Heritage Tourism Assessment Project (H-TAP)

for The City of Elizabeth

ln conjunction with

Sustainable Past = Sustainable Future 2010 N.J. Historic Preservation Conference

Prepared by John Reid Seitter JRS Consulting

226 38th St. Brigantine NJ 08203

856-816-1648 johnrseitter@aol.com

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Heritage Tourism Assessment Project (H-TAP) Elizabeth, New Jersey

Table of Contents Project Description Final Analysis Appendices

A. Sentinels of History B. Historic Site Surveys C. Infrastructure Surveys D. Assessment Material E. Participant Comments

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A GOAL OF HERITAGE TOURISM IN NEW JERSEY From the steps of the state capitol in Trenton to the streets of historic Elizabeth and Morristown, and on to the countryside and small towns of Gloucester and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey has the assets to promote and preserve its history and the potential to provide an educational and entertaining experience that will enrich the lives of tourists and residents alike. According to a 2006 study by Global Insight, Inc., tourism expenditures in New Jersey in 2005 totaled $36.3 billion. This included the flow-through of dollars from direct tourist expenditures to industries that indirectly benefited, such as food-providers and tour operators. Travel and tourism generated approximately 472,000 jobs within the state. Every 160 visitors creates one new job in New Jersey. A national study of cultural and heritage travel conducted in 2009 reveals that 78% of all U.S. leisure travelers participate in cultural and/or heritage activities while traveling. This translates to 118.3 million adults each year. The appeal of attracting these travelers is clear: Cultural heritage travelers spend an average of $994 per trip compared to only $611 for other leisure travelers. Collectively, cultural heritage travelers contribute more than $192 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The study found many positive attributes of cultural heritage travelers:

• They are more frequent travelers, reporting an average of 5.01 leisure trips in the past 12 months vs. 3.98 trips by non-cultural heritage travelers.

• They prefer leisure travel to be educational. • They will spend more on cultural and heritage activities. • They will travel farther to get the experiences they seek.

(Source: The Cultural and Heritage Traveler, 2009 Edition, Mandala Research, LLC; Study commissioned by National Trust for Historic Preservation, U.S. Cultural and Heritage Tourism Marketing Council and U.S. Department of Commerce.) This incredibly lucrative industry has a significant impact on New Jersey’s economy, bringing increased tax revenues and drawing new customers to local shops, restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions. New Jersey is blessed with a wide array of historic sites and museums located in the heart of the original 13 colonies which declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. As a consequence of its location, our state reflects many compelling themes in history: from the colonial period and the founding of the nation through the War for Independence, the beginnings of modern transportation and industrialization in the 19th century and into the 20th century with the rise of immigration, the struggle for women’s rights and emergence of New Jersey as a recreational destination. These are just a few of the historic narratives that are preserved and interpreted throughout the state.

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While our historic sites and main streets are ripe for development as destinations for visitors, there is much work to be done. The state’s heritage tourism resources and museums must incorporate creative and compelling programming, craft engaging exhibits in well-maintained facilities and employ professional staffing before they can be effectively marketed. Critical assessments must be undertaken and key initiatives must be implemented before sites can offer a viable product to visitors. We must decide, in a professional and analytical way, exactly which of more than 5,000 historic sites has the potential to become a heritage tourism destination. The Necessity of Assessment As we approach the year 2011, the state of New Jersey continues to struggle mightily with the issue of preserving the thousands of sites and buildings that represent over 300 years of its unique past. The New Jersey Heritage Tourism Task Force has produced a master plan intended to guide the development of heritage tourism in the state, which makes it clear that the future of preserving our state’s historic sites is directly linked to the development of a heritage tourism economy. Are sites open to the public on a regular and visitor-friendly basis, weekends and holidays? Is parking available? Are there restrooms? Is the site ADA compliant? These are just a few of the many issues to be considered when assessing the site’s potential to become a heritage tourism destination. A professionally conducted assessment will give those that wish to develop a heritage tourism product a strong foundation to consider the project’s feasibility and the ability to decide exactly what type of product best suits their needs. Who has the potential to develop heritage tourism products?

• Destination Marketing Organizations • Historic, Arts and Cultural Organizations • Chambers of Commerce • Municipalities • Counties • The State of New Jersey

Types of heritage tourism products include:

• Tours utilizing a guide (single or multiple sites) • Walking or driving self-guided tours. (utilizing print or online resources) • Audio and video tours • Bus or trolley tours connecting multiple sites • Context or theme development linking two or more sites

It may be premature to invest in high quality heritage tourism products before a site’s potential for tourism has been carefully considered. At this point two questions come to light: How do we assess the potential for heritage tourism? How do we proceed if such

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potential has been ascertained? The answer is the Heritage Tourism Assessment Product (H-TAP). H-TAP is a multidisciplinary approach that utilizes surveys, historic and tourism research, observation, focus groups and input by potential stakeholders. H-TAP’s core element is SWOT, an analytical tool that allows us to identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats faced by any potential heritage tourism site.

What is SWOT and how does it relate to Heritage Tourism? Identifying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of an organization, partnership or proposed project, is a basic and straightforward assessment model. What are the capabilities of an organization and the challenges to be confronted? What potential opportunities exist? SWOT analysis utilizes pertinent data and separates it into internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) issues. The analysis determines what may assist the organization in accomplishing its objectives and what obstacles must be overcome or minimized to achieve desired results.

• Strengths: internal attributes of the collaboration which are helpful to achieving the objective(s).

• Weaknesses: internal attributes of the collaboration which are harmful to achieving the objective(s).

• Opportunities: external conditions which are helpful to achieving the objective(s).

• Threats: external conditions which could do damage to the objective(s).

The SWOT process can be conducted in a variety of ways. Whether a professional consultant is hired or the organization undertakes a facilitated exercise with its own members and/or stakeholders, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to a successful SWOT analysis. The process must include a realistic set of goals, clear set of criteria and accompanying methodology, and the ability to conduct frank discussions amongst all stakeholders.

It is important to be realistic about the strengths and weaknesses of an organization, partnership or project. Distinguish between where it is today, and where it could be in the future. Also, remember to be specific by avoiding gray areas and always analyze in relation to the competition (are you better or worse than competition?). Finally, keep the SWOT analysis short and simple, avoid complexity and over-analysis. Use SWOT as a guide and not a prescription.

The outcome of a SWOT analysis should determine if the desired goal is obtainable. If so, what are the next steps necessary to move toward the goal? If it is determined that the goal is unattainable, then a new, more attainable goal needs to be selected.

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SWOT and Heritage Tourism: A successful heritage tourism product is created by combining one or more historic sites with supportive infrastructure, including local government and such associated tourism-related businesses as lodging, dining, retail and transportation. Historic sites should have the ability to tell an authentic, engaging story through a variety of interpretive methods. Sites should also provide visitors with basic amenities that will allow them to appreciate and enjoy fully their heritage tourism experience. Support by county and municipal governments is essential to a thriving tourism economy. That support can take many forms, including direct funding, in-kind services and advertising, and is best determined by needs and goals of the individual project. Creative partnerships and cooperative marketing are key elements to creating a successful heritage tourism product. Pooling limited resources will leverage new dollars and take advantage of existing expertise. The associated business community or chamber of commerce should recognize the economic value of heritage tourism to their individual enterprises, as well as the spillover impact on the larger community. Test Case: The City of Elizabeth Over the last six years, heritage tourism has become a focus of New Jersey’s annual state historic preservation conference. Tours, workshops and seminars have been offered to tourism providers, historic site managers and preservation professionals. With the increasing struggle to preserve New Jersey’s physical past and a growing awareness of tourism’s economic value, it has become apparent that a clear distinction must be made between a historic resource that should be preserved as a tangible remnant of our past and one that should be preserved because it will play a pivotal role in the creation of a heritage tourism destination. Simply put, not every historic structure or place will or should play a role in a tourism enterprise. The 2010 state conference was held in June, in the historic city of Elizabeth. The New Jersey Historic Trust, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (steward of the largest number of state-owned historic sites), the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the City of Elizabeth and Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce chose to conduct an assessment of the City of Elizabeth’s potential for producing and marketing a heritage tourism product. Included in this project were three of the city’s most significant historic sites: the Belcher-Ogden Mansion, Boxwood Hall, and the First Presbyterian Church and Cemetery. (Please see Appendix A for a descriptive historic essay) With over 340 years of history that spans the colonization of New Jersey to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, Elizabeth’s past is a treasure trove of people and events that are the story of the United States of America. There can be no doubt, however, that the period of the American Revolution in and around “Elizabethtown” (1775-1783) is an

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especially compelling tale, especially when considered within the context of New Jersey’s designation as the Crossroads of the American Revolution. In the case of the H-TAP project, all three of these historic sites are linked directly with the Revolutionary period. Early in the process, the majority of stakeholders agreed on the need to assess the viability of a walking tour highlighting Elizabeth’s role in the American Revolution as a potential tourism product. The Assets Belcher-Ogden Mansion (circa 1750): 1045 East Jersey Street Ownership: The Historical Society of Elizabeth NJ, Inc. Period of Historic Significance: 18th century, American Revolution Hours of operation: Tours by appointment only (Please see Appendix B for more information) Boxwood Hall (circa 1750): 1073 East Jersey Street Ownership: State of New Jersey (DEP) Period of Historic Significance: 18th century, American Revolution Hours of operation: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; Saturdays in summer (Please see Appendix B for more Information) 1st Presbyterian Church (1664, current structure circa 1785) Ownership: Presbytery of Elizabeth. Period of Historic Significance: 18th century, American Revolution Hours of operation: Tours by appointment only. Cemetery open to public (Please see Appendix B for more Information) Infrastructure and Heritage Tourism A vital element in the creation of any heritage tourism product is the existence of an infrastructure that will support those efforts. Entities of government, non-profit organizations and business can provide assistance with publicity, marketing and preservation. In the end, it is the business community that will monetarily benefit from tourism and clearly demonstrate heritage tourism’s positive economic impact on the community. For the H-TAP Elizabeth project, three key elements of infrastructure agreed to participate. (Please see Appendix C for more information) Union County Contact: Barbara Fuller Web site: www.ucnj.org/cultural City of Elizabeth Contact: Alonzo Jones

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Website: www.elizabethnj.org Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Contact: Gordon Haas Website: www.elizabethchamber.com The Process The H-TAP Elizabeth project, led by Barbara Irvine, Cate Litvack and John Seitter, was conducted as a workshop held in conjunction with the 2010 New Jersey Historic Preservation Conference at Union County College, Elizabeth Campus. Key elements in preparing for the workshop included:

• Tours of the historic resources • Meetings with all stakeholders • Informational surveys • Creation of a historic context essay • Drafting of all necessary support documents

Workshop participants served as the SWOT team and evaluated the potential of downtown Elizabeth to become a heritage tourism destination. The team toured three of the city’s most significant historic sites and had the opportunity to ask questions and interact with site staff and/or volunteers. They also had access to pertinent data gathered from these organizations and other stakeholders. The result of this exercise was the identification of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to any potential heritage tourism product. Lastly, the team presented a prioritized list of actionable steps for the City of Elizabeth’s Heritage Tourism Stakeholders. (Please see Appendix D for SWOT assessment material) Assessment Criteria A clear set of criteria that provides a baseline to judge the feasibility of creating a successful heritage tourism product was developed in advance and disseminated. Below is a partial list of the criteria (for both historic sites and infrastructure) utilized in the assessment of Elizabeth’s proposed walking tour. (Criteria worksheets) Historic sites Hours of operation Staffing Interpretation Quality of tour and or exhibits Website Parking

Infrastructure Tourism Marketing and Promotion Signage Convenient Mass Transportation Visitor parking Restaurants Lodging

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Accessible to public transit Restrooms ADA accessibility Exterior signage Brochures Advertising Partnerships with other Historic sites

Shopping Safety Common goal to develop heritage tourism

Evaluation of the criteria provided data that not only addressed the feasibility of heritage product development, but also guided us to the particular product(s) that have the greatest chance for success. These criteria were supplied to workshop participants as part of a package of background materials prior to the conference. Members of the SWOT team were encouraged to use the criteria in their evaluations and in the final SWOT analysis. Tour and Workshop Workshop leaders and 15 participants left Union County College and walked to First Presbyterian Church for a boxed lunch and tour of the facility. After an overview of the history of the church and future plans to create a visitor center and social service facility, the group proceeded to walk approximately one-half mile to Boxwood Hall. Catherine Craig, curator of the site, gave a tour of the house and answered questions concerning the strengths and weaknesses of the site as a heritage tourism resource. After a short walk to Belcher-Ogden Mansion, Dr. Paul Mattingly, president of the Historical Society of Elizabeth (HSE), led a tour and addressed issues concerning preservation, interpretation and future plans for utilizing the site. The workshop adjourned to the basement of Bonnell Hall, also owned by HSE and currently leased as office space to several non-profits, to conduct the SWOT assessment. The session began with the historic sites addressing the strengths and weaknesses of their individual sites as they relate to the development of tourism in Elizabeth. Infrastructure partners discussed how they support heritage tourism. (Please see Appendix C for a comprehensive list of how government and business support heritage tourism in Elizabeth) Through a facilitated forum, workshop participants discussed their observations openly while addressing the following criteria: List Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to the proposed heritage tourism product: (not in order of importance)

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Strengths Easy to walk Signage Shopping Parking Public transportation Authenticity Nearby schools Shared Story/Linkage New Jersey Historical Significance Quality of sites Support System/Advocates

Weaknesses Inconsistent hours of operation Lack of historical context connecting sites Lack of professional staffing Bathrooms Sites are passive not interactive Accessibility (Sites not ADA compliant) No Visitor Center No temperature/climate controls Lack of networking between sites Lack of web presence No marketing Perception of safety in urban area

Opportunities Turn the story of diversity around Engage new audiences Work with educational community Chance to tell authentic/engaging stories Connect history and food Work with business community Engage people in the urban experience

Threats Lack of funding Volunteers and professional staff Non-welcoming, needs greater visitor friendliness Lack of long-term resolve Competition from other recreational venues Need larger critical mass of historic resources View of others as outsiders Cleanliness of city

Identify the most significant Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat to the proposed heritage tourism product: Strength: Authenticity Weakness: Lack of cooperation between

sites Opportunity: Turn the story of diversity around

Threat: Lack of funding

Create a Prioritized list of “next” actionable steps for Elizabeth’s heritage tourism stakeholders:

1) Capitalize on Authenticity: Create a contextualized tour highlighting the role of these three sites in the American Revolution

2) Create a consortium of stakeholders to network and plan 3) Fundraise to support the historic sites 4) Engage the community as means of support and developing new audiences

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Conclusion It was clear that participants of the workshop realized the potential for linking these three sites to tell the story of Elizabeth in the American Revolution. In fact, the main strength of Belcher-Ogden, Boxwood Hall and First Presbyterian Church is that they are authentic and unique treasures that provide an important link to New Jersey’s past. The sites are well preserved and there is a very strong infrastructure in place. Participants also recognized that there are considerable challenges to overcome in creating a guided walking tour for individual visitors and groups. After reviewing the workshop-related material, it was evident that the key to creating a successful heritage tourism product is the creation of a consortium of the three sites to address issues raised by the SWOT workshop. Once that consortium is formed, the final “prioritized list” presents a very clear, concise and practical set of next steps to lay the foundation for a first-class heritage tourism product that will benefit the historic sites and their surrounding community.

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Final Analysis The conclusions and proposed actions steps of the SWOT team were general due to the abbreviated nature of the workshop. Team leaders, however, by utilizing surveys, interviews and on-site inspections, were able to deliver a more detailed final analysis concerning the feasibility of a guided walking tour in downtown Elizabeth. Belcher Ogden Mansion: The-all volunteer Historical Society of Elizabeth has done a tremendous job preserving the structure and making it available to a wide variety of local groups for tours and meetings. The prospect of leasing the mansion for private functions, such as weddings and receptions, is under discussion. The fact that Belcher-Ogden is an authentic link to New Jersey’s past and the birth of our nation is a crucial factor in its importance as a heritage tourism resource. There are issues, however, which prevent the use of this site on a regular basis. The all-volunteer board and small group of additional volunteers are unable to provide tours or visitor information on a regular basis. There are no restroom facilities and the site is not ADA compliant. The perceived lack of a well-researched, scripted narrative is also a drawback. Finally, the Historical Society’s focus on 20th century Elizabeth, community involvement, and the use of its structures as meeting places, stretch human resources to the point that it is not feasible to include Belcher-Ogden in a regularly scheduled walking tour. Boxwood Hall: Owned and operated by the state of New Jersey, Boxwood Hall is staffed by one full-time professional, curator Catherine Craig. It is open on a regular basis for tours and also is equipped with a suitcase program available to schools, local groups and organizations. There is on site parking, interpretive signage recently installed by the city of Elizabeth and easy access to public transportation. The structure itself is in need of repair and preservation work. There is a question of how this historic treasure would stand up to the physical impact of increased public access. Before including Boxwood Hall in regularly scheduled walking tours, an up-to-date historic structures report (HSR) should be undertaken. Other issues include lack of a friends/volunteer group to support the curator, and the need for more fully realized exhibits placing Boxwood Hall in the context of “Elizabeth Town” in the American Revolution. Restroom facilities also need updating and the issue of ADA compliance should be addressed. With its professional staff and regular hours of operation, Boxwood Hall is on the verge of becoming a vital component in building a heritage tourism product in Elizabeth. Serious consideration must be given to the deficiencies noted above before that can take place.

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First Presbyterian Church and Cemetery: With a history that dates back over 350 years, an active congregation and friends group, First Presbyterian Church and Cemetery is located in the heart of Elizabeth’s downtown, adjacent to Union County offices and the campus of the county college. The friends group has been very active in raising funds to preserve and interpret these tremendous historic resources and the church has gone to great lengths to preserve its archives. Tours are offered upon request by a very willing group of volunteers, the Church is ADA compliant, interpretive signage has recently been installed by the city of Elizabeth and there is easy access to public transportation. There is no denying the potential of the church and cemetery as tourism assets, but there are several issues that should be addressed. The first is the lack of a well-researched, scripted narrative linking the site to the American Revolution. In addition, sidewalks pose a severe danger to visitors. Both are drawbacks which can be remedied. While the church and friends group provide a strong foundation of support for preserving church and cemetery, there is a question of conflicting missions and how that would impact a potential heritage tourism product. The congregation has and will continue to play a role in the everyday life of Elizabeth. Plans are in place to expand facilities that meet the spiritual and physical needs of the less fortunate citizens of the City. The strain that this growth puts on both human and fiscal resources could create a conflict with development of a heritage tourism product. The City of Elizabeth: The City clearly understands the importance of its history and the role that it can play socially and economically in future development. There is a system of citywide signage directing visitors to the downtown historic area and new interpretive signage has been erected recently at The Historical Society and Boxwood Hall. The City has created a Bureau of Tourism, Cultural & Heritage Affairs that works to partner with historic and business assets in marketing and promoting Elizabeth as a visitor destination. Working in cooperation with Union County, a new walking tour brochure for the Historic Midtown District has been created to encourage heritage tourism. There are also a wide range of cultural and historic events throughout the year, made possible thanks to partnerships between the City of Elizabeth, Union County and the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce. Two shortcomings, noted by the SWOT team and leaders, concern the perception of safety in an urban environment and the cleanliness of the environment. Both issues are being addressed aggressively by city government, but remain a major concern in developing any type of tourism-based economy. Union County: the Union County Cultural and Heritage Commission plays a major role in the future of heritage tourism in the region, from owning and operating three historic parks to promoting and supporting many of the County’s historic sites, By providing professional assistance, capital and program funding and partnering with the City of Elizabeth, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce and other entities, Union County clearly is a major supporter of developing heritage tourism. (Please see Appendix C for more Details).

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The current state of New Jersey’s economy and the constant need for county government to reduce costs and expenditures makes it difficult, however, to predict the county’s future role in heritage tourism in this economic climate. The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce: Representing a wide range of visitor related businesses, dining, retail, lodging and transportation, the chamber is active via four publications and an active web presence in marketing the city as a destination. There are also ongoing partnerships with county and city government, creating opportunities to improve Elizabeth’s midtown district and highlight its rich history. While the Chamber has tremendous potential as a heritage tourism partner and does support Elizabeth’s historic sites to a degree, it is crucial that a formal partnership be created that will benefit the city’s business community and historic assets. Feasibility The original goal of the H-TAP Elizabeth project was to access the feasibility of creating a guided walking tour connecting three of the city’s historic sites while telling the story of the American Revolution. Through the information gathered at the workshop and by the team leaders, it appears that t the type of walking tour proposed is not feasible at this time. That being said, by using the action steps provided by the SWOT team and workshop, there is potential for developing such a product in the future. Meanwhile, the team leaders believe that by utilizing the strengths of all of the Elizabeth stakeholders, there are heritage tourism products that can be produced and some that are already in place that can highlight the great potential of heritage tourism in Elizabeth. Future projects include:

• Audio/Video Podcasts • Website providing information for self-guided tours • Walking tours that do not include access to sites • Historic reenactments • Printed brochure on Elizabeth and the Revolution • Seminar/Conference

Current Projects include:

• Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through a County’s History • Elizabeth at the Crossroads: A Self-Guided Walking Tour • Union County Heritage Festival

Funding for the future projects or to enhance current work is available from a variety of state agencies.

• New Jersey Historic Trust • New Jersey Historical Commission

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• New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism We appreciate this opportunity to work with the New Jersey Historic Trust, Union County, City of Elizabeth, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society of Elizabeth, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and First Presbyterian Church on this project. In our research and work we discovered a treasure trove of historic sites that tell the story of the colonization of New Jersey and the birth of our nation. And while there is much work to be done to preserve and interpret these assets; they have a tremendous future as educational and economic resources. By capitalizing on all of the potential, working together to overcome the challenges and addressing the realities of creating a professional quality heritage tourism experience, the City of Elizabeth has unlimited possibilities.

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Appendix A

Sentinels of History

A Contextual History for The

Elizabeth H-TAP Project

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Sentinels of History: Three Historic Sites of Elizabeth Town

By: Charles Shallcross

From the earliest days of Elizabethtown, three venerable structures have

witnessed a remarkable history, including the growth of the town, the violence of wars,

the birth of a nation and all of the joys and sorrows that accompany such events. These

silent sentinels of history have endured and survived the vicissitudes of man and nature

for more than three centuries, bearing testimony to the history that has passed by their

doors.

Although there are many sites of historical significance in the city of Elizabeth,

none were as closely linked during the desperate years of the American Revolution as the

First Presbyterian Church, Boxwood Hall and the Belcher-Ogden Mansion. The First

Presbyterian Church, “Old First,” was the center of worship and seat of government from

the beginning of Elizabethtown in 1664. The first General Assembly met there in May of

1668.

As the church neared the end of its first century, it witnessed the arrival of its

most famous minister. Reverend James Caldwell, who would become known as “The

Fighting Parson,” came to Elizabethtown in 1762. The 28-year-old newly ordained

minister, already a strong proponent of colonial independence, would continue to urge

even greater support for the Patriots’ cause through his fiery sermons in the years before

the outbreak of war with Great Britain.

As revolution grew near and tensions mounted, the pastor and his church became

a target for those loyal to the King of England. Refusing to be silenced, Caldwell

continued to speak out. Indeed, legend has it that the situation became so dangerous that

the minister began to preach with a loaded brace of pistols at the pulpit. Not content with

simply preaching for the cause of independence, he enlisted as a Chaplin in Colonel Elias

Dayton’s Third New Jersey Regiment when hostilities broke out. Reverend Caldwell was

later appointed Deputy Quartermaster General and Assistant Commissary General of the

Continental Army.

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Sadly, neither Caldwell nor his church would survive the trials of the Revolution.

In January, 1780, the First Presbyterian was burned during one of the numerous

devastating raids conducted by British forces, encamped on nearby Staten Island. In

1781, Reverend James Caldwell was killed while attempting to visit prisoners held at the

Elizabethtown Waterfront. The previous year, his wife, Hannah, had been killed by a

British soldier during the Battle of Connecticut Farms in what is now Union Township.

That tragic event is today immortalized in the Seal of Union County.

Still not recovered from the loss of their minister’s wife, the beleaguered citizens

of Elizabethtown gathered again in sorrow as Elias Boudinot delivered a eulogy “of

surpassing pathos” over the body of the fallen pastor, as it lay in state on the steps of

Boxwood Hall. Assembled around the bier, in what must have been a scene of utter

heartbreak, were the nine orphaned Caldwell children.

The church, rebuilt after the war, has endured fire and natural disaster, and today

continues to serve the spiritual and social needs of the citizens of Elizabeth. The adjacent

churchyard, containing some of the oldest gravestones in New Jersey, still bears proud

witness to the role played by the “Old First” and its congregation during the tumultuous

years of the founding of our nation. The cemetery contains the remains of 227 soldiers of

the American Revolution, including three generals. The final resting place of the

“Fighting Parson” and his wife, Hannah, is in a prominent spot, marked by a beautiful

monument.

Boxwood Hall, a short walk from the ruins of the First Presbyterian Church, was

the residence of one of Elizabethtown’s most prominent citizens, Elias Boudinot. He was

born in Philadelphia in 1740, where his family lived next door to a print shop. Young

Elias spent many happy hours at the shop, marveling at the latest creations and

experiments of its famous proprietor, Benjamin Franklin. Neither young Elias nor

Franklin realized how their paths would cross again in the years to come.

Having become a successful and prominent attorney, Boudinot settled in

Elizabethtown in 1760. Eight years later, he purchased Boxwood Hall, an imposing 18-

room Georgian mansion on an estate that extended from present day Lafayette Street to

Elizabeth Avenue.

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As tensions increased between Great Britain and her colonies, Boudinot become

more active as a Patriot, and was elected to the New Jersey Provincial Assembly in 1775.

In 1777, he was appointed Commissary General of Prisoners by the Continental

Congress. He was elected to Congress later that same year.

Boudinot remained a member of the Second Continental Congress and in the year

between November 4, 1782 and November 3, 1783, he was elected President of

Congress. During this term under the Articles of Confederation, Elias Boudinot, acting on

a resolution proposed by his old friend Benjamin Franklin, signed the treaty ending the

American Revolution.

Having been a valued friend and compatriot to George Washington during the war

for independence, Boudinot was honored by a visit to Boxwood Hall on April 23, 1789,

as Washington traveled to New York for his inauguration as first President of the United

States. One can only imagine the conversations shared around the table during that

historic lunch in the dining room of Boxwood Hall.

Elias Boudinot left Elizabethtown and his beloved home in 1795, upon assuming

duties as the Director of the United States Mint in Philadelphia. The house was sold to

Jonathan Dayton, who lived there until his death in 1824. Dayton, who had been the

youngest signer of the Constitution, hosted a special visit to Boxwood Hall by the

Marquis de Lafayette during the latter’s American tour in 1824. The two old comrades

enjoyed a pleasant reunion and just in time, as it happened, for Dayton died just a week

after the visit.

The ensuing years saw the old house serving in various capacities as a private

residence, school and finally as a home for “Aged Women.” The ladies of Boxwood Hall

were well aware of the history of their home and took great pride in its heritage. In the

late 1930’s the old house was scheduled for demolition. Funds were raised by concerned

citizens, including a very effective campaign of donations from the school children of

Elizabeth, and the house was purchased in 1938. It was turned over to the State of New

Jersey and restored to its 18th century appearance. Today, Boxwood Hall continues to be

maintained as a museum and educational resource and is open to the public.

Across the street and slightly to the east stands one of the most historically

significant structures in New Jersey.

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Although it is not known with certainty, port ons of the house may date back to 1680.

The house stands on the town lot of John Ogden, son of Elizabethtown’s legendary

founder, John Ogden, Sr.

Already old when Boxwood Hall was built, the Belcher-Ogden House became the

residence of the Royal Governor of New Jersey, Jonathan Belcher, upon his move from

Burlington to Elizabethtown in 1751. Belcher resided in the house until his death in 1757.

The house was then purchased by William Peartree Smith, a prominent lawyer. The

wealthy Smith and his family lived in the house in good style and enjoyed the home’s

spacious living quarters, gardens and orchards.

As tensions between Great Britain increased, Smith became more active in his

opposition to English rule. At a provincial convention in July 1771, he was named to

head a local committee of correspondence. This important position assured swift and

accurate communication of vital news and information. Peartree Smiths’s efforts in

support of the revolutionary cause put his family and home in danger. His son, Belcher

Smith, was taken prisoner by the British and the house was ransacked on at least one

occasion with damages estimated at almost 1,000 pounds. Amid the danger and

destruction of war, a happy event briefly lifted the spirits of the besieged little town. In

the fall of 1778, a grand wedding took place in the house. Smith’s daughter, Caty, was

married to Elisha Boudinot, brother of Elias.

Unlike so many others, the old house survived the war years and in 1812 became

the home of New Jersey Governor, Aaron Ogden. Following a succession of owners in

the 1800’s, the house was owned for the first half of the 20th century by Warren C. Dix, a

prominent Elizabeth Attorney. The Belcher-Ogden Mansion was acquired by Mrs. John

Kean and Edward J. Grassman in the early 1960’s and was painstakingly restored to

reflect its 18th century appearance. Today it serves as a unique resource that allows

visitors to step back in time and experience life in Revolutionary-era Elizabethtown.

It has been a long time, in many ways, since Hessian soldier Philipp Waldeck

wrote the following entry in his diary in December of 1776: “Elizabeth Town is the most

agreeable place one can imagine, comfortable for trade, as one can sail to the middle of

city in sloops. The layout of the city is widely spread; the houses, which are very nice, are

built far apart and large vegetable gardens and fruit orchards lie between.”

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The gardens and orchards are long gone and the noise and traffic of a 21st century

city would frighten and confound its 18th century inhabitants, but 1st Presbyterian,

Boxwood Hall and the Belcher-Ogden Mansion still stand. Linked together by history

they continue to remind us of a time when Elizabethtown and its brave citizens stood on

the front lines in the struggle for Independence.

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Appendix B

Historic Site Surveys

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Heritage-Tourism Assessment Survey

For Historic Sites

Site Administration

Organization Name: THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY; ELIZABETH NJ INC

Address: 1045 EAST JERSEY, #101, ELIZABETH NJ 07201

Phone: 908 353 1511

Fax Number: SAME

Email address: paulmattingly@optonline.net

Organization website: http://www.visithistoricalelizabethnj.org

Hours of operation: as historical society, by appointment

Admission fee: NONE

Ownership: BONNELL HOUSE (1682) AND BELCHER-GDEN MANSION (1750s)

Number of paid employees: PART-TIME COLLEGE STUDENTS AS NEEDED

Number of volunteers: SIX

Approximate number of visitors annually: DEPENDS WHO IS COUNTING (who exactly is a visitor?)

Interpretation and Programming

Organization Mission: BUILDING RESTORATION/ NEW CITY NARRATIVE (ESP OF 20TH CENTURY)

Site’s period of History: 17TH CENTURY TO PRESENT

What is special about your historic site? ITS ASSOCIATION WITH TWO NJGOVERNORS AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH GEORGE WASHINGTON, ALEXANDER HAMILTON, MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE, JONATHAN EDWARDS ETC

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School programming, if any: SCHOOL GROUPS VISIT

Off-site programming, if any: SOME OF OUR ELIZABETH FORUMS WERE HELD IN SENIOR CENTER FACILITIES, ELIZ HIGH SCHOOL, ETC

On-site tours and/or interpretational programming: ON AN AD HOC BASIS

Who provides site interpretation? SELECT TRUSTEES PLUS ORIENTING VIDEO

Themes, stories and collections unique to the site: AMONG SEVERAL EXPAMPLES, THE BELCHER –OGDEN HAS AN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD ASSOCIATION

Do you request feedback from visitors? YES

Group Tours

Tour capacity: 20-30 MAX

Is there a gathering area for large groups? BELCHER OGDEN BACKYARD HAS HOSTED SOME

Is your facility available to rent for private functions? NO

Bus Parking:NO

Visitor Amenities

Handicap accessibility: NO

Visitor Parking:YES

Accessible to Mass Transit:YES (bus and train)

Restrooms: YES

Nearby restaurants and lodging: YES

Describe directional signage to your site: A NEW GENERATION OF SIGNAGE IS NOW GOING UP

Marketing and Cooperative efforts

Do you update your website with relevant visitor information? How often? YES, SOMETIMES MONTHLY, DEPENDING ON CIRCUMSTANCES

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Do you have brochures describing your site? Where are they available? YES ON SITE

Do you advertise? Where? Annual Budget? ADVERTISING WHEN LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND TV STATIONS ARE FORTHCOMING

Do you actively partner with other historic sites? businesses? governmental agencies? YES, FOR EXAMPLE, WE ARE COSPONSORING A BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT (Feb 10) WITH UNION COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE. BONNELL HOUSE’S GROUND FLOOR IS REGULARLY USED BY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, INCL BOARD OF EDUCATION.

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Heritage-Tourism Assessment Survey

For Historic Sites

Site Administration

Organization Name: Boxwood Hall State Historic Site

Address: 1073 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Phone: 908-282-7617

Fax Number: 908-282-7616

Email address: Boxwood73@aol.com

Organization website:

Hours of operation: Usually 9-12; 1-5, Mon-Fri; Saturdays in summer

Admission fee: None

Ownership: NJDEP, Division of Parks & forestry

Number of paid employees: 1 (plus one summer seasonal)

Number of volunteers: varies

Approximate number of visitors annually: 1,000

Interpretation and Programming

Organization Mission: To preserve an eighteenth century house & interpret its place in the history of the City of Elizabeth, the State of New Jersey & country of the united States.

Site’s period of History: Mid eighteenth century to mid twentieth century

What is special about your historic site? Owners & visitors of national significance. House was saved from destruction by grass roots efforts. Excellent collection of US furniture, 1760-1840. Original decorative & architectural details.

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School programming, if any: On request, on or off site. No charge.

Off-site programming, if any: Schools, senior citizens clubs, service organizations. Any age, no charge.

On-site tours and/or interpretational programming: Guided tours of site; special interest groups welcome. Children very welcome.

Who provides site interpretation? 1) Permanent paid staff member; 2) Seasonal paid staff member; 3) Volunteers

Themes, stories and collections unique to the site:

Themes: Changes in the city, changes in the house. Upper class life in Colonial America. The role of New Jersey in the American Revolution.

Stories: Home of Second President of US under Articles of Confederation. Home of youngest signer of Constitution. Connection to both Alexander Hamilton & Aaron Burr. George Washington had lunch here. Elizabeth, NJ during the American Revolution: caught in the middle.

Collections: Excellent collection of US furniture. Personal effects of individuals of national & local importance. Reference materials including out of print books & vertical file.

Do you request feedback from visitors? No system yet inplace

Group Tours

Tour capacity: About 30, depending on age & abilities

Is there a gathering area for large groups? No.

Is your facility available to rent for private functions? No.

Bus Parking: With notice, space can be reserved in front of the house for out of city busses. Elizabeth school busses can use local lot.

Visitor Amenities

Handicap accessibility: Partial. First floor only, does not include rest rooms.

Visitor Parking: Lot behind house, city parking free on street.

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Accessible to Mass Transit: NJT # 62 & 24 busses pass front door; other lines stop 21/2 blocks from site. NJT Northeast Corridor/ Jersey Coast Line local train station 4 blocks from site. Newark Liberty Airport (less than 5 miles away) accessible by rail or #62 bus.

Restrooms: Very limited & not handicap accessible

Nearby restaurants and lodging: Restaurants within walking distance of site range from fine dining to fast food. Hotels are located near airport , Jersey Gardens Mall, and along Route 1&9. Most have some access to public transportation.

Describe directional signage to your site: Four Centuries in a Weekend signs provided by Union County. Wayfinding signs provided by City of Elizabeth

Marketing and Cooperative efforts

Do you update your website with relevant visitor information? How often? State website only

Do you have brochures describing your site? Where are they available? Brochures are limited in number & available at site.

Do you advertise? Where? Annual Budget? No.

Do you actively partner with other historic sites? businesses? governmental agencies? Yes!

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Heritage-Tourism Assessment Survey

For Historic Sites

Site Administration

Organization Name: First Presbyterian Church (Old First Historic Trust)

Address: 42 Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ, 07201

Phone: 908/353-1518

Fax Number: 908/353-0492

Email address: admin@fpcenj.org

Organization website: Church: www.fpcenj.org

Trust: www.oldfirsthistorictrust.org

Hours of operation: Currently closed for Interior renovation

Admission fee: To be determined

Ownership: First Presbyterian Church

Number of paid employees: Trust : 1 Church: 1 f/t 3 p/t

Number of volunteers: 20

Approximate number of visitors annually: Limited while renovations underway

Interpretation and Programming

Organization Mission: To serve the city of Elizabeth through social services, cultural enhancement, and civic education

Site’s period of History: From 1664 to present

What is special about your historic site? This was the original meeting and worship place of the leaders of the Colony of New Jersey, beginning in 1664. Early governors, such as Philip Carteret are buried here. The institution known as Princeton University was

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founded here. First Presbyterian Church was the center of anti-British activity during the American Revolution, resulting in the death of its pastor, James Caldwell, his wife Hannah, and the burning of the church in 1780. (Hannah’s death is depicted on the Seal of Union County). Many local, state, and national leaders are buried in our cemetery.

School programming, if any: Groups are welcome by appointment

Off-site programming, if any: Presentations are available offered by members of the Trust and the Church

On-site tours and/or interpretational programming: We participate in Union County’s Four Centuries Weekend every October and host the annual reenactment of the Battle of Springfield.

Who provides site interpretation? Members of the church and the Trust are available

Themes, stories and collections unique to the site: It can be said without much bravado that New Jersey began here. One only need to read the inscriptions on the headstones in our cemetery to realize many of the streets, towns, schools and other institutions in North-Central NJ are named after these individuals. The church has a small collection of papers and artifacts dating to colonial and pre-colonial times. We have vintage photographs from the 19th and early 20th centuries. These have all be electronically archived and are available to be viewed on a stand-alone computer.

Do you request feedback from visitors? No.

Group Tours

Tour capacity: 25+

Is there a gathering area for large groups? Yes

Is your facility available to rent for private functions? Yes

Bus Parking: Yes

Visitor Amenities

Handicap accessibility: Elevator to be installed

Visitor Parking: Limited, Public parking nearby

Accessible to Mass Transit: NJ Transit Bus service is in front of the church. NJT Rail (NE Corridor Line) 2 blocks from the church

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Restrooms: Yes

Nearby restaurants and lodging: Yes

Describe directional signage to your site: Located next to Union County courthouse

Marketing and Cooperative efforts

Do you update your website with relevant visitor information? How often? Website has just been launched

Do you have brochures describing your site? Yes Where are they available? At the Church

Do you advertise? Not yet Where? N/A Annual Budget? N/A

Do you actively partner with other historic sites? businesses? governmental agencies? We work extensively with Union County, the Elizabeth Development Corporation, and the Elizabeth Midtown Special Improvement District. We are open to partnering with any group interested in promoting tourism and history in this part of New Jersey.

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Appendix C Infrastructure Surveys

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Heritage Tourism Survey for Municipalities Name of Municipality: City of Elizabeth Population: 124,755 Address of government offices 50 Winfield Scott Plaza Website: www.elizabethnj.org Contact person: Email address: Is your Municipality interested in promoting itself as a tourism and /or heritage tourism destination? YES Do you have an office and/ or individual dedicated to promoting tourism? YES, Alonzo Jones, Bureau of Tourism Cultural & Heritage Affairs Do you own or manage any historic sites? If so, do you promote them? NO Do you have directional signage to cultural and historic resources within the city? If yes, please give details. City wide signage program, signs to Boxwood Hall since they are open to the public, directionals to Liberty Museum Please list your 5 top tourism assets? Jersey Gardens Mall, Ikea, Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park, Variety of Restaurants, Tour de Elizabeth (15 mile bike ride), States biggest Portuguese Parade, Elizabeth Latin Waterfront Festival, Run for Children, Columbian Festival Please list your top 5 historic assets? Boxwood Hall, First Presbyterian Church, Historic Midtown Business district (includes Hirsch Tower, Banks buildings, cemeteries), County Courthouse, City Hall, Old Train Station building (current restaurant) Please list all mass transportation resources within your city. NJ Transit –Bus, Train (northeast corridor) Does the city publish and distribute any heritage tourism related materials? If so, please list. Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce puts out a magazine representing the City of Elizabeth, ‘Go Elizabeth’ in the star-ledger comes out first Thursday of every month, and the new CVB puts out a ‘Great Destinations Await You in Newark & Elizabeth’ magazine

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Are there any current cooperative efforts with local historic sites? Any future plans? Yes, projects with the Elizabeth Historical Society in conjunction with Bonnell House and Belcher Ogden, projects with Boxwood Hall, Is there currently any funding provided to support historic sites, (operating, capital, marketing)? CDBG, EDC and UEZ (???? For all 3) Does your municipality promote or encourage heritage tourism? Yes, definitely. The county just produced a new ‘walking tour’ for the Historic Midtown District, and the aim of the Convention Visitor’s Bureau to promote heritage tourism. Please describe parking resources in your Mid-town area Parking garage for 585 cars, construction of a 1500 car garage, street parking, parking lots on Dickinson/Jefferson Ave and Commerce Place Do you advertise the city as a visitor destination? If so, please give details. . Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce puts out a magazine representing the City of Elizabeth, ‘Go Elizabeth’ in the star-ledger comes out first Thursday of every month, and the new CVB puts out a ‘Great Destinations Await You in Newark & Elizabeth’ magazine. The CVB (The City is a partner with the newly created Convention Visitors Bureau) Additional comments:

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Heritage Tourism Survey for Counties County: County of Union Website(s) www.ucnj.org/cultural www.ucnj.org/parks Contact Person: Barbara Fuller, Administrator Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs Phone: 908-558-2555 Email address: bfuller@ucnj.org Does the County own and or operate any historic sites?

• Deserted Village of Feltville-Glenside Park Operation Archaeology program for fifth grades Tours of the Village Hayrides

• Warinanco Park, part of the Union County Park System, designed by the Olmsted Brothers Fields for team sports Playground Paddle boats Fitness trail Ice skating in season

• Oak Ridge Park, site of the Battle of Ash Swamp in 1777 Archery range Hike path Bike path

Does you county have a Cultural and Heritage Commission? If so what is its mission?

• Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs provides programs and services for non-profit arts and history organizations and to individual visual and performing artists to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to fully share in and benefit from the rich multi-cultural arts, history and historic resources of Union County. Does the County promote itself as a tourism destination? How?

• UC Summer Arts Festival, July and August • Kids Kingdom, July and August • Family Flix, July and August • MusicFest, September

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• Heritage Festival, last Sunday of September • Hayrides and Campfires, November • Haunted Hayrides, November • Four Centuries in a Weekend . . . a Journey Through UC’s History,

October • Pumpkin Sail, November • Thanksgiving Brook Bowl at the Skating Center, November • Skating with Santa, December • HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program

supports programs presented by nonprofit organizations and individuals • Union County Tourism Master Plan 2007

Please list your 5 top tourism assets?

• MusicFest, 40-50,000 people • Union County Park System • Watchung Reservation • Deserted Village of Feltville-Glenside Park, 20,000 people walk through

plus those attending events there • History related to the American Revolution

Please list your top 5 historic assets?

• Union County Park System designed by the Olmsted Brothers • Deserted Village of Feltville-Glenside Park • Union County Performing Arts Center • Union County Courthouse • History related to the American Revolution

Does the County currently have a relationship with the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism?

• Informal relationship

Is the county currently working with individual municipalities to develop a tourism industry?

• The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs works with 25 historic sites located in 17 municipalities to present Four Centuries in a Weekend

Does the county provide funding for Historic sites (GOS, Capital or Marketing)

• The Preserve Union County Grant Program provides capital funds for the preservation and restoration of sites owned by nonprofit history organizations and municipalities

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• HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program, an initiative of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, supports special projects

Does the county currently publish any heritage tourism related materials?

• Union County Yesterday, high points of Union County’s history • In and About Union County . . . from Berkeley Heights to Winfield, comprehensive listing of cultural organizations and activities, archival/genealogical/historical resources, municipality histories • Four Centuries in a Weekend materials including a guidebook/map coloring book, activity kit and Time Traveler Certificate • History of the Union County Park System • Elizabeth at the Crossroads, a self-guided walking tour through historic mid-town Elizabeth

Does the County produce any heritage tourism related events?

• Heritage Festival, last Sunday in September • Four Centuries in a Weekend, third full weekend in October

What would the county’s role be in any large scale development of a heritage tourism industry in the county?

• It would be difficult to predict the county’s role at this time because of the uncertainty of county and state budgets due to the economic climate.

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Chamber of Commerce Survey Name of Organization: Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Contact person: Gordon F. Haas, CEO Maira Santana, Membership Director Phone: 908 355-7600 Email address: gecc@juno.com Website: elizabethchamber.com Goelizabethnj.com Mission: "The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce is organized to

advance the human progress & general welfare, prosperity, and quality of life within the business and corporate community so that citizens within its service area shall prosper and advance through an economic, political and social system based on individual freedom, incentive, initiative, opportunity and responsibility. To achieve this mission, particular attention and emphasis will be given to the promotion of cultural diversity, as well as the economic, social, civic, commercial, industrial, educational and employment interests of the City of Elizabeth and surrounding communities."

Number of you organization’s members that are: Dining establishments: 19 Lodging establishments: 8 Retailers: 21 Rental car and transportation companies: 2 Banks: 15 Historic sites: 2 Arts Related Attractions: 5 Is a goal of your organization to increase tourism and bring greater economic benefits to Elizabeth? Yes. This is being accomplished by our affiliation with the Liberty International Initiative of the Greater Newark Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

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Does your organization market Elizabeth as a visitor destination? If yes, please explain how. 1. Our “GoElizabethNJ” monthly tabloid insert in the Star-Ledger.

2. The Bi-annual Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Travel Guide. 3. Our Annual Advertorial in the NJ State Travel Guide 4. “Elizabeth” Magazine distributed to all local hotels for their rooms. This is also sent as a part of “relocation” information.

Do members of your organization currently partner with Elizabeth’s historic sites? Not Sure Is your chamber currently working with a Destination Marketing Organization and/or the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. If so, please explain.

We were Founding partners of the Liberty International Initiative of the Greater Newark CVB

Please list in order Elizabeth’s top 5 tourism assets (reasons for people to travel here). NO PARTICULAR ORDER

1. Jersey Gardens Mall 2. Historical Midtown area (Walking Tour) 3. Boxwood Hall 4. Liberty Hall Museum (Elizabethtown) 5. Historical Collection at Elizabeth Public Library 6. First Presbyterian Church & Graveyard 7. Many more Historical Assets too numerous to mention.

Additional Comments:

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Appendix D Assessment Material

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Workshop Summary

Heritage Tourism Assessment Project (H-TAP) in Elizabeth New Jersey Experience how heritage tourism initiatives begin! Using the City of Elizabeth as a case study, workshop participants will serve as a heritage tourism SWOT team to evaluate downtown Elizabeth as a potential heritage tourism destination. The team will tour The Old First Presbyterian Church, Boxwood Hall, Bonnell Hall and the Belcher Ogden Mansion, four of the city’s most significant historic sites; and have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with site staff and/or volunteers. Participants will have access to pertinent data gathered from these organizations and other stakeholders prior to the conference. This workshop will offer a “model experience” for learning key concepts and tools for identifying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for potential heritage tourism products in other locales. Participants will also develop a prioritized list of next steps for the City of Elizabeth’s heritage tourism stakeholders. Please register early and supply your email address to receive workshop material in advance. No material will be sent to anyone registering after May 26. Participation in this workshop will be limited to 20 people. Workshop Leaders: Barbara Irvine, Consultant; former Executive Director New Jersey Historic Trust Cate Litvack, Executive Director, Crossroads of the American Revolution National and State Heritage Area John Seitter, Consultant; former President, South Jersey Tourism Corporation Individual Site Guides: Catherine Craig, Curator Boxwood Hall, New Jersey State Historic Site Paul Mattingly, PhD, President, Historical Society of Elizabeth Glenn Taylor, Executive Director, Old First Historic Trust, 1st Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth

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Heritage Tourism Assessment Project (H-TAP)

in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Workshop Agenda June 2, 2010

12:15 – 3:45 PM

• Welcome and Workshop Overview • Lunch and Tour of Old First Presbyterian Church

• Walk to Boxwood Hall

• Tour of Boxwood Hall

• Tour of Belcher Ogden Mansion

• SWOT Team Analysis and Discussion in Bonnell Hall

• Workshop Wrap-up

• Walk to Ritz Theater

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Historic Site

Heritage-Tourism Assessment

Worksheet

Site Administration

1 2 3 4 5 Organization website: Hours of operation: Admission fee: Ownership: Number of paid employees: Number of volunteers: Current Visitation:

Interpretation and Programming

1 2 3 4 5 Organization Mission: Interpretation of Site and collections: Condition of site and collections: School programming: Special Events: Staffing: Themes, stories and collections unique to the site:

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Group Tours

1 2 3 4 5

Tour capacity:

Site as a rental facility:

Bus Parking:

Visitor Amenities

1 2 3 4 5 Handicap accessibility: Visitor Parking: Accessible to Mass Transit: Restrooms: Nearby restaurants and lodging: Directional Signage:

Marketing and Cooperative efforts

1 2 3 4 5

Is website up to date with relevant visitor information?

Brochures describing site: Advertising:

Partnerships with other historic sites? businesses? governmental agencies?

Scoring: 5-Excellent, 4-Very Good, 3-Good, 2-Average, 1-Below Average

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Heritage Tourism Infrastructure

Worksheet

1 2 3 4 5 Tourism Marketing and Promotion Signage Mass transportation Parking Online tourism assets Restaurants Lodging Shopping Partnerships with tourism related organizations Safety Is there a common Goal to develop heritage tourism?

Scoring: 5-Excellent, 4-Very Good, 3-Good, 2-Average, 1-Below Average

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SWOT ACTION LIST Heritage Tourism Assessment Project (H-TAP)

June 2, 2010 Dear SWOT Team member: Thank you for your participation in this Heritage Tourism Workshop. Below you will find two sets of blank spaces. The first set should contain (in no particular order) the 4 actionable steps agreed upon by the SWOT team. In the second set of blank spaces place these 4 actionable steps into a prioritized list from Step 1 to Step 4. What is the first most important action? What is the second and so on….. Once you have completed this list please deposit it into a box located in the lobby of the Ritz Theater. The end results will be tabulated and included in a final report that will be distributed to all participants and stakeholders.

Actionable Steps

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

Prioritized Action List

1)_________________________________________

2)_________________________________________

3)_________________________________________

4)_________________________________________ 1. Did you learn anything today that you can use in your local setting when preparing for heritage tourism initiatives? Yes_____ No _____ 2. What is your overall evaluation of the workshop? (circle one) Not Useful Somewhat Useful Very useful On Target

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3. Please add any comments/suggestions regarding the workshop: (Please use other side to complete)

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Appendix E

Participant Comments

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At the conclusion of the H-TAP SWOT team members were asked 3 questions concerning the quality and effectiveness of the workshop. We received seven completed forms. Their responses follow.

1) Did you learn anything today that you can use in your local setting when preparing heritage tourism initiatives?

All seven respondents replied Yes. 2) What is your overall evaluation of the workshop? (circle one)

Not Useful 0 Somewhat Useful 1 Very Useful 4 On Target 2

3) Please add any comments/suggestions regarding the workshop:

A) Good coordination effort and informative seminar and workshop. Good group participation and involvement.

B) There is a danger that stakeholders will become defensive of the SWOT comments and hinder open discussion. SWOT participants are only commenting on the experience that day and it is hard to get an overall context.

C) Very useful, opened up the picture, the problems and more. D) Great understanding of the complexities of urban network E) The organizers and facilitators were exceptional