Early in 2010, Mission Mill Museum and the Marion County Historical Society merged to create the new Willamette Heritage Center (WHC), a forward-thinking Salem-based heritage organization dedicated to “interpret the social, economic, cultural, and political development of our community.” The Canoe Group’s pre-planning with WHC’s 12-member Advancement Committee defined the priority list of research questions to explore with key leaders and area partner organizations. One such question, “What is the geography WHC seeks to serve, reach, interpret and/or impact?” exemplifies the essential inquiry WHC is addressing before developing new goals during strategy development in early summer.

The Advancement Committee considered both historical connections and future opportunities in recommending a combination of interviews, online surveys and open public forums to help articulate community perceptions and needs. By the end of August, 2010, The Canoe Group will map the new Willamette Heritage Center’s strategic plan, focusing all intentions, energies and activities of the joined organization and its regional partners.

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