Honoring the Past.

Securing the Future.

Stewards of historic places are driven by passion and purpose. Yet, with so many roles to fill and responsibilities to juggle, it’s not always easy to carve out time for innovation.

That’s where an outside perspective can be transformative.

With the right strategy, growth becomes not just possible, but inspiring. By building on what’s already working, it’s possible to uncover new opportunities for revenue, visibility, and long-term sustainability — without compromising integrity.

Lisa Marks. Curator and Historian, Rockcliffe Mansion

Let’s Discover What’s Possible Together

Lisa Marks

Award-winning Event Creator & Fundraising Strategist

Supporting cultural spaces through Creative Development and Sustainable Growth

Award-Winning Events That Build Community

Creative, immersive events have the power to transform a historic site’s visibility, boost local economies, and foster deep community pride. I offer fresh concepts and proven strategies that turn cultural heritage into unforgettable, revenue-generating experiences.

As the creator of the award-winning Big River Steampunk Festival, hailed as one of the largest events of its kind worldwide, I’ve proven firsthand how storytelling, design, and smart logistics can elevate a single weekend into an annual tradition. Whether you’re planning your first festival or revitalizing a long-standing event, I can help you grow its impact.

Small- or Large-Scale Festival Planning and Logistics
Heritage Celebrations and Themed Community Events
Festival Branding and Thematic Story Integration
Vendor Coordination and On-Site Supervision
Volunteer/Staff Recruitment and Management
Sponsorship Development, Paid Advertising and Donor Outreach
Marketing, Social Media, and Online Ticketing Campaigns
Municipal Partnerships and Permitting Support

Video Produced by the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism for “Pathfinder” Award

Authentic storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to connect with audiences. The most enduring support and engagement comes from those who feel personally connected to a place—its history, its meaning, its magic. Whether through books, curated museum exhibits, social media, or press features, thoughtful narrative can elevate a brand, strengthen public trust, and inspire long-term support. I specialize in uncovering the heart of a place or project and translating it into stories that resonate deeply, capturing attention, media coverage, and lasting goodwill.

Storytelling That Inspires Heartfelt Connection
and Loyal Patronage

Writing and Editing Services:

Grants and Proposals for Cultural and Restoration Projects
Collectible and Specialty Niche Books
Interpretive Museum Exhibits
Historic and Educational Docent-Guided Tours
Interpretive Signage and Self-Guided Tours
Social Media and Guest Collab Posts
Brochures, Ads and Promotional Materials
Press Releases and Media Kits
Ghostwriting for Founders or Board Members

Books written by Lisa Marks

Arcadia Publishing and The History Press, publishers

Creative Fundraising for Long-Term Sustainability

Fundraising doesn't have to feel transactional—it can be imaginative, joyful, and deeply aligned with your mission. I help heritage properties, cultural spaces, and community organizations design campaigns that inspire support and expand donor engagement.

From themed galas to collectible merchandise, and from honoring donors to online giving drives, I’ve developed inventive approaches that meet goals and exceed expectations. My campaigns and events have raised millions of dollars for historic preservation and economic growth—often in small towns with limited resources. Let’s uncover what’s possible for yours.

Evergreen Digital Product Development
Annual Fundraising Drives
Gala Events and Themed Parties
Collectible Merchandise Production and Sales
Brand Licensing and Coordination
Donor Appreciation Premiums

Fundraising Campaign for Hannibal History Museum

Impactful Design That Drives Attention

From concept to completion, I specialize in creating bespoke, eye-catching graphic designs for print, social media, advertising, and web, designed to inspire engagement and build lasting recognition. I offer deep fluency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (print and digital layouts), Premiere Pro (video editing), as well as the latest in AI technology (Veo3, Midjourney 7 and others), all working together to bring your brand’s message vividly to life.

Web & Social Media Graphics
Video Editing for Social Media, Fundraising or Promotion
Content Creation Using Traditional Tools and A.I.
Print Collateral (Posters, Flyers, Banners)
Festival Brochures and Advertising
Custom Logos & Brand Identity Assets
Museum-Quality Exhibit Panel Design & Layout

Video Edited and Produced by Lisa Marks featuring Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Buffet, Garrison Keilor, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill and others as a fundraiser for Mark Twain Museums