Authentic Interpretation at the Big Pit, Wales

Authenticity is not usually a term we come across in interpretation literature with the exception of writings on costumed interpretation of various kinds [1]. Interpreters tend to treat authenticity as a given: we base our interpretation on sound research and so it must be authentic [2]. However, my recent visit to the Big … Continue reading Authentic Interpretation at the Big Pit, Wales →

A balancing act – interpretation between respect and education

Most of us, when doing visitor surveys, will find that visitors arrive at our doorstep with some prior knowledge of the site. The depth of this knowledge will vary as will its historical accuracy. Especially where this knowledge is connected with a sense of heritage, however, this may pose a challenge for interpreters. I have … Continue reading A balancing act – interpretation between respect and education →

Are you an interpretive tyrant?

Interpreters tend to be passionate folk. In fact, the first time I heard someone say 'I've turned my passion into my profession' was at an interpreters' conference. Interpreters are not the only ones involved in heritage who are passionate about a site or an object, of course, but their passion goes beyond the resource - … Continue reading Are you an interpretive tyrant? →

Re-enactments, Encampments and Interpretation

Last week I received a flurry of press releases about re-enactments and such at various Historic Scotland properties. Fort George will soon host the 'Colossal Celebration of the Centuries' with displays and presentations that range from Roman times to the 20th century, including a medieval encampment. At Dundonald Castle [1] a medieval day will see … Continue reading Re-enactments, Encampments and Interpretation →

Interpret Europe

Last week, I attended the Foundation Assembly for Interpret Europe - the European Association for Heritage Interpretation. This was the first time that I was part of a truly historic event and that in itself makes one's heart beat faster. But what was more important was that with Interpret Europe interpretation finally receives its deserved … Continue reading Interpret Europe →

The Heritage of the People – ICH

Recently, a wiki website was launched to inventory the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland. This is a response to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage which defined ICH as 'practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills' and the objects and cultural spaces associated with these [1]. The convention called for all … Continue reading The Heritage of the People – ICH →

…after all, it’s a heritage site, not a history site

I am preparing a research proposal at the moment, and part of my literature review reminds me of an experience I had late last year at a history conference. At the time, I was doing another bit of research looking at what our processes are for interpreting significance. At one of my case study sites … Continue reading …after all, it’s a heritage site, not a history site →

Give Mr Tilden a rest

The current issue of Legacy (National Association of Interpretation, USA) includes a commentary by Robinne Weiss that critiques the continued reference by modern interpreters to Freeman Tilden. In his book 'Interpreting Our Heritage', first published in 1957 (!), Tilden established the well-known 'principles' of interpretation which often are shortened to the mantra 'relate-reveal-provoke'. Ms Weiss … Continue reading Give Mr Tilden a rest →

Down with the panel! – Or maybe not just yet?

The current issue of AHI's Interpretation Journal is entirely devoted to words - and an inspiring debate about whether or not we should lay the interpretive panel to rest. Verity Walker of Interpretaction rightly points out that too often, panels are the default when interpretation is sought. She bemoans many panels' formal, nondescript voice and … Continue reading Down with the panel! – Or maybe not just yet? →

Here and Not Elsewhere – A Sense of Place

I visited my home village for 1 May. In Germany, and certainly in the South, the raising of the 'Maibaum' - the maypole - on the eve of 30 April is generally a village celebration, followed the next day by the 'Maiwanderung' - the hike on 1 May. The weather wouldn't quite collaborate, but I … Continue reading Here and Not Elsewhere – A Sense of Place →