Federal Agency: National Park Service
Academic Institution: Kansas State University
Principal Investigator: Ryan L. Sharp, Ph.D., Park Management Conservation
Graduate Student: Brooke Mechels, Park Management Conservation
NPS Project Manager: Justin Sochacki, National Park Service, BRVB
Project Summary
The purpose of this project is to conduct an in-depth survey of visitors at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas to elicit an understanding of visitation demographics and economic impact from visitation at this site. Collaborate with park staff to conduct scoping session with community stakeholders and develop survey questions; submit survey questions for review by OMB; lead the distribution and collection of the survey (on-site and mail); and analyze survey data. Tabulate, analyze, and summarize visitor demographics; complete economic impact analysis of visitor spending in the local community; and produce final report for public distribution.
The product will allow park managers to refine interpretative programming and improve focus on under-served visitor types. It will enhance the park's collaboration with other historic sites in the community to better meet aspect of park mission that focuses on interpreting broader civil rights history of Topeka. It will provide graduate students with a hands-on learning experience outside the classroom. The project will provide local government and stakeholders a better understanding of the benefits of cultural tourism and historic preservation. Results will be shared with stakeholders and the public.
