NPS Chesapeake Gateways will host its annual partner meeting February 12 & 13, 2025, in Cambridge, Maryland. The annual partner meeting is the keystone technical assistance activity of the office to provide in-person assistance to Chesapeake Gateways network members. The technical assistance meeting is by limited invitation and is expected to include 80-100 public and private sector participants.
This year we'll feature four tracks including Storytelling for Impact, Community-Centered Conservation, Enduring Organizations, and Emerging Tourism Opportunities. Participants will be able to attend four sessions for each track as well as two non-track sessions during the two-day meeting. We've outlined the sessions below and will add additional details as we approach the meeting. Please keep in mind all information is subject to change.
In addition to the track sessions, we'll have keynote and closing speakers to set the stage and set us on our way in 2025 as we move Strategy into Action!
Track 1: "Storytelling for Impact" Track
Techniques and technology and increase lasting audience engagement.
February 12, 10:45am-12:00pm, Room EFG
Learn how to engage visitors using the local Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park visitor center exhibit as a model. Presented by Michele Hartley and Tera Lynn Gray (Media Accessibility Specialists, National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center).
February 12, 1:30pm-2:45pm. Room EFG
You can reach your audiences efficiently and effectively with a little tech savvy. In this interactive workshop, practice using AI, influencer marketing, and other emerging technology to tell impactful place-based stories. (Presented by Matt Anthes, Derek Turner, and Jenny Beard of the Hatcher Group)
February 13, 10:45am-12:00pm, Room BCD
2026 will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn effective strategies for outreach and programming with Gen Z, our newest generation of stewards. Presented by Alex Edgar (Youth Engagement Manager, Made By Us).
February 13, 1:30pm-2:45pm, Room BCD
Pick up some practical skills on engaging communities in telling local stories from an expert in museums, education, and visitor experience. Presented by Rob Forloney (Maryland Humanities).
Track 2: "Community-Centered Conservation"
Preserving and promoting Chesapeake places important to people.
February 12th from 10:45am-12pm, Room A
Local investments in parks and green spaces can help restore community ties, foster local economies, and cultivate the next generations of stewards. Engage with three leaders in urban planning as they share lessons learned from their impactful work in three different watershed communities. Presented by Silas Chamberlin (Chief Strategy Officer & VP of Economic Community Development, York County Economic Alliance), Brad Rogers (Executive Director, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership), and Scott Kratz (Director, 11th Street Bridge Park).
February 12 from 3:15pm-4:30pm, Room BCD
Hear updates on the Chesapeake Mapping Initiative, a purposeful first step in conservation efforts to identify and protect heritage sites through the innovation of crowdsourcing. The session will include a discussion with Aurelia Gracia of NPS Chesapeake Gateways and Gerald Boyd (Board Chair and Curator, Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Museum).
February 13 from 10:45am-12pm , Room EFG
Explore your own community’s access to greenspace and the outdoors with the Trust for Public Land’s new framework. The session will include a brief presentation followed by an interactive activity. Led by Brendan Shane (Climate Director, Trust for Public Lands) and Anthony Thomas (Project manager, Trust for Public Lands).
February 13 from 1:30pm-2:45pm, Room A
Tune into this panel discussion with outdoor recreation and industry leaders as they share valuable insights of the growing outdoor recreation economy from a community perspective and local scale. Presented by Sandi Olek (Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation, Maryland Dept. Of Natural Resources) and Nathan Reigner (Director, Outdoor Recreation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources).
Track 3: "Enduring Organizations"
Plan a dynamic future for your organization with techniques to grow and thrive.
February 12th from 10:45am-12pm, Room BCD
Grant funding is a powerful tool to expand your reach and capacity. Join us for a conversation on how to leverage funding from two different organizations at different scales. Presented Sevim Kalyoncu (Executive Director, Green Muslims) and Chris Cerino (Vice President, Sultana Education Foundation).
February 12 from 1:30pm-2:45pm, Room BCD
Follow this case study in mission-driven rebranding with the new Executive Director of Nature Forward as she demonstrates how to implement change in a way that gets everyone on board. Presented by Alison Pearce (Executive Director; Nature Forward).
February 13 from 9am-10:15pm, Room BCD
Sometimes supporting your organization’s short and long-term goals requires creativity. Get some tips from two executive directors on how to on find creative funding sources and expanding your funding streams. Presented by Abel Olivo (Co-Founder & Executive Director, Defensores de la Cuenca) and Jeff Buchheit (Executive Director, Fire Museum of Maryland).
February 13 from 10:45am-12pm, Room A
Descendant community members share a unique connection to your special places and can serve as a powerful voice in sustaining your organization. Listen to a discussion on how to encourage community members with historic ties to your site to join your board. Facilitated by Emira Woods (Executive Director, The Green Leadership Trust), panel members include Gwen Bankins (Descendant Board Member, Historic Sotterley), Nancy Easterling (Executive Director, Historic Sotterley), and Maya Davis (Director, The Riversdale House Museum).
Track 4: "Emerging Tourism Opportunities"
Invite new investments in Chesapeake places through marketing tourism development.
February 12 from 1:30pm-2:45pm, Room A
With a reported $100 billion spent annually by Black travelers in the United States, opportunities to increase visitation abound. Learn how to create experiences that reach this market. Presented by Ashley Hill (Consultant, Sojourn Noir).
February 12 from 3:15pm-4:30pm, Room A
The Native American Tourism & Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act establishes national travel and tourism strategy and expands opportunities to engage with Indigenous peoples. Hear case studies on Indigenous-led tourism initiatives and learn about potential funding and economic opportunities. Presented by Bruce Rettig (Research & Outreach Manager, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association).
February 13 from 9am-10:15am, Room A
Learn strategies for improving access to outdoor recreation and tourism for all people through this presentation on addressing the needs of people with differing abilities. Presented by Nicole Faraguna (Policy Director Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) and Courtney Cacatian (Executive Director, Charlottesville-Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau).
February 13 from 1:30pm-2:45pm, Room EFG
Is the Chesapeake ready for the Semiquincentennial? Find out what we heard during our workshops across the watershed and take home resources for joining the commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary in your community. Presented by Sarah Jencks (Principal, Every Museum a Civic Museum).
State of Chesapeake Gateways
February 12, 3:15pm-4:30pm & February 13, 9:00am-10:15am, Room EFG
Join us for a session where National Park Service staff will share the achievements and progress of the Chesapeake Gateways. Learn about the key milestones, successful partnerships, and impactful projects that have shaped this important program, and discover how these efforts are enhancing the visitor experience and preserving the region’s cultural and natural resources.
Last updated: February 5, 2025