Tim Merriman, Executive Director Lisa Brochu, Associate Director

History of Heritage Interpretation in the U.S.

I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of the flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can. John Muir

Enos Mills – 1868-1920

Adventures of a Nature Guide 1920

The aim is to illuminate big principles . . .

Freeman Tilden – 1883-1980 Interpreting Our Heritage 1957 Tilden’s Six Principles of Interpretation

Association of Interpretive Naturalists – 1954 Western Interpreters Association – 1963 National Association for Interpretation - 1988

NAI’s Membership

About 5000 individuals in 30 countries (mostly US)

FederalStateCounty/LocalPrivate NGOFor Profit

Definition of Interpretation A mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource.

NAI Program Activities

� Certification of professionals through peer review

�  Training program for volunteers, part-time or seasonal workers, docents, new hires

�  5-day training workshops for trainers and planners

NAI program activities (continued)

�  InterpPress books and ebooks �  Legacy Magazine � Newsletters � Standards and Best Practices � Definitions Project

(www.definitionsproject.com)

NAI program activities (continued)

� National Workshop (about 1000 people annually in the US)

� Regional and section activities �  International section �  International conference (about 150

people, in locations around the world)