Recently I attended a 'Medieval Phantasy Spectacle' in Germany. This is an evolution of what used to be medieval-inspired markets and events in towns and at heritage sites across Germany. The format has changed, and in fact it has become much more like the encampments one sees today in the UK, albeit without any claim … Continue reading Who’s living history?
…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
Trust the properties’ wisdom
This month's Museums Journal (UK) reports on the National Trust's 'Going Local' strategy which gives considerably more management power to local properties, retaining only core functions like financial management, legal services and conservation advice at head office ('National Trust restructure will lead to redundancies', by Gary Noakes, p. 5). The rationale behind the decision is … Continue reading Trust the properties’ wisdom
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?
Another Highland Clearance?
This month's Museums Journal (UK) reports on the Highland Council's public consultation on, among others, the potential for closing museums to achieve budget savings. There is an air of simplism about how the questions are put to the public that raises concerns over what value - if any - the council assigns to museums. 'The … Continue reading Another Highland Clearance?
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
The Roma Experience?
I have recently been directed to the virtual Roma exhibition of The European Library, called 'A Roma Journey'. The European Library is effectively a portal to the national libraries of Europe, who have contributed and made available on the website a digitised selection of their treasures. The exhibitions pull these together thematically. For 'A Roma … Continue reading The Roma Experience?
Nicole Deufel's Blog 