The reason we started Living History Marketing was simple: too many living history museums were working harder every year just to keep their doors open. Volunteers were stretched thin, funding was harder to find, and outdated websites or social media pages weren’t bringing in the visitors these museums deserved. We saw a need to step in and help.
We grew up around tractors, engines, and historic equipment. We understand what it takes to keep old iron running — and we know how to apply that same spirit of restoration to a museum’s visibility and funding. Living History Marketing exists to give non-profit museums the boost they need to survive and thrive.
Most non-profits find that when they go to a regular marketing or website company, the experience is frustrating. The services are often overpriced, the team doesn’t really understand how non-profits operate, and the process drags on for months without solving the museum’s real needs.
Living History Marketing is different. We know the challenges of volunteer-run organizations, we speak your language, and we keep things simple and focused on results that matter — more funding, more visitors, and more visibility for your museum.
Our Mission
To keep America’s agricultural and industrial past alive by helping living history museums secure funding, reach more people, and tell their stories in today’s digital world.
Our Approach
- Respect for your time: We know most museum staff are volunteers. That’s why we do the heavy lifting — from grant writing to social media — so you don’t have to.
- Practical, not complicated: Clear websites, simple videos, and straightforward marketing that actually works.
- Heritage focus: Unlike generic marketing agencies, we specialize in our agricultural and industrial history.
- We speak your language and understand your audience.
- Sustainable growth: We don’t just chase one-time grants — we build ongoing funding, sponsorships, and audience growth strategies that last.
Why Work With Us?
Because we’re not outsiders. We’re part of the same community that values the sound of an engine starting, the smell of oil and steam, and the stories these machines carry. We combine that passion with proven marketing tools to make sure your museum’s story isn’t lost — but carried forward to the next generation.
About The Founder
Dan grew up in the antique tractor and engine hobby. He and his father collect and restore pre-1920 International Harvester tractors, engines and equipment. He has over 15 years experience in video production, marketing and as a social media specialist.
He’s wrote articles that have appeared in Farm Collector, Green Magazine and an upcoming issue of Antique Power Magazine.
He worked as a producer for Classic Tractor Fever, producing content for RFD-TV, the web and social media. In 2020 he co-created the television show Old Iron Adventures and produced the first season that aired on RFD-TV. In 2023 he launched Antique Tractor Life, to share his personal experiences in the hobby.
Classic Tractor Fever
While at Classic Tractor Fever, Dan significantly boosted engagement by developing and executing effective social media strategies. When he started in 2017, Classic Tractor Fever’s Facebook page had about 25,000 followers by the end of 2022, that number had grown to 200,000 and achieving an average monthly reach of over one million.
Dan also created new social media channels including a YouTube channel from scratch. Using a content first strategy, he drove it to over 95,000 subscribers in less than five years. By the end of 2022, the channel averaged 591,217 monthly views and 6,719,343 monthly impressions.
In 2018, Dan launched their Instagram account, growing it to 34,000 followers by end of 2022.
Also while at Classic Tractor Fever, he built relationships that brought in new sponsors including, Carhartt, Flitz Metal Polish, Milwaukee Tools, and Grypmat. He worked with tractor clubs to promote their events with Classic Tractor Fever on RFD-Tv, negotiated deals with major hobby print publications including, Antique Power, Green Magazine, Engineers & Engines, HPOCA.
Antique Tractor Life
In 2023 Dan created Antique Tractor Life, a blog and entertainment brand that, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of vintage tractors and engines. This includes personal stories, and draws from his experience in the hobby.
Starting from scratch, Dan grew the Facebook Page to over 99,000 followers, with an average monthly reach of 1.4 million.
Instagram has grown to 29,000 followers, achieving an average monthly reach of 275,000.
The YouTube channel has over 12,600 followers and accumulated over 8 million views.
Non-Profit Work
Dan has years of experience working with non-profits including Illinois State 4-H, Illini Fighting Hunger, the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition.