The city of Auburn has a lot to brag about when it comes to history. A new campaign spearheaded by a local tourism organization is going to do just that.
The Auburn Historical and Cultural Sites Commission announced a new slogan and advertising initiative this week. Labeling Auburn as “History's Hometown,” the campaign is meant to spotlight the city's multiple historic locations as a way to generate interest and visitors.
“I think it's hopefully going to be a new and refreshing hook,” Commission Chair Maxine Alberici said Monday. “Hopefully, it will catch a lot of people's eyes.”
In the coming months, the commission will use the slogan and corresponding images in a number of public relations efforts. A billboard currently stands on Routes 5 and 20 west of the city, and future advertisements in state and regional publication will boast the new brand.
Alberici said the idea makes sense in Auburn, where there are multiple, nationally relevant locations such as the homes of Harriet Tubman and William Seward, or the country's only known complete Louis C. Tiffany chapel.
And this is an exciting time for local history, Alberici said. A major film about Abraham Lincoln's cabinet is in the works and is sure to feature Seward. Tubman's home might be taken over by the National Park Service. And Auburn just held its first Founders Day, which is expected to be an annual festival that celebrates the city's history.
“Everything is jumping in at about the same time. One thing just adds on to the other,” Alberici said.
The slogan was initially introduced as part of June's Founders Day. Jesse Kline, who works with the Cayuga County Office of Tourism and handles administrative duties for the campaign, said the event came together quickly and was a good way to make a soft unveiling.
Kline said the event's high profile - boosted by the appearances by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin - gives the city some momentum for this push toward historic tourism.
“They did a really good job at positively showcasing the city,” Kline said. “I think that just gave everyone's confidence a boost.”
The Historical and Cultural Sites Commission represents eight major attractions in Auburn: Willard Memorial Chapel, Auburn Public Theater, Schine Theater, Cayuga Museum and Case Research Lab, Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, Harriet Tubman Home, Seward House and Fort Hill Cemetery.
The organization most recently developed and is distributing lesson plans for high school and junior high classes on the sites and their historic relevance. Both Kline and Alberici said there are also plans for developing digital downloads that offer walking audio tours for South Street architecture and Fort Hill Cemetery.
Auburn City Manager Mark Palesh said the commission is often active behind the scenes when it comes to local tourism. It makes his job “a lot easier” to have local organizations willing to work together to show off what makes the city a cultural and historic center, Palesh said.
“It kind of gives us some kind of banner to rally behind,” Palesh said. “It says it all in two words.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
“I think it's hopefully going to be a new and refreshing hook,” Commission Chair Maxine Alberici said Monday. “Hopefully, it will catch a lot of people's eyes.”
In the coming months, the commission will use the slogan and corresponding images in a number of public relations efforts. A billboard currently stands on Routes 5 and 20 west of the city, and future advertisements in state and regional publication will boast the new brand.
Alberici said the idea makes sense in Auburn, where there are multiple, nationally relevant locations such as the homes of Harriet Tubman and William Seward, or the country's only known complete Louis C. Tiffany chapel.
And this is an exciting time for local history, Alberici said. A major film about Abraham Lincoln's cabinet is in the works and is sure to feature Seward. Tubman's home might be taken over by the National Park Service. And Auburn just held its first Founders Day, which is expected to be an annual festival that celebrates the city's history.
“Everything is jumping in at about the same time. One thing just adds on to the other,” Alberici said.
The slogan was initially introduced as part of June's Founders Day. Jesse Kline, who works with the Cayuga County Office of Tourism and handles administrative duties for the campaign, said the event came together quickly and was a good way to make a soft unveiling.
Kline said the event's high profile - boosted by the appearances by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin - gives the city some momentum for this push toward historic tourism.
“They did a really good job at positively showcasing the city,” Kline said. “I think that just gave everyone's confidence a boost.”
The Historical and Cultural Sites Commission represents eight major attractions in Auburn: Willard Memorial Chapel, Auburn Public Theater, Schine Theater, Cayuga Museum and Case Research Lab, Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, Harriet Tubman Home, Seward House and Fort Hill Cemetery.
The organization most recently developed and is distributing lesson plans for high school and junior high classes on the sites and their historic relevance. Both Kline and Alberici said there are also plans for developing digital downloads that offer walking audio tours for South Street architecture and Fort Hill Cemetery.
Auburn City Manager Mark Palesh said the commission is often active behind the scenes when it comes to local tourism. It makes his job “a lot easier” to have local organizations willing to work together to show off what makes the city a cultural and historic center, Palesh said.
“It kind of gives us some kind of banner to rally behind,” Palesh said. “It says it all in two words.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
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