates widely with organizations, businesses, and events to promote the history,
<br />heritage, and culture of Kittitas County. Each year, we host exhibits, programs, and activities that tie into local celebrations,
<br />community events, and regional tourism. We co-market with local businesses and non-profits, leveraging support from the
<br />Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, which expands our presence and engages new audiences.
<br />Key partnerships include Walking Tours with Gallery One and the Ellensburg Downtown Association; the History Pub Crawl with
<br />four local restaurants; Juneteenth celebrations, in collaboration with the Ellensburg Downtown Association, Central Washington
<br />University, the City of Ellensburg, and other local partners; exhibits highlighting the K’t ́taas people with the Ellensburg School
<br />District and other businesses; and an annual display in partnership with PSE Wild Horse Wind Farm. We also participate in
<br />events such as GustFest, the Threshing Bee & Equipment Show, Upper Kittitas County Nonprofit Day, and the Community
<br />Resource Fair, bringing historical programming to broader audiences.
<br />The Museum serves as a resource for historical artifacts, photographs, and research support for local events, businesses, and
<br />individuals, and provides space for statewide teacher-training and professional development. Regionally, we collaborate with the
<br />Roslyn Museum, Northern Kittitas County Historical Society (Carpenter House and Cle Elum Telephone Museum), Thorp Mill,
<br />Cascade Association of Museums and History, and Washington Museum Association, strengthening connections across Central
<br />Washington and statewide.
<br />We also integrate our work with heritage initiatives such as the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area and
<br />America250, linking local history to statewide and national celebrations. Through these partnerships, the Museum serves as
<br />both a community hub and a tourist destination, encouraging visitors to explore Ellensburg and Kittitas County while supporting
<br />local businesses, cultural organizations, and heritage initiatives.
<br />2500 character limit
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