Blessed with long stretches of beaches and bounded by its shoreline, Prince Edward Island is a unique multi-cultural heritage and environmental area. The compact island and its population are the size of some of the cultural heritage areas of Ohio. PEI museums, ceilidhs and other performances, recreational opportunities, and marketing offer some good lessons:
- cultural heritage area museums and programs should focus on what is distinctive about the local culture, economy, and environment
- small museums with high quality, unique exhibits are effective
- welcoming, responsive staff who care about the local story will dramatically enhance the visitor experience
- cultural heritage programming can attract tourists while serving both local communities and the local economy
- effective linking and marketing will draw visitors from one site to another
- cultural heritage creates economic opportunities
