State of Cultural Heritage Symposium — Virginia 2026

The State of Cultural Heritage Tourism in Virginia Symposium connects heritage institutions, HBCUs, destination marketing organizations, Black-owned businesses, and community leaders around a single mission: turning Virginia's African American cultural legacy into lasting economic opportunity.

This is not a conference. This is a working day — structured for adult learners and working professionals who need outcomes, not inspiration.

Attendees will engage in four facilitated conversations across the CHEWS spectrum — Culture, Health, Education, Wealth, and Stewardship — moving from origin stories to active partnership formation.

Two ways to participate:

In Person — Richmond: Full-day access to all sessions, MOU conversations, lunch, and direct network activation with DMO partners, HBCU representatives, and heritage professionals from across the state.

Remote Hub — Your Site: Register your heritage institution, library, museum, or community organization as an official Remote Participation Hub. Gather your community, connect live to the Symposium, and participate in facilitated local discussion. Hub registration includes AAHTN onboarding materials and a dedicated follow-up partnership conversation.

Who should attend:

• Destination marketing organizations and CVBs
• Heritage museums, libraries, and archives
• HBCUs — faculty, administrators, and students
• Black-owned tourism and hospitality businesses
• Community development organizations
• Local and state government partners
• Workforce development and continuing education professionals
• More...

This event qualifies as professional development. Institutional attendees are encouraged to apply applicable continuing education or professional development funding toward registration.

Walk in. Leave with a path forward.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher African American Heritage Association