New MSNBC Travel Series ‘The Weekend’ Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America

New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Undiscovered Beach Town Apalachicola Florida Shows Off Small Scale Oyster Farming

Apalachicola, Florida, a charming coastal town tucked away on the "Forgotten Coast," is gaining recognition for its commitment to reviving small-scale oyster farming. Historically a major player in the oyster industry, dating back to the mid-1800s, Apalachicola is carefully weaving its past into a modern-day travel experience. The town's historic district, filled with beautifully preserved architecture from the 1830s, provides a glimpse into the area's past. Alongside this historic charm, Apalachicola offers the chance to enjoy fresh seafood from local sources. The town's tranquil setting, away from the hustle and bustle of more popular Florida beaches, is attracting travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic experience. Showcased recently in the new MSNBC travel series, "The Weekend," Apalachicola is gaining visibility as a hidden gem. Whether you enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the area, going fishing, or simply relaxing in a serene environment, Apalachicola offers a distinct and memorable escape. It's a destination that successfully blends its history and natural attractions for visitors seeking a different kind of Florida getaway.

Apalachicola's oyster industry, a cornerstone of the region since the mid-1800s, continues to shape the local economy and culinary scene. The bay, one of the most productive estuarine systems in the US, fuels the oyster harvest, representing a significant portion of Florida's overall yield. The area's oyster farms have experimented with sustainable approaches, such as employing biodegradable cages to foster oyster growth while minimizing impact on the environment. This innovative method combines traditional oyster practices with modern agricultural techniques.

The region's natural features are paramount to oyster production. Oyster growth thrives due to the nutrient-rich water, where organic matter cycles through the system, offering a perfect foundation for aquaculture. The Apalachicola Bay oysters develop a distinct, salty flavor attributed to the specific salinity and tidal patterns of the region.

The town’s unique character, combined with the appeal of a slower pace, attracts visitors seeking more affordable options. Several small hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts dot the landscape, often undercutting the inflated prices seen in busier travel hubs. Local oyster farmers manage the logistics of getting their product to market, relying on nearby docks for shipping. This efficient method reduces transportation costs and ensures the freshest seafood ends up on restaurant plates and in markets shortly after harvest.

The Apalachicola River remains a crucial artery for oyster transportation. The river's ecological characteristics also act as a natural buffer against contamination, a factor vital for sustaining the quality of the shellfish. The increase in flight routes to nearby airports has been improving the town's accessibility for travelers across the Southeast, eliminating the need for grueling travel. This improves the visitor experience by enabling people to discover a quieter Florida alternative without extreme travel commitments.

Restaurant experiences are elevated by the seamless link between local farms and the culinary scene. Diners can indulge in freshly harvested oysters just hours after they were taken from the water, highlighting the value of local food sources and emphasizing the 'farm-to-table' concept.

What else is in this post?

1. New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Undiscovered Beach Town Apalachicola Florida Shows Off Small Scale Oyster Farming
2. New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Native American Heritage Site Pipestone Minnesota Features Sacred Quarry Tours
3. New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Oregon Ghost Town Shaniko Opens Time Capsule Trading Post Museum
4. New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - New Mexico Art Haven Madrid Transforms Old Coal Mining Buildings Into Galleries
5. New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Michigan Upper Peninsula Town Paradise Launches Dark Sky Viewing Platform
6. New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Vermont Mountain Village Rochester Revives Historic Bowl Mill For Artisan Classes
7. New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Washington State Peninsula Town Tokeland Introduces Traditional Tribal Canoe Building

New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Native American Heritage Site Pipestone Minnesota Features Sacred Quarry Tours

In the heart of Minnesota, the Pipestone National Monument is a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance for Native American tribes. For millennia, this site has been the source of a unique, soft red pipestone, a material deeply intertwined with their traditions. This stone has been used to craft ceremonial pipes, essential tools in prayer and various significant rituals, demonstrating the strong connection between the people and the land.

The quarry itself is considered sacred ground, often associated with stories about the stone's origin linked to their ancestors. Visitors are offered a glimpse into this history through a walking tour, the Circle Tour, which encompasses a three-quarter mile loop. This tour weaves through the prairie landscape and takes visitors to the quarry, showcasing the site's unique character. While the Pipestone National Monument welcomes all, it's important to note that the right to quarry the stone or remove it from the site is strictly reserved for Native Americans with special permits. This exclusivity reflects the deep-seated reverence the tribes have for this site.

The town of Pipestone also plays host to workshops and tours focused on traditional pipemaking, organized by groups like the Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers. This further underlines the site's significance, not just as a geological feature, but as a living hub of cultural exchange and heritage. Pipestone has long been a meeting place for Native Americans across North America, a testament to its enduring importance throughout time. In recognition of its historical importance and place in Native American heritage, the site was designated a national monument in 1937.

The recent spotlight on Pipestone in the new MSNBC travel series "The Weekend" further highlights the site's unique character, placing it among a selection of seven hidden gems across the US. Visitors to Pipestone can experience a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth, offering a profound and insightful travel destination.

Pipestone, Minnesota, is the location of the Pipestone National Monument, a site where Native American tribes have been extracting a distinctive soft red stone, known as pipestone, for over three millennia. This stone, a form of sandstone, has played a significant role in their cultural practices and art forms. The techniques used to extract pipestone are traditional, passed down across generations. The stone's properties allow for detailed carvings, and it's notably used to create ceremonial pipes, which are vital in prayer and spiritual rituals.

The quarry is not merely a historical site; it's also a functioning cultural center, as Native Americans continue to quarry the pipestone today. This act of extraction highlights its enduring significance in their spiritual and social identity. The area surrounding the quarry is teeming with diverse plant life, which holds cultural importance and is often used in traditional ceremonies. Ancient petroglyphs are scattered around the area, offering a window into the deep historical link between Native Americans and the land. They serve as a testament to their cultural traditions, beliefs, and deep connection to the environment.

Often called "catlinite," a term derived from the artist George Catlin who documented Native American cultures in the 19th century, pipestone has come to symbolize Native American identity. Visiting the site and taking part in guided tours of the sacred quarry allows for a better understanding of the symbolism associated with the stone. These explorations commonly delve into the spiritual aspects interwoven into Native American traditions.

The National Park Service manages the Pipestone National Monument, aiming to maintain the area as a hub of education and remembrance for the public, while also safeguarding its sacred status for Indigenous peoples. The unique geological characteristics of the area, such as river valley formations, have contributed to the availability of pipestone, a geological resource vital to this tradition. The monument regularly hosts cultural gatherings, workshops, and demonstrations. This provides visitors with chances to learn about the art and craft practices of Native Americans, particularly the methods of carving pipestone.

New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Oregon Ghost Town Shaniko Opens Time Capsule Trading Post Museum

Nestled in north-central Oregon, the former "Wool Capital of the World," Shaniko, has emerged from its ghost town slumber with the opening of a new museum showcasing a preserved trading post. This once-bustling railroad hub, now a haven of weathered buildings and vintage vehicles, provides a captivating glimpse into the past for history buffs and curious travelers. The town, named after a pioneer farmer, gradually faded after the 1950s and was officially recognized as Oregon's Ghost Town of the Year. Today, the revitalization efforts are evident with the recent reopening of the Shaniko Hotel after a 16-year hiatus, run by volunteer firefighters. An annual three-day festival, Shaniko Days, adds to the charm, celebrating the town's heritage with food, music, and local festivities. While Shaniko may be considered a hidden gem for many, its unique blend of preserved history and scenic landscapes makes it a compelling stop for anyone seeking an authentic Oregon experience, offering a memorable travel destination that captures a bygone era.

Shaniko, Oregon, once a vital center for wool processing and export, serves as a powerful example of how resource-driven economies can dramatically shift. Originally established as a railroad stop in 1900, the town's fate became intrinsically linked to the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company's operations. This, in turn, shaped both its physical layout and its economic prospects, which are fascinating to analyze from a modern perspective.

The town's current state, with only about 30 permanent residents, paints a clear picture of a significant population decline. Yet, this decline has inadvertently turned Shaniko into a sought-after travel destination. With its preserved derelict buildings and rusty vehicles from a bygone era, it has a strange charm that appeals to those intrigued by the past. This phenomenon, sometimes termed "dark tourism," has given Shaniko a new lease on life – albeit in a very different way from its wool-centric beginnings.

The 'Time Capsule Trading Post Museum' offers a compelling window into Shaniko's past and the dreams held by its residents for the future. The buried time capsule from 1999 provides a valuable snapshot of the local community and its perspectives, highlighting how ideas and aspirations change over time. The restoration efforts within Shaniko, with a focus on preserving authentic historical construction practices, are interesting, in that they represent a conscious attempt to link the town to its earlier history in a way that also preserves local crafting skills.

Located at an elevation of 3,500 feet, Shaniko's high-desert environment has shaped its character. The cooler temperatures it experiences relative to other parts of Oregon likely influence the rhythm of life there, affecting potential tourist visits and travel experiences. This geographic uniqueness, coupled with its remarkable preservation as a ghost town, has attracted interest from those seeking travel experiences away from heavily developed destinations. The ecosystem of the surrounding high desert is another distinctive feature, with species like sagebrush and juniper that likely contribute to its attraction for those interested in less conventional travel.

Shaniko's location off Highway 97 has always played a significant role in its destiny. But, its remoteness has now changed somewhat. Expanding flight route options at airports in the region have certainly made the town more accessible for tourists from outside of Oregon. It offers a glimpse into a different facet of rural tourism, where travelers actively seek out less-explored destinations.


Although Shaniko's identity remains firmly rooted in its historical past, it is now seeing the emergence of a new culinary scene. This involves embracing local produce and regional historic recipes, which adds a layer of interest for those who wish to experience the region's past not just visually but also through its food. It's indicative of a subtle transition from solely relying on history as an attraction. Furthermore, the trading post museum's dedication to including information on the region's Native American heritage is a key aspect of the town's identity. The historical narrative that has evolved there is, in fact, shaped by multiple influences from different cultures over time.

New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - New Mexico Art Haven Madrid Transforms Old Coal Mining Buildings Into Galleries

Located along the scenic Turquoise Trail, Madrid, New Mexico, has evolved from a bustling coal mining hub to a flourishing artistic haven. Once known as "Coal Gulch," the town has masterfully repurposed its old coal mining structures into a vibrant network of galleries, shops, and restaurants. This transformation, spurred by a revitalization effort starting in the 1970s, showcases the creative spirit of the local artists and craftspeople who now call Madrid home. Visitors today can explore over 40 art galleries, unique shops, and culinary experiences, experiencing a diverse tapestry of artistic endeavors, including ceramics and vintage goods. The town has retained its historic character, blending the influences of Native American Pueblo culture and Spanish colonial history. Madrid stands out as a destination that expertly intertwines its rich past with contemporary artistic expressions, appealing to art enthusiasts and travelers looking for a unique experience in a small, vibrant town nestled amidst the natural beauty of New Mexico. It is an interesting example how communities can reinvent themselves in the face of industrial decline.

Nestled along the Turquoise Trail, a short drive from Santa Fe, Madrid, New Mexico, presents a compelling story of adaptation and artistic renewal. Once known as "Coal Gulch," this town was a vital hub of coal mining operations, shaping the industrial landscape of the Southwest during the early 20th century. The remaining mining buildings, testaments to this era, provide a fascinating backdrop for the town's transformation into an art haven.

The transition of these functional industrial spaces into vibrant art galleries offers a compelling blend of aesthetics. The stark lines and rough textures of the former mining buildings contrast beautifully with the imaginative expressions found within them. The repurposing of these spaces is a testament to the adaptability of both the built environment and the human spirit.

It is remarkable that the revitalization of Madrid is largely attributed to the local community. The initiative, fueled by the passion of artists and residents, illustrates a grassroots movement devoted to preserving the town's heritage while infusing it with fresh creative energy. This approach to urban revitalization has fostered a burgeoning cultural scene within the town, with artists from various disciplines choosing Madrid as their new home and contributing to the overall appeal of the destination.

The shift to an art-focused economy has undeniably impacted Madrid's fortunes. The influx of tourists drawn to the galleries and the vibrant artistic scene has given rise to a plethora of local shops and cafes, creating a more diverse and thriving economy compared to its past. It is fascinating to observe how a former industrial town found a way to adapt to new circumstances, not by resisting change, but by embracing a new identity.

Madrid's cultural landscape is enhanced by the diverse range of events that occur in and around the repurposed spaces. The local art galleries frequently host exhibitions, giving both established and emerging artists a platform to showcase their work to wider audiences. Workshops and community events further encourage local artistic talent and provide a social gathering place for artists and visitors. The creation of an art walk enhances the visitor experience, enabling a more immersive engagement with Madrid's art scene by linking various galleries in a pedestrian-friendly manner.

It is admirable that while transforming the old coal structures, the town has strived to preserve many of the original structural elements. This preservation creates a dynamic visual conversation between the past and present, ensuring the mining history of Madrid isn't erased but becomes part of its artistic identity. Madrid has consequently attracted a significant number of tourists from around the country and abroad, firmly establishing itself as a popular destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in exploring historical and cultural gems.

As travel to this area has become easier with enhanced flight routes into nearby Albuquerque, the growth of Madrid's art scene and tourism seems well positioned to continue. While the town retains a clear connection to its industrial past, Madrid shows us that places can reinvent themselves in unexpected ways. It is now recognized as a dynamic and evolving cultural destination that offers a compelling example of resilience and creativity in the face of economic transition. The evolution of Madrid offers a lesson in heritage preservation and the adaptive capacity of a community when it creatively embraces change.

New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Michigan Upper Peninsula Town Paradise Launches Dark Sky Viewing Platform

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the small town of Paradise has introduced a new platform specifically designed for stargazing, hoping to attract more visitors who are looking for a unique experience. Michigan already boasts three International Dark Sky Parks, including the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park near Copper Harbor, renowned for the exceptional quality of its night skies. The state, with its proximity to the Great Lakes, experiences some of the darkest conditions in the lower 48 states, making it an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography.

Paradise's new viewing platform is a logical extension of the region's growing focus on nature-based tourism. The Upper Peninsula already has six state parks dedicated to dark sky preservation. Paradise is hoping to capture some of that tourism interest by enhancing visitors' ability to view the night sky. The area is also well-positioned to benefit from the trend of individuals seeking out unique outdoor experiences, which is a theme frequently highlighted in MSNBC's "The Weekend" travel series. While the dark sky viewing platform is a small undertaking, it may contribute to further solidifying the area's growing reputation as a premier destination for anyone wanting to experience a spectacular celestial landscape.

A small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Paradise, has established a new platform for viewing the night sky. This builds on the region's already exceptional dark sky conditions. The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, near Copper Harbor, became Michigan's first International Dark Sky Park in 2021, and the Upper Peninsula now has six state parks designated as dark sky preserves.

The Upper Peninsula is one of the best spots in the US to view the cosmos because of minimal light pollution, which can obstruct the view. It's located in a region with low light pollution, ranking in the top 10% of US locations. This darkness stems from the surrounding Great Lakes, which create a vast, naturally darkened region. The International Dark-Sky Association's strict standards are at the heart of the development of the platform. The goal of the International Dark-Sky Association is to protect and preserve night sky environments, which goes beyond just establishing parks; it includes aspects like conservation measures, lighting guidelines, and community involvement.

The location is a great place to observe various astronomical events, especially meteor showers such as the Perseids and Geminids. Under perfect conditions, up to 100 meteors per hour might be visible. The sky has long been important to the area's Native American cultures. They used it for navigation and spiritual guidance, adding another layer of depth to the astronomy experience.

The effect of dark skies on people’s well-being is another area of interest. Researchers suggest stargazing can be restorative, fostering feelings of awe and wonder that can help reduce stress. The surrounding environment also plays a role. A thriving biodiversity of forests and wetlands creates a peaceful, dark environment, which makes the stargazing even better.

In order to access the Upper Peninsula, regional airports have expanded their flight networks. This development improves accessibility for tourists, allowing them to arrive with less travel effort.

The design of the new platform puts an emphasis on ergonomics and safety. Engineers and architects have focused on blocking out light and widening the view, which aids in seeing celestial objects. Locals and tourists are encouraged to engage with the night sky by means of educational events and stargazing sessions, which frequently feature discussions of celestial occurrences with experts.

Given the very limited artificial light, photographers are likely to find this an attractive spot for astrophotography. The exceptional quality of the night sky is visible through a telescope and a camera lens, making this location ideal for those who want to capture incredible images. The Milky Way and a myriad of other cosmic wonders could be captured with good equipment.

New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Vermont Mountain Village Rochester Revives Historic Bowl Mill For Artisan Classes

Nestled in the Vermont Green Mountains, the town of Rochester has breathed new life into its historic Bowl Mill, transforming it into a hub for artisan classes. The mill's legacy of creating distinctive hardwood bowls, crafted from locally sourced wood like beech, walnut, maple, and cherry, continues through these workshops. Visitors can now learn the art of wooden bowl making firsthand, participating in immersive sessions and exploring the craft's techniques.

Beyond the classes, the beautifully restored farmhouse that once belonged to the mill now showcases a retail space, offering a range of Vermont-made products. These include, of course, the famous wooden bowls, as well as other handcrafted items that highlight the region's talent and dedication to traditional skills. This revitalized mill is not only a welcome addition to the local scene but also underscores the area's dedication to fostering the crafts and the use of native woods.

Rochester, with its captivating natural beauty, now offers an appealing experience for those looking to combine a connection to traditional craftsmanship with a vacation in the outdoors. Whether you are a woodworker, an art enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a unique and scenic place to spend a few days, the revitalized Bowl Mill certainly elevates Rochester's appeal.

In the Green Mountains of Vermont, nestled within the scenic region known as "the Shires," the town of Rochester has revitalized its historic Bowl Mill. Originally dating back to the late 1800s, the mill, a relic of traditional craftsmanship, now serves as a training ground for contemporary artisan classes. The mill's revival is intriguing, as it blends the time-honored techniques of woodturning with current design trends.

The classes held there offer a fascinating blend of art and engineering principles. Students learn about wood properties like beech, walnut, maple, and cherry, analyzing density and durability, factors critical to a bowl's eventual form and function. The tools used are specifically designed for specific tasks, a concept that resonates with engineers who understand tool optimization for achieving precise results in other disciplines.

The mill itself offers a captivating look at energy transfer in a mechanical context. Instead of relying on the modern automation common in manufacturing, the mill relies on more traditional forms of power, revealing the fascinating interaction of historical practices and contemporary needs. The handcrafted nature of the bowls creates a unique fingerprint on each piece due to the natural variations found within wood grain patterns. This uniqueness is akin to engineering solutions where customization adds value in a diverse market.

The instruction at the mill is also deeply grounded in the physical sciences. Understanding wood moisture content, for instance, is crucial to achieving desired outcomes in a wooden bowl. It mirrors how materials scientists assess moisture's impact on strength and expansion characteristics in a wide range of applications.

It's interesting to see how the historic craft of bowl-making relates to social structures and economies, just as evolving technologies have impacted modern industries. The mill's artisan offerings present a compelling niche model for local production within the broader global marketplace. The mill's revival is part of a wider regional trend that emphasizes experience-based tourism. Perhaps this approach to local heritage preservation and artisan craft will inspire similar initiatives in other locations across Vermont and beyond, further stimulating the local tourism economy.

The Bowl Mill is also a compelling study in preservation engineering. Modern safety regulations and the careful stewardship of an older structure requires a skilled understanding of how to bring contemporary concerns into a historical setting.

Beyond traditional crafts, the classes also encourage innovation and creativity in design thinking. Students often incorporate contemporary aesthetics into traditional bowl shapes, leading to thought-provoking conversations around consumer trends that should be on the radar for any design professional.

The work being done at the Bowl Mill in Rochester is an example of a successful balance of history, modern skill sets, and the evolving world of artisan practices. The facility, operated by the Grossfelds who have lived in Vermont for over two decades, provides a snapshot of a successful adaptation of an old craft in a contemporary setting, highlighting its importance and significance to the community. The Mill Store, housed in a beautifully restored farmhouse from the 1830s, showcases a collection of Vermont-made goods, furthering the Mill’s contribution to local artisans and industries, particularly woodworking. The Mill Store also contributes to the town’s overall local economy and tourism.

New MSNBC Travel Series 'The Weekend' Takes Viewers to 7 Hidden Gems Across America - Washington State Peninsula Town Tokeland Introduces Traditional Tribal Canoe Building

Tokeland, a small town situated on Washington State's peninsula, is fostering a renewed connection to its indigenous heritage by introducing traditional tribal canoe building. This initiative, spearheaded by the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, is a revitalization of ancestral skills and a testament to the tribe's cultural legacy in the region. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for both community members and visitors to experience the craftsmanship and history of the area firsthand. The workshops serve as a reminder of the tribe's enduring commitment to passing down traditional skills and maintaining their cultural identity in an ever-changing world. As Tokeland evolves its tourism landscape, the introduction of this practice showcases its commitment to blending cultural heritage with community engagement and enriching the overall experience for those who visit. While it's a relatively small undertaking, it can potentially draw more travelers who are interested in cultural experiences, helping to diversify the town's economy and raise its profile.

Tokeland, a small town on the Washington State peninsula, is fostering a renewed interest in traditional tribal canoe building. This project isn't simply about crafting boats, but rather about reviving a culturally significant practice deeply rooted in the history of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe. Canoes, traditionally crafted from locally sourced woods like cedar prized for its lightweight yet durable nature, played a crucial role in tribal life, serving as vessels for transportation, fishing, and gathering. Their design reflects centuries of adaptations, tailored to the unique needs of the region and its water conditions, revealing a harmonious blend of cultural significance and practical function.


Beyond their utility, canoes are rich repositories of history and cultural identity. Each canoe tells a story, a testament to the skill and knowledge passed down through generations. The canoe-building project engages the community by offering workshops where locals and visitors alike can learn the intricacies of this time-honored craft, promoting both cultural preservation and broader understanding. This activity underscores the importance of maintaining healthy waterways for sustainable transportation and traditional livelihoods, an essential aspect of tribal life tied intrinsically to water safety and quality.


The very act of canoe building offers a compelling interdisciplinary learning experience. It touches upon concepts in engineering, highlighting the principles of hydrodynamics and structural integrity. It also provides insight into ecology, emphasizing the delicate balance of the local ecosystems that provide the resources needed for the construction process. The effort to document the traditional techniques of building these canoes through hands-on learning and workshops not only preserves the cultural legacy of the tribe but also serves as a powerful educational tool, showing how indigenous knowledge and skills can be integrated into modern times. While the focus is on traditional practices, the integration of modern tools might be considered as a way to optimize the traditional canoe building process without deviating from the fundamental principles and historical authenticity.


The canoe-building initiative also strengthens community bonds by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration across various disciplines and cultures, ultimately fostering a more cohesive and culturally rich environment in Tokeland. It’s a compelling case study on how traditional arts and crafts can revitalize a community and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. It also highlights a trend of using traditional crafts to contribute to both societal development and ecological awareness in a modern context. This is an interesting contrast to projects focusing only on cultural conservation without considering societal inclusion and engagement.