The Wayside Inn has introduced Digital Membership through a new partnership with Cuseum, updating how its supporters access and experience their membership benefits.
This initiative places the Inn among other institutions modernizing their member programs, including the New England Aquarium, Don Harrington Discovery Center, and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. With this step, the Inn enhances how it connects with guests while preserving the values of accessibility and stewardship that define its mission.
A Historic Landmark with an Eye on the Future
Founded in 1716 as Howe’s Tavern, The Wayside Inn is one of the oldest operating inns in the United States. Located in Sudbury, Massachusetts, the property spans over one hundred acres and includes a functioning gristmill, chapel, and museum. It holds a unique place in American literary history thanks to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Tales of a Wayside Inn and remains a destination for visitors seeking a blend of heritage, nature, and hospitality.
Managed by The Wayside Inn Foundation, the site now serves as a nonprofit dedicated to preservation, education, and community engagement. Offering historic lodging, dining, and event spaces, the Inn continues to welcome guests year-round—now with a renewed focus on accessibility through digital tools.
What Digital Memberships Offer
Through Cuseum’s Digital Membership platform, supporters now receive membership cards directly to their phones, replacing the need for physical cards. Members benefit from timely renewal reminders, event invitations, and up-to-date information—all delivered via mobile. This allows members to stay connected without waiting for mail or requesting replacements. The platform also makes it easier for the Inn to keep its members informed about seasonal programs, special events, and ways to support its ongoing preservation efforts.
Why It Matters
This shift helps The Wayside Inn reduce printing and postage expenses, cut down on waste, and dedicate more resources to its core mission. It also allows the Foundation to meet supporters where they are, offering faster, more direct communication. For members, that means uninterrupted access to benefits, easier event participation, and a deeper connection to the Inn’s work.
“Preserving history doesn't mean resisting change,” a spokesperson for the Foundation noted. “Digital Membership lets us honor our traditions while improving how we serve our community today.”
Learn More or Book a Demo
The Wayside Inn’s Digital Membership is now live. To explore what this change means for your institution or to see the system in action, book a demo with Cuseum.