Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist
State Commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with the I.C. Director or appropriate personnel.
The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (I.C.) and the MRPC.
During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. The talking points should include benefits of being an I.C. (e.g., featured on website, printed maps, social media, itineraries and more.)
- Interpretive Center Visited Helena Museum of Phillips County
- Date of VisitJul 7, 2022
- Visiting Commissioner's NameJoe St. Columbia
- Name, Title, Email and Telephone Number of I.C. Personnel InterviewedJoAnn Hargraves, President
- What are your regular hours?Monday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 10-2
- What is your admission pricing?free
- How many visitors do you see annually?1,021
- Does I.C. have a website?No
- Website URL
- Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the experiencemississipprver.com website?No
- URL to page where button is located
- When will you be adding a logo and link?We are considering this.
- Do you have a Facebook page?No
- Facebook URL
- Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, distribution or on display?Yes
- Do you display a GRR banner or other signage?Yes
- Are your frontline personnel knowledgable of the GRR? Do they receive any formal training?Yes
- Do you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use?Yes
- What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding GRR activities?Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas
- How could the state or national MRPC help your interpretive center?Continue the promotion of our site through publications and website.
- What do you need from us?More education about the benefits and advantages of being a GRR Interpretive Center
- How have you worked with the MRPC in the past?I have worked with the chair of the Arkansas GRR Commission and one one other commissioner. They have kept us informed about news from MRPC.
- How does being affiliated with the Great River Road help your visitation?The promotion of our site reaches a broader market of GRR travelers through MRPC.
- Do many people visit your IC because they are travelling the Great River Road?Yes
- Has the status as an All-American Road led to more visitation?No
- Do people know about this designation and why it matters?No
- How does your organization currently connect visitors to the Mississippi River and the Great River Road?WE provide maps of GRR. We promote with other Interpretive Centers. We encourage visitors to go to our local Riverpark
- Are the descriptions for your listing on the National Great River Road website and, if applicable, on your state’s Great River Road website up to date?Yes
- Please send updated information as needed, along with a photo (or photos) that you’d like us to use for promotional purposes.
- What are you doing to engage diverse audiences?We work with local schools, both public and private, to educate them about the history of our local area which was created by the river. And, it has been totally dependent on the Mississippi River and transportation to and from the river.
- Is the contact information on you website up to date?Yes
- Please send updated information as needed, include a phone number and email contact?
- COVID-19 Impacts
- How has Covid affected your staff and visitation at your IC over the past two years?The riverboat, the American Natches cancelled all travel and stops in Helena. The museum was closed for 6 months and reopened in July, 2021 with appropriate precautions. Local private tours were also canceled.
- How are you planning to adjust or how have you adjusted in 2022?We will continue to have masks and hand sanitizer available and follow all state guidelines.
- What do you see as the long-term impacts?Some people are still hesitant about traveling and being around groups.
- How can MRPC help with regard to the impacts of Covid?Continue to promote travel which is what you are already doing.
Comments:
People love having their pictures taken by the GRR sign.