Heritage Tourism

Stoney Morrell Jr. '78 traces his interest in "one-of-a-kind" creations to genetic predisposition. In 1954 his parents founded the family business in Glen, N.H., that features Heritage-New Hampshire, an experiential museum that presents 350 years of life in the state, and Story Land, a 35-acre theme park developed in the White Mountains long before Disney took the concept international.

Spending lots of money "just for fan" is what drives Morrell, who took over the business in 1982. His latest inspiration is a covered bridge, built from 100-year-old plans, that was part of the Smithsonian Institute's Folklife Festival featuring New Hampshire history and crafts in Washington, D.C., last summer. Morreli agreed to pay for constructing the "20-ton piece of fine art" with the proviso that it would subsequently become a Heritage-New Hampshire attraction.

Then there's the $1.8 million project to restore and operate the Flying Yankee, a three-section, high-speed diesel-electric train that trav- eled more than 2.5 million miles throughout New England from 1935 until 1957. Originally envisioned as a Crawford Notch tourist attraction, the streamliner has evolved into a statewide enterprise to promote regional history.

There's a new word for re-experiencing the old, says Morrell. "They now call it edu-tainment." Visit Heritage-New Hampshire online at www.heritagenh.com.

Morrell '78 on the running board of a 1930 Model AA Ford at his museum.