Introduction to Heritage Interpretation, an entry level interpretation course, reviews the current state-of-the-art in interpretive philosophy, techniques and services, based on "outcome based" interpretation. The course centers around Tilden's Interpretive Principles, and developing interpretive themes and objectives for any interpretive program, tour, exhibit or service. This is a good course for incoming new or seasonal interpretation staff and volunteers.

Learn more about this course from the instructor John Veverka in this video introduction.

Course Goals
You should complete this course with a general understanding of heritage interpretation. In four weeks we can not possibly cover every situation that one could encounter in heritage interpretation, but we hope to give you the tools and resources to figure out issues that arise. The main goal of this course then is to introduce you to the most essential methodology and resources.

Participant Outcomes
Participants will:

• Have a working knowledge of Tilden's Interpretive Principles.
• 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) 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.
  • 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.
  • Basics of interpretive writing.
  • Simple techniques for evaluation (self-evaluation) of interpretive programs and services you present.