Using Podcasts to Attract a Global Audience

Far from taking a "traditional" approach to history, Fairmont, West Virginia, used a dynamic, "people-based" approach by conducting first-person interviews with some of its most fascinating residents to weave a colorful, entertaining, and unforgettable portrait of the town. The resulting narratives revealed a forgotten history of Fairmont, one that was vibrant, risqué, and fascinating. Using a Preserve America grant, Main Street Fairmont and Audissey Guides created podcasts of these oral histories that have engaged the community in documenting downtown history through the experiences of the older generations. This program has been successful in not only promoting the social history of Fairmont and encouraging heritage tourism, but has also connected their younger residents and tourists to their collective past.

Learning Objectives:

  • Use social history as a tool to encourage heritage tourism and economic development
  • Connect younger generations to our collective past and engage the community
  • Learn how to have a global presence with your podcasts

Presenters:

Rob Pyles, Audissey Guides Media, East Boston, Mass.;

Vera Sansalone, Sandra Scaffidi, Main Street Fairmont, Fairmont, W.Va.

Track:

Promotion

Date/Time:

Wednesday, May 5, 10:15-11:30 a.m.