2  Overview of the Program


 

“If you are not absolutely certain that you can maintain an attitude of enthusiasm and courtesy, please do not apply for work of this sort.”

- Education Division
information sheet, 1927

(quoted in Mackintosh 1986)

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

“Now there are more popular television series like Nature and Nova on scientific subjects and occasional historical productions of high quality—all done with professional polish not easily matched by the park interpreter.  Today’s more sophisticated audience is less likely to be impressed with a merely competent performance.”

-Barry MacKintosh, 1986

 

What are the objectives of this training program?

 

This four-module program is designed to provide archeologists and interpreters with a greater understanding of each respective discipline and to create more opportunities for archeologists and interpreters to work together. Upon completion of this curriculum in the effective interpretation of archeological resources:

 

Archeologists will be able to

 

  Describe how interpretation and education meet the NPS mission and objectives;

  Establish a personal foundation for developing interpretive effectiveness through an understanding of interpretive purpose and techniques;

  Establish a mission-driven approach to the interpretation of archeological resources that incorporates both park management outcomes and opportunities for visitor revelation, both of which lead to enhanced stewardship;

  Explain the interpreter’s role in facilitating the visitor’s experience and developing intellectual and emotional connections with the resource, and how this relationship provides an opportunity for stewardship; and

  Identify universal concepts and interpretive themes based on archeological resources that will assist interpreters in developing effective interpretation programs.

 

 Interpreters will be able to

 

  Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of archeology;

  Demonstrate knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations and policies pertaining to archeological resources;

  Present programs with factual archeological content that also present other points of view;

  Demonstrate knowledge of on-site resource preservation activities; and

  Explain the archeologist’s role in interpretation to facilitate the visitors’ experience with and relationship to the archeological record, with an understanding that interpretation moves beyond a recitation of scientific data and chronologies.

 

Both archeologists and interpreters will be able to

 

  Convey archeological information to visitors in an understandable and usable manner;

  Identify and appropriately present multiple perspectives, or direct visitors to sources for discovering multiple perspectives;

  Work together to develop programs and texts about archeological subjects; and

  Develop presentations and/or media about archeological subjects suitable for a variety of audiences.

 

Stemming from an appreciation of the importance of cultural resources, more effective interpretation of archeological resources will result in greater stewardship awareness by visitors.

 

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CHRS home

An Inspiring Guide

I. Introduction

II. Overview of the Program

III. Meeting the Mission

IV. The Public Meaning of Archeological Heritage

V. Archeology and Interpretation

VI. Study Tour of Parks

VII. Interpretive Products

VIII. Credits

IX. References

X. Resources and Links

 

National Park Service  - Archeology and Ethnography Program  - Distance Learning

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