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 →

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? →

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 →

Who needs heritage anyway?

After reading this month's Museum Journal (published by the British Museums Association) one may well wonder if today's leaders really no longer value heritage. Stories of funding cuts have dominated both British and international coverage for months and we now read about the consequences of budgets thus slashed. Winter opening hours are shortened, as with … Continue reading Who needs heritage anyway? →

…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 →

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 →