Today I attended a conference titled, ‘The Role of Interpretation in Tourism’. As may be expected, none of the speakers questioned that interpretation was an intrinsic part of any tourism effort. This is not a given however: at a conference a few months ago, the host country’s Director of Tourism unblushingly claimed that interpretation had … Continue reading Interpretation…or Visitor Experience?
A case of too many interactives?
A couple of weeks ago I visited the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, Wales. The museum’s focus is on the industrial history of wales, and object cases alternate with high-tech interactives. I’m not personally a huge fan of interactives. The reason is that I have not seen many interactives that I feel were necessary and … Continue reading A case of too many interactives?
Enough with the woolly!
In the UK the impact of budget cuts is starting to become evident all around us. The latest issue of the Museums Journal abounds with news of museum closures, staff reductions or reduced opening hours. The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council is about to become usurped by the Arts Council in England and funding programmes … Continue reading Enough with the woolly!
What is your mission?
In her keynote speech at the 2010 National Workshop of the National Association for Interpretation in Las Vegas, Amy Lethbridge asked people for their personal mission statements as interpreters. Participants’ responses varied widely. Many people said their mission was to contribute to conservation of nature and heritage. Others said they wanted to share their passion … Continue reading What is your mission?
Understanding stakeholders (and their view of significance)
Two weeks ago I presented a paper on stakeholders to the online conference of Interpretation Canada. I shared with delegates how I go about trying to understand the main stakeholders of a project. Step 1: Who are the main stakeholders? My first step is to identify who the main stakeholders are to begin with. I … Continue reading Understanding stakeholders (and their view of significance)
Interpretation as a living social practice
A few years ago, when I first started to study heritage interpretation at uni, we were asked to write a paper on 'The origins, purposes and developments of interpretation.' For me, the obvious starting point was oral history. Oral cultures pass on and continue their traditions through the stories and songs they share: in my … Continue reading Interpretation as a living social practice
Significance, Significance – Why it’s so important
I've just returned from an excellent conference - the National Workshop of the US-American National Association for Interpretation. I've picked up many good ideas that I will certainly blog about, but today I want to reflect on the responses I got to my own paper. I presented some of the research I've recently completed into … Continue reading Significance, Significance – Why it’s so important
Beware the generic, or: That’s what significance assessments are for
I recently had a very interesting chat with a colleague who is working on educational programmes. They covered a whole range of topics that may be of interest to teachers and so encourage them to bring pupils on site. I admired their ideas for a broad variety of possible projects, and yet one thing remained … Continue reading Beware the generic, or: That’s what significance assessments are for
A good book on the wall?
Now here's an oxymoron in most interpreters' view: how can any panel that reads like 'a book on the wall' ever be good? And of course these interpreters are right in pointing out that rows upon rows of text are highly unlikely to be read and they will probably fail to get a memorable and … Continue reading A good book on the wall?
First person interpretation – Use At Your Own Risk
I am regularly amazed at how many heritage managers and learning officers speak of first person interpretation as if it were the only form of personal interpretation. Only recently I was witness to yet another suggestion that 'to really bring the story to life' there should be 'a person from the past' [1]. Have you … Continue reading First person interpretation – Use At Your Own Risk
Nicole Deufel's Blog 