Scan barcode
calarco's review against another edition
3.0
Highly influential amongst interpreters and rangers in the National Park Service (NPS), Freeman Tilden’s [b:Interpreting Our Heritage|2691015|Interpreting Our Heritage|Freeman Tilden|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1421708850l/2691015._SY75_.jpg|2716342] is considered by many as either the gold standard or cornerstone of modern-day heritage interpretation. Originally published in 1957 when education as a field was instructional and based in lecture format, the participatory and more pedagogically inclusive concepts Tilden put forth were quite revolutionary.
Specifically, Tilden defined interpretation as, “An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information” (33). He further expands on this definition with 6 interpretive principles:
1. Interpretation should relate what is being displayed with the personality/experience of the visitor.
2. Interpretation is revelation based on information, not information itself.
3. Interpretation is an art, and any art is to some degree teachable.
4. The chief goal of interpretation is provocation, not instruction.
5. Interpretation must present a whole, not just a part or faction.
6. Interpretation for children in mixed audiences should not dilute from the interpretation for adults, though it should follow a fundamentally different approach, best practice requires a separate program.
Admittedly, many of these concepts may now read as obvious truisms, though to understand them you must understand the environment in which they were created. Tilden’s background was mainly in service to NPS, which is a federal institution within the Department of the Interior in the United States that oversees the stewardship of so many of the nation’s natural and cultural resources. It is also important to note the historical context which was on the eve of hatching Mission 66—a 10-year NPS program devoting to creating visitor centers in parks prior to the NPS' 50th anniversary in 1966. Enhancing the visitor experience as a means of inspiring protection for parks was centered at the soul of this work.
Tilden’s approach to interpretation certainly pushed the needle forward, though should be honestly evaluated in a modern context. While many of his principles and examples work for many types of heritage properties, I do feel that as is it favors natural resources. This is entirely due to Tilden’s interpretation of what is narratively important and strikes a seemingly primordial sense of wonder. A good example is how he recants the Civil War – which for him is a story of admiration for the soldiers of both sides without mention of the enslaved individuals fighting for freedom. Unless parameters are clearly defined, even empathy can have blind spots, depending on whom you are empathizing with. It should be noted the NPS now teaches the Civil War as one fought for the preservation of enslaving other American citizens, but I digress.
Overall, this book still definitely has value, though should be understood within its context in time and space. Whether you work in heritage interpretation or are curious about the field I would recommend this book; odds are that it has influenced you directly or indirectly in some way.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Specifically, Tilden defined interpretation as, “An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information” (33). He further expands on this definition with 6 interpretive principles:
1. Interpretation should relate what is being displayed with the personality/experience of the visitor.
2. Interpretation is revelation based on information, not information itself.
3. Interpretation is an art, and any art is to some degree teachable.
4. The chief goal of interpretation is provocation, not instruction.
5. Interpretation must present a whole, not just a part or faction.
6. Interpretation for children in mixed audiences should not dilute from the interpretation for adults, though it should follow a fundamentally different approach, best practice requires a separate program.
Admittedly, many of these concepts may now read as obvious truisms, though to understand them you must understand the environment in which they were created. Tilden’s background was mainly in service to NPS, which is a federal institution within the Department of the Interior in the United States that oversees the stewardship of so many of the nation’s natural and cultural resources. It is also important to note the historical context which was on the eve of hatching Mission 66—a 10-year NPS program devoting to creating visitor centers in parks prior to the NPS' 50th anniversary in 1966. Enhancing the visitor experience as a means of inspiring protection for parks was centered at the soul of this work.
Tilden’s approach to interpretation certainly pushed the needle forward, though should be honestly evaluated in a modern context. While many of his principles and examples work for many types of heritage properties, I do feel that as is it favors natural resources. This is entirely due to Tilden’s interpretation of what is narratively important and strikes a seemingly primordial sense of wonder. A good example is how he recants the Civil War – which for him is a story of admiration for the soldiers of both sides without mention of the enslaved individuals fighting for freedom. Unless parameters are clearly defined, even empathy can have blind spots, depending on whom you are empathizing with. It should be noted the NPS now teaches the Civil War as one fought for the preservation of enslaving other American citizens, but I digress.
Overall, this book still definitely has value, though should be understood within its context in time and space. Whether you work in heritage interpretation or are curious about the field I would recommend this book; odds are that it has influenced you directly or indirectly in some way.
Rating: 3.5 stars
kates_book_nook's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
drmarti's review
5.0
This is a great read for anyone who, like me, works as an interpreter of historical collections and/or enjoys visiting and learning from museums, parks, and historic sites. A beautifully written classic.
More...