|
Response 6.1: Provide any additional information which will assist the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in evaluating your
<br />project and its benefit to tourism.
<br />The Kittitas County Historical Museum is more than a local attraction—it is a county-wide engine for cultural tourism, education,
<br />and economic activity. As one of the region’s oldest heritage organizations, we preserve and share the history, heritage, and
<br />culture of Kittitas County through unique exhibits, programs, and events that cannot be found elsewhere. With two staff and 20
<br />volunteers, the Museum efficiently delivers high-quality experiences, from the Ellensburg Blue Agate display and family history
<br />research to lectures, walking tours, scavenger hunts, and the History Pub Crawl.
<br />Our programming increasingly highlights diverse and underrepresented stories, connecting with new communities while
<br />strengthening engagement with longstanding audiences. Visitors frequently combine Museum visits with exploring towns,
<br />heritage sites, and recreational opportunities throughout Kittitas County, supporting local lodging, restaurants, shops, and
<br />businesses. Many attendees are drawn from outside the county, including statewide and international visitors, demonstrating the
<br />Museum’s role as a tourism destination with economic impact beyond its walls.
<br />Advertising is essential to maintain and grow this impact. Without outreach, many potential visitors would not know about these
<br />unique experiences, limiting tourism and economic benefits. Funds from the Lodging Tax Grant allow us to expand visibility,
<br />highlight new exhibits and diverse stories, and attract audiences who seek authentic, educational, and culturally rich
<br />experiences.
<br />The Museum also partners with schools, cultural organizations, Indigenous communities, and statewide initiatives like
<br />America250 and the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, delivering programming and preservation projects
<br />that extend throughout the county. Supporting this project strengthens the Museum’s ability to draw tourism, educate the public,
<br />preserve history and heritage, and contribute to the local creative economy—making Kittitas County a richer, more engaging
<br />destination for visitors.
<br />We appreciate the Committee’s consideration of this request, and we are confident that funding will allow the Museum to further
<br />its mission while continuing to benefit tourism and the broader community across Kittitas County.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Response 6.2: You may upload any supporting documents such as graphs, images, diagrams, marketing materials, etc.
<br />You are allowed to submit up to 3 single page (US Letter) documents in JPG, PDF or TIFF format
<br />2026 Application Questions - Working Doc.pdf 2.42MB
<br />7| Previous Lodging Tax Grant Information
<br />Response 7.1: Has your event received Lodging Tax funds in previous years?*
<br />No, this event/project has not previously received Lodging Tax Funding
<br />Yes, 1 year previous
<br />Yes, 2 years previous
<br />Yes, 3 years previous
<br />Yes, 4 or more years previous
<br />Response 7.2: Overall Attendance *
<br />Past Actual *Projected *
<br />8,144 10,000
<br />Response 7.3: Number of people travelling more than 50 miles for your event?*
<br />Past Actual *Projected *
<br />5,025 6,200
<br />Response 7.4: Number of people traveling from outside WA State for your event?*
<br />Past Actual *Projected *
<br />1,566 3,800
<br />Response 7.5: The number of overnight guests who stay in paid accommodations in Kittitas County for your event?*
|