"An Inspiring Guide": Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources
A four-part program for archeologists and interpreters, developed by the National Park Service in cooperation with the Center for Heritage Resource Studies, University of Maryland, College Park. 2004

This manual is intended to be “an inspiring guide” to encourage archeologists and interpreters to work together to effectively interpret archeological resources to the public.

The curriculum is adaptable to any geographic region and may be adapted by any agency or organization desiring to improve the quality of archeological presentation to the public.

Employing the concept of “shared competency,” archeologists and interpreters receive training in each other’s disciplines and work together to provide effective and accurate interpretation of archeological information and resources to the public.

Archeologists gain a firm foundation in and understanding of the purpose, philosophy, and techniques of interpretation.

Interpreters gain an understanding of basic archeological principles and techniques as well as comprehensive and accurate knowledge of historical and archeological information.

Together, archeologists and interpreters provide the public with opportunities to establish their own compelling intellectual and emotional connections to cultural resources based on current factual research and creative interpretive techniques.

Find more information about the National Park Service shared competency for archeologists and interpreters (see Module 440 under “Competencies”and “other developmental modules”).

Table of Contents
(Most links below are to downloadable Word .doc files)

1. Introduction

2. Overview of the Program

3. Meeting the Mission

4. The Public Meaning of Archeological Heritage (Module 1)

5. Archeology and Interpretation (Module 2)

Archeology for Interpreters

Interpretation for Archeologists

6. Study Tour of Parks (Module 3)

7. Interpretive Products (Module 4)

8. Credits

9. References

10. Resources on the Web