Interpretation & Education

A book of four circular stamps "passport to history."
Interpretive Media

We offer a variety of interpretive digital media opportunities to help share your trail site and history with the public.

Collage of nine national historic trail logos each with a colored icon and the trail's name
The National Historic Trail Logos

Discover how to obtain and use the official, copyrighted National Historic Trail Logos.

Three mobile phone images with a screen depicting a map.
NPS App & NPS Trail Websites

Learn how your site can be included in the NPS app and national historic trail websites.

Black background and white text, "Accessibility Questions."
Accessibility Questions

Tips on creating accessible and inclusive media products.

Technical Assistance Provided

Interpretive Planning

  • Developing the best types of visitor services for your site
  • Strategies for responding to visitor requests for media and information
  • Analyzing your audience and reaching out to diverse groups
  • Strategic planning for visitor experiences as a part of trail development
  • Incorporating interpretation into your organization's planning documents
  • Providing an interpretive planning, design, and project management package
  • Incorporating digital media into your planning and products

Providing Opportunities for Visitor Use and Enjoyment

  • Creating and providing a range of media including: websites, publications, wayside exhibits, videos, educational activities, and smartphone mobile applications
  • Participating in the Passport to Your National Parks program
  • Enhancing trip planning and map features on websites and mobile applications
  • Harnessing new technologies to tell your stories in new ways
  • Meeting ADA requirements and utilizing the best practices of universal design
  • Engaging the public through social media
  • Using digital technology to improve access to trails and stories
  • Developing innovative techniques for sharing your story

Capacity-building: Developing Interpretation for Trail Sites

  • Sustainability, record keeping, and maintenance of interpretive media and services
  • Tips for special events and public relations
  • Building connections and working with local communities to share your story
  • Understanding the principles of interpretive writing
  • Writing themes, goals, and objectives
  • Training in interpretive skills
  • Choosing appropriate interpretive media
  • Incorporating multiple interpretive media types
  • Preparing for projects with traditional, digital, and accessible components

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Tools