Interpretation 101, Or: Show ‘Em Why We’re Here

Sometimes I walk through a museum or visitor centre and wonder, why are we here? This is the more frustrating at a site like Keltenwelt am Glauberg where, according to its own interpretation, they discovered a ‘scientific sensation’. So I’m feeling inspired to write another ‘Interpretation 101’ post, using Keltenwelt am Glauberg, and specifically its … Continue reading Interpretation 101, Or: Show ‘Em Why We’re Here →

Interpretation…doesn’t trust visitors to have their own thoughts?

I am indebted to the Association for Heritage Interpretation (UK) for publishing a news item that highlighted the National Trust’s ‘Bench mate’ scheme and a commentary on it in a national newspaper. The latter is particularly refreshing as the voice of someone whose profession is not interpretation. The commentator, a comedian, I’m told, makes a … Continue reading Interpretation…doesn’t trust visitors to have their own thoughts? →

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 →