Meaningful Interpretation
Edited by David L. Larsen
2011
Meaningful Interpretation: How to Connect Hearts and Minds to Places, Objects, and Other Resources
is a training and learning tool for interpreters. Using a personal
journaling format, this volume includes questions, text, exercises, and
the insights of colleagues. It prompts the reader to explore the
relationship of tangible resources to their intangible meanings, the
role and purpose of interpretation, and the responsibilities of
professionalism. This book is pertinent to all interpreters—brand new,
experienced, volunteer, or paid professional. It includes natural,
cultural, and historical examples and is useful for parks, refuges,
zoos, museums, nature centers, and other places.
Meaningful Interpretation captures the essential philosophy and best
practices of the National Park Service Interpretive Development Program
(IDP). The IDP was created by hundreds of field interpreters through a
series of workshops and training courses, and defines professional
standards for National Park Service interpretation through a national
benchmark curriculum.