Interpreting “the rest of the story”, a powerful Interpretive communications technique for revealing and releasing the “rest of the stories” hidden in artifacts, objects, historical figures/events, landscapes, or sites through both live presentations and interpretive media text and label copy.

A long time ago – I guess that would be the 1950’s, when I was in grade school and coming home for lunch, my grandmother would have my lunch ready for me (my parents both worked),and have the radio on. On the radio I would listen to “Paul Harvey and the Rest of the Story”. There were engaging and masterful stories that I later realized were based on Tilden’s Interpretive Principles – Provoke, Relate and Reveal. I wouldn’t have imagined back then that my future career (now into its 40th year), would be based in large part on just how Paul Harvey constructed his stories, painted a picture with his words, and held onto his listeners for the “rest of the story” reveal. His “rest of the stories” are probably the best interpretive writing, and storytelling examples, you will ever hear or read.



This course will help you utilize and blend the Paul Harvey Rest of the Story format with Tilden’s Interpretive Principles. An interpretive technique marriage I think you can embrace and use throughout your interpretive career.  Here is a short sample from a self-guiding historic district walking tour. Look for the Provoke, Relate and the “Reveal of the rest of the story”.

The Jackson Clubs dark secret

In 1842, this was the location of the Jackson Club, a club, for Men Only! This was the place where the elite of Jackson came to do business, visit, and talk about the news of the times. And becoming a member wasn’t easy – you had to be somebody important!

Mike Sommerville was somebody! Arriving in Jackson in 1843, he quickly developed a reputation as a powerful businessman, and was invited to become a member of the Jackson Club. Mike served two terms as club president, and even helped increase the membership of this Men’s Only organization. A proud member for 25 years, it wasn’t until Mike’s death in 1869 that it was discovered – that Mike was really … Michelle – Yep! A Woman! And now you know the rest of the story about the Jackson Clubs dark secret.

Course Goals
Upon completion of this course participants will:

• Have a working knowledge of Tilden's Interpretive Principles and the Paul Harvey presentation style and format.
• Have a working knowledge of the Model of Interpretation.
• Will have developed proficiency in:
• Developing and writing interpretive themes.
• Developing and writing interpretive objectives (learn, feel, do).
• Develop skills in understanding how visitors learn and remember in heritage settings.
• Develop a solid understanding of the interpretive planning process for live/conducted interpretive walks, tours or programs – revealing the “rest of the story”.
• Acquire practical applications of interpretive program and tour presentation skills.
• Being able to use the interpretive planning model for planning/developing interpretive media to include: interpretive panels, interpretive exhibits, audio interpretation media, self-guiding media using the “rest of the story” format and techniques.
• Basics of interpretive writing using the “rest of the story” format.