Download Historic Germanna’s Strategic Plan (2024-2029)
Dear Friends,
On behalf of Historic Germanna’s Board of Directors, staff, and our extended family of descendants, supporters, and volunteers, we are pleased to share a new vision as presented in our Five-year Strategic Plan. This plan is not just a roadmap; it’s a commitment to making history a dynamic part of our community’s daily life.
Our approach in developing this plan has been comprehensive and inclusive, grounded in a desire to listen and learn from the very community we serve. We engaged a broad spectrum of voices from across the Germanna region and beyond, including staff, board
members, Germanna descendants, local residents, historians, community partners, and educators. These insights have been invaluable, helping craft strategies that reflect our collective history and address the needs and curiosities of today’s audiences.
Importantly, our plan embraces diverse stories that make up our region’s distinct history. From the Indigenous peoples who first called this land home to the settlers, indentured servants, and enslaved people who reshaped the region and the countless untold stories of those who followed, our mission is to give voice to these narratives. This commitment to an inclusive historical approach will enrich our shared understanding and make Germanna a place where every story matters and all visitors can see themselves in the tapestry of the past.
As we grow and evolve, the deep connection to Germanna’s ancestors remains central to our mission. This enduring heritage, cherished by descendants and celebrated by the broader community, continues to be the foundation of Historic Germanna.
in archaeology, education, genealogy, and preservation.
Looking ahead, we aim to transform the historic sites under our stewardship into more than just places to visit; they will be places that inspire understanding and engagement in the rich history and natural resources of Germanna through stellar programs in archaeology, education, genealogy, and preservation. We are dedicated to making Germanna a place where history can be continuously rediscovered and appreciated.
Please join us on this exciting journey. Your direct involvement and financial support will ensure that Historic Germanna is a vibrant center for exploration, connection, and wonderment, where the past is honored and the future is embraced.
Thank you for being a part of our story.
Sincerely,
Keith Hoffman
President
[email protected]
Jennifer Hurst-Wender
Executive Director
[email protected]
Historic Germanna’s Strategic Framework (2024-2029)
MISSION
Inspire understanding and engagement in the rich history and natural resources of Germanna through archaeology, education, genealogy, and preservation.
STRATEGIC VISION
Historic Germanna envisions a future where the Germanna region is widely recognized as a unique place that connects diverse stories through shared heritage and cultural and environmental significance, fostering a sense of belonging, learning, and inspiration for all.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Storytelling and Education
Be a premier source for the rich history, genealogy, and narratives of the Germanna region through our properties and resources and the diverse communities connected to them, ensuring that our content is deeply rooted in the region’s unique historical context.
STRATEGY
Research, identify, and integrate larger historical themes (such as migration and settlement patterns, etc.) relevant to the Germanna region, positioning our narratives within broader discussions that appeal to a broad and diverse audience.
STRATEGY
Solidify our approach to historical research and public history. Increase public access through our ongoing research, public history, and archaeology, and deepen collaborations with colleagues to share and expand resources connected to our broader themes.
Our Physical and Natural Resources
Develop plans to enhance Germanna’s physical resources, ensuring they reflect their distinctive historical, social, and environmental elements and fit into the broader Germanna region narrative.
STRATEGY
Draft and execute detailed, integrated plans for each key site, including the Visitor Center, Hitt Archaeology Center, Siegen Forest, Fort Germanna and Enchanted Castle, Salubria, and the Hitt Farm. Plans should include community engagement, input from experts in the field, and aim for industry best practices.
Community Engagement and Inclusivity
Forge strong and reciprocal relationships to best serve the needs of our stakeholders and share Germanna’s history and resources with our broader community. Historic Germanna recognizes that it plays a role in many communities, including descendants, local, educational, genealogical, archeological, preservation, Tribal nations, and African American history groups.
STRATEGY
Form active community advisory groups to provide insights, challenge our thinking, and shape our program development and community outreach strategies.
STRATEGY
Set annual goals and continue documenting and reporting on the impact of our community engagement efforts. Provide clear metrics that demonstrate the increased value and reach of our initiatives.
Sustainability and Growth
Diversify our revenue streams and build a robust financial foundation to safeguard our future growth and stability.
STRATEGY
Continue to diversify our funding model by engaging individuals, foundations, corporations, and strategic partnerships. Ensure that our fundraising messages align tightly with our strategic themes.
STRATEGY
Broaden our board representation and enhance our governance activities to boost engagement and better utilize the diverse strengths of the board.
Historic Germanna brought in the team from Floricane to guide us through our strategic planning process. Their community-focused approach was precisely what we were looking for!
Floricane has worked with:
The Library of Virginia ▪ The Valentine Museum ▪ The American Civil War Museum ▪ Historic Wilton ▪ Thomas Jefferson’s Popular Forest ▪ Main Street Virginia ▪ Fulton Hill Community Vision ▪ New Hill Development Corporation/Starr Hill Area Plan (Charlottesville) ▪ Trinity Episcopal School ▪ Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Richmond ▪ Better Housing Coalition ▪ Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) ▪ Richmond Association of Realtors ▪ Orchard House School ▪ University of Richmond Business Affairs Division ▪ Gelati Celesti ▪ Newport News Department of Human Services ▪ James City County Department of Social Services ▪ Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board