HISTORY OF THE INTERPRETIVE SITE COALITION
The Interpretive Site Coalition (ISC) originated in February of 1991. The first meeting was held at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, Missouri. The purpose of the first meeting was to establish a cooperative volunteer recruitment program that would benefit our staffs, volunteers and the communities we served. There was a need for volunteer training and a need to come together and complement each other’s interpretive program efforts.
Since that time, the ISC has evolved from recruiting and training volunteers to a not-for-profit 509 (a) (1) organization comprised of historic sites, nature centers, science centers, museums, and other related agencies. It has become an interpretive information network for Greater Kansas City.
ISC continues to provide volunteer training and professional development but has expanded its mission to ensure positive benefits to the communities served. Members of ISC want citizens to have knowledge of and the opportunity to visit all these unique interpretive sites around Kansas City. Therefore, we make a concerted effort to make our communities aware of what we have to offer and how to find us.
MEMBERSHIP
Annual membership has grown from six sites in 1991 to as many as 26 in 2011 and currently sits a 24 sites. Membership varies from year to year but consistently represents every corner of the metropolitan area. Sites vary in size, programs and in the number of annual visitors. Some are historical in nature, others cultural, and still others nature oriented. All sites are very involved with community and all offer interpretive programs to the general public. To be a member of ISC, a site must meet the “interpretive programs” requirement and other membership guidelines as outlined in Article IV Membership, Section I of the ISC Bylaws.
ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS
Passport to Adventure: In 1994 ISC initiated the Passport to Adventure Hunt event to help coalition sites promote themselves and each other. Seven sites participated in the first annual event. The event has become the organization’s major activity for promoting sites and encouraging visitation and is now titled Kansas City’s Passport to Adventure encompassing sites in Kansas City Kansas and Missouri as well as the greater metropolitan area. The event is implemented through the work of individual sites and committees.
Professional Development: Through workshops, conferences and other activities, ISC offers members, staff and volunteers professional development and enrichment opportunities.
THE FUTURE
ISC will continue to offer members information, activities, and opportunities to help them promote their sites and offer a quality experience for all visitors. The organization meets four times a year to coordinate events, set goals and recommend activities that will help direct our future priorities.
Kansas City's Passport to Adventure 