BETHEL – The Museum at Bethel Woods, site of the historic 1969 Woodstock Festival, has been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, holding the number two spot. This nomination is a distinction Bethel Woods staff feel is a reflection of both the enduring Woodstock legacy and the institution’s evolving role as a cultural destination.

According to Museum Curator Julia Fell, staff were “honored to continue to have a place on this amazing list of museums around the country,” and noted that the nomination highlighted the historical importance of Woodstock and the museum’s ongoing effort in keeping that history relevant for new generations.

Fell pointed to the recognition serving as a valuable opportunity to introduce the site to audiences who may be unfamiliar with its significance.

The fourth consecutive nomination, Fell marked this consistency towards the lasting resonance of the 1960s and the ideals commonly associated with the Woodstock era. She detailed that themes of peace, community, and cultural expression are still connecting strongly with visitors today, no matter where they come from.

Fell stated that the museum works to ensure that repeat visitors can always discover something new. This ranges from rotating exhibitions, expanded programming, and guided experiences across the historic grounds; all designed to deepen understanding of the site beyond the iconic images of the 1969 festival. 

“People come back again and again,” stated Fell. “We want every visit to feel meaningful.”

She also noted how national attention reflects the museum’s unique position as both a local institution and an international destination. The Museum regularly gets visitors from across the United States and around the world, all leading to different perspectives within the galleries. She highlighted how it isn’t unusual to hear multiple languages spoken at the same time, underscoring the Sullivan County mainstay’s legacy that has its global pull.

Public participation plays a central role in the USA TODAY 10Best competition, and Fell noted how important community support has been throughout the years. She credits volunteers, local residents, and the broader “Woodstock Nation” for helping to sustain the museum’s momentum. This collective backing, she said, is both encouraging and important to the museum’s continued success.

Of the museum’s ongoing efforts are its oral history initiative, described by Fell as a cornerstone of its preservation work, which remains at the forefront. Through interviews and personal conversations, the museum collects firsthand accounts from festival attendees, local residents, and others connected to Woodstock. Fell noted that these accounts help humanize the history and often lead to long-term relationships with returning visitors to the site.

“Woodstock isn’t just one story,” stated Fell. “It’s hundreds of thousands of individual experiences.” She highlighted that capturing such perspectives allows the museum to present a richer, more nuanced understanding of the event and its impact.

Much of the museum’s national and international reach can be attributed to word of mouth, as visitors share their experiences with friends and family. Fell said that recognition from USA TODAY’s platform further that effect, assisting the museum’s reach to new audiences and sparking curiosity about the site.

Looking ahead, Fell said the museum plans to place greater emphasis on what she described as the “lost histories” of Woodstock, highlighting voices and experiences that have often been overshadowed by the scale of the festival itself. Future exhibits and collaborations with other cultural institutions look towards broadening the narrative and reinforcing the idea that Woodstock’s legacy was shaped by intention, community, and shared values.

As voting continues, Fell encourages supporters to take part, emphasizing that each vote helps extend the museum’s story far beyond the hills of Bethel.

Voting is open now through February 9 and the public can vote once per day at www.10best.usatoday.com/awards/museum-bethel-woods-bethel-new-york.