On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with novelist Marilyn Higgins and explore how fiction can make history more accessible and relevant, shedding light on how 19th-century issues echo in today’s world. We also discuss the growing trend of novel tourism, where travelers experience destinations through the lens of stories and literature. This trend sparks new ways to experience and celebrate unique places through the magic of narrative and place-based journeys.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

How Marilyn’s personal connection to Upstate New York and the Erie Canal inspired her to write a historical fiction novel centered on the region
What historical events, cultural diversity, and social issues are woven into the plot of Dreams Of Freedom: An Irish Woman’s Story Of Love, Justice, And A Young Nation Coming Apart, and how they resonate with current issues in the United States
How novel tourism uses stories and book-based experiences to attract visitors and deepen their connection to destinations
Why Marilyn views historical fiction as a powerful way to make local history accessible and engaging for a wide audience, including those outside the region
What Marilyn is doing to encourage book clubs and travelers to explore Upstate New York through her comprehensive guide that pairs the novel with local site visits

Community, Collaboration, and Storytelling

Our discussion centers around Marilyn’s historical novel, Dreams of Freedom: An Irish Woman’s Story of Love, Justice, and a Young Nation Coming Apart, and the power of novel tourism to revitalize destinations by connecting literary narratives to real-world locales.

Marilyn, who has deep roots in Upstate New York, has dedicated her career to economic and community development, immersing herself in the Erie Canal’s vibrant history. Her novel traces the journey of Aileen O’Malley, a young Irish immigrant, as she traverses Upstate New York in search of her family, who were swept up in the tumultuous social currents of the 19th century.

What makes Dreams of Freedom so compelling isn’t just its emotionally resonant narrative but its grounding in real history. The book explores connections to the Underground Railroad, the emergence of religious movements like the Shakers and Mormons, and the abolition and women’s rights movements.

Walking Through History

Novel tourism invites readers to journey through the landscapes that inspired their favorite books. Higgins envisions her books prompting book clubs and travelers to explore the Erie Canal region, walking in the footsteps of her characters. This is why she’s created a comprehensive, free guide for book clubs, available on her website, which maps out immersive experiences in towns like Canastota, Seneca Falls, and Oswego. Visitors can attend historical reenactments, visit storied landmarks, and engage with the same vibrant communities that shaped her novel’s plot. This approach deepens readers’ engagement and drives meaningful economic and cultural impact for local destinations.

Novel Tourism in Practice

Novel tourism is already being put into practice. For example, Visit Buffalo Niagara, the region’s destination marketing organization, has selected Dreams of Freedom for its annual book club, tying in with the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal and the upcoming World Canals Conference. This initiative brings together local travel providers, tour operators, and literary enthusiasts, fostering connection and collaboration while promoting Upstate New York’s unique heritage.

There is such a powerful synergy between literature and place. By weaving together history, fiction, and tourism, Marilyn has created a blueprint for how destinations, especially those underrepresented in the national story, can use their authentic narratives to draw new audiences to their destination.

Resources:

Website: Marilynhigginsauthor.com
Erie Canal Bicentennial: https://eriecanalway.org/bicentennial

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