Q&A: Kate Fox talks MA250, heritage tourism, and why travel is essential

As Massachusetts prepares for its Semiquincentennial, tourism leaders are gearing up for a milestone moment. We spoke with Kate Fox, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, about how MA250 will showcase the state’s Revolutionary legacy, uplift all 351 communities, and inspire visitors to explore Massachusetts in fresh, modern ways.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has described MA250 as a moment for Massachusetts to “step up and shine.” From a tourism perspective, what opportunities does this milestone present to showcase the state to national and international audiences? 

From a tourism perspective, MA250 creates a significant opportunity to showcase Massachusetts to national and international audiences.  The two-year campaign gives us a unified platform to present Massachusetts’ Revolutionary spirit, which remains central to who we are as a place and as a visitor destination. That spirit lives in both our history and in the many firsts that continue to shape the Massachusetts experience. Visitors can explore the nation’s first public park, first public beach, first college, and the USS Constitution, which is the first commissioned ship of the U.S. Navy, all of which offer year-round access as well as MA250 programming and commemorations.  

MA250 also encourages travelers to discover the everyday firsts that make our state unique, from the first fried clam to the country’s first night skiing. These stories, paired with the events and activities ahead, give visitors plenty to come for and plenty to do once they are here. The milestone helps us package these experiences in ways that strengthen regional collaboration and inspire travelers to explore more of Massachusetts.  

The governor highlighted events across all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. How is your office supporting smaller communities to participate and benefit from the MA250 celebrations? 

Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and many of our cities, towns, and residents played meaningful roles in that story. Ensuring that every community can participate in MA250 has been central to our approach.  

We have invested $3.5 million in grants to 96 organizations across the state to help local partners create events, programs, and marketing efforts that celebrate their Revolutionary history and community spirit. These investments ensure that smaller communities have the resources to bring their stories forward and attract visitors. 

We have also convened a MA250 Executive Committee to engage the business community around July 4, 2026, including the Boston Pops signature event and statewide celebrations that will bring visibility and benefit to all regions.  

In the months ahead, we will roll out a statewide branding and communications toolkit to help cities and towns align their local efforts under a unified MA250 identity, along with the Massachusetts250.org hub to promote programs, events, and visitor experiences across all 351 communities.  

With the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular set to be a “blockbuster” event in 2026, how is the Office of Travel & Tourism planning to leverage that national spotlight to extend visitor interest throughout the state? 

Next summer will be one of the most active tourism seasons in recent memory. The July 4 celebration sits between FIFA World Cup matches and the return of Sail Boston, creating a natural moment for visitors to extend their stay and explore the state. We want people to enjoy the festivities, have a great time, and be curious about what else is around them.  

Massachusetts has a deep bench of summer experiences, from the new Michelin Guide and world-class dining to beaches, whale watching, concerts, the 100- plus stop Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, and Red Sox. The July 4 event is one highlight within a larger Massachusetts vacation, not the whole trip.  

That said, at the July 4 Spectacular, we will use the national platform to tell a broader regional story, drawing on our iconic firsts, our industry leadership, and the qualities that make Massachusetts a great place to live, work, visit, and dream big.  

You have extensive experience in heritage tourism from your time in Salem and the Essex National Heritage Area. How is that background shaping your approach to commemorating Massachusetts’ role in America’s founding? 

My work in Salem and the Essex National Heritage Area reinforced how powerful heritage tourism can be when it is rooted in strong partnerships and authentic storytelling. Those experiences showed me that historic commemorations are not just celebrations of the past. They are tools for community engagement, economic activity, and visitor curiosity.  

In Salem, we saw how coordinated programming, shared resources, and a unified visitor message helped residents and visitors connect more deeply with the city’s history. Through programs like Trails and Sails, Essex Heritage demonstrates how regional collaboration can broaden impact, lift up smaller communities, and create experiences that feel both meaningful and accessible. Both taught me that visitors respond when history is presented in ways that feel alive, relatable, and tied to the present.  

That perspective has shaped our approach to MA250. We are building statewide partnerships, providing resources to cities and towns, and encouraging communities to interpret their Revolutionary stories in ways that feel local and contemporary. The goal is the same one I learned early on: give people a reason to explore, invite them to “live like a visitor,” and use history as a catalyst to experience more of Massachusetts.  

Cultural and historical tourism can be powerful drivers for local economies. How do you balance honoring Massachusetts’ deep history with creating engaging, modern experiences for today’s travelers? 

We start from a position of strength. Our history is an incredible asset, but what makes it resonate today is the way our cultural institutions, local partners, and hospitality leaders bring it to life. They are skilled storytellers who present our heritage with authenticity and relevance, two qualities modern travelers value.  

Balancing deep history with contemporary experiences means connecting the past to what people care about now. That can be through interactive exhibits, community events, culinary experiences, outdoor recreation, or opportunities to explore the spaces and landscapes where history-making moments unfolded. We are fortunate to have destinations and partners across the state who interpret our history in ways that spark curiosity and make it feel vivid and accessible for today’s audiences.  

The state has invested millions in MA250 programming. How will your office measure the return on that investment — not just in terms of tourism dollars, but also community engagement and legacy? 

We will look at three areas: tourism impact, community engagement, and long-term value.  Tourism impact will be measured through visitation, spending, lodging trends, event attendance, and engagement with MA250 marketing and digital platforms. For community engagement, we will assess how our grants supported local partners, expanded participation, strengthened regional collaboration, and helped communities tell their own stories.  And for legacy, we will evaluate whether MA250 leaves lasting assets, stronger networks, and programs that continue beyond 2026. Our goal is for these investments to benefit communities well after the Semiquincentennial.  

Looking beyond 2026, how do you hope MA250 will influence how visitors —  and residents — see Massachusetts as a destination for culture, history, and innovation in the years to come? 

We want MA250 to leave visitors and residents seeing Massachusetts as a place where deep history, vibrant culture, and modern innovation come together, a destination rooted in its past, always moving forward, and one that grows with them.  

Why do you think travel is essential? 

Travel connects people to places, to each other, and to ideas that expand their understanding of the world. Travel is more than essential; it is impactful, strengthening local economies, supporting jobs, and sustaining the cultural and historical institutions that define communities. It helps people grow; it helps places to thrive. 

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