cpMESA VERDE PARK LINK


Module 440: Effective Interpretation of
Archeological Resources Workshop

Mesa Verde National Park

BLM Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Anazasi Heritage Center
Colorado


October 19 - 23, 2009

Updated November 2, 2009 by JHJ
An on-site, hands-on interdisciplinary workshop
... fostering opportunities for
emotional and intellectual connections to resource meanings, promoting public inpiration, appreciation, and stewardship
.

Facilitators/Instructors:

Four Pre-workshop assignments, view and complete online:

  1. All:
  2. Archaeologists: "Interpretation for Archeologists" online resource/knowledge guide

  3. Interpreters and educators: "Archeology for Interpreters" online resource/knowledge guide

  4. " Foundations of Interpretation"
    Description: This introductory course answers four fundamental questions about interpretation: What is interpretation?; Why do we do interpretation?; What skills do interpreters need?; and How do you do interpretation? Designed to provide a basic understanding of the theory and practice of interpretation, this course is ideal for those new to the field or anyone interested in a refresher on interpretation concept.
    Length: 2 hours
    Registration Fee: Free
    Access: www.eppley.org
    Instructions: In Course Topics (on left side of page) click on Interpretation. At the top of the list is Foundations of Interpretation, click on this course title and begin.
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Training Goals and Objectives:

Goals:

The overall goals of this training are to strengthen the relationship between archeology and public interpretation and to improve how archeology is presented to the public. Participants will gain a general introduction to effective methods and procedures in the field of public interpretation of archeological sites. Interpreters and educators will gain knowledge about fundamental principles and professional standards in archeology as well as knowledge and skills for developing presentations and media about archeological resources. Archeologists will gain knowledge about standards for interpretation as well as knowledge and skills for developing effective interpretive presentations and media about archeological resources.

Objectives: Upon completing the training, participants will gain knowledge and skills to:

  • Develop and implement a mission-driven approach to interpretation of archeological resources that incorporates both park management outcomes and audience revelation, both of which lead to enhanced stewardship.

  • Through knowledge gained of professional standards of archaeological practice and interpretive purpose and techniques, develop a personal foundation of knowledge and skills to use in creating programs that effectively interpret archeological resources.

  • Identify and appropriately present multiple perspectives, or direct audiences to sources for discovering multiple perspectives.

  • Explain the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, including the interpreter's and archeologist's respective roles, in developing programs and texts about archeological subjects.

The course draws from the NPS's Module 440 Shared Competency Course of Study: "Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources." Case study examples demonstrate interpretive approaches and techniques that have been effective in the past. Participants are assigned to interdisciplinary focus groups that examine local interpretation and education efforts and provide group critiques of programs and projects. Field trips are scheduled to local archeological sites and museums with existing and planned public interpretation programs.

 

Internet Resources/Links:

Background to shared competency training module
- Module 440: Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources
- Module 101. Fulfilling the NPS Mission: The Process of Interpretation
- The NPS Interpretive Development Program
- "Archeology for Interpreters" knowledge guide
- "Interpretation for Archeologists" knowledge guide

- 'An Inspiring Guide’ online course (University of Maryland Center for Heritage Resource Studies)
- NPS Archeology essential competencies
- Laws, regulations, and standards affecting archeological resources
- SEAC's Public Interpretation Initiative
- SEAC's Interpretive Arts Initiative
- NPS Harper's Ferry Center onMedia Newsletter
- Other literary and web resources

 

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