Heritage Interpretation

Freeman Tilden, the “father of interpretation” believed that interpretation is an art, but one which can be taught. We will share the skills of this “art” and explore Tilden’s other principles of interpretation through hands-on learning. You will discover the background and context for interpretive theory and be supported to put it into practice in a meaningful way! The course will combine a one-day workshop with personal work and ongoing peer discussion to give you the most beneficial learning experience possible. The one-day workshop will be a mix of discussion and sharing of perspectives/experiences, practical working in pairs and small groups and some presentation of theory by the course director. It will also facilitate the building of a peer group to support you through the follow-up activity.

“It’s been really helpful to have a framework to work within and to gain a better understanding of the principles that lie behind good interpretation” – Past participant

Heritage Interpretation was developed in 2017 by Sarah Oswald (the Authentic Spark) in a partnership between AHI and GEM. The course brings together heritage learning and interpretation professionals to share practice, ideas and approaches, and work through the challenges we mutually face. AHI and GEM continue to work together to develop CPD for the heritage sector that supports the multi-faceted roles and skillsets growing in the workforce. If there is anything you would like to see this partnership working on, contact us.

Who is it for?
This course is aimed at professionals with responsibility for planning, delivering or managing learning programmes or interpretation across the heritage sector. It is flexible to the individual needs of the participant, supporting those already involved in interpretation and looking for ways to improve or build upon their practice, and providing essential skills and knowledge for those new to the field.

Who runs the course?
The course director is Sarah Oswald. Sarah is a creative coach with over 20 years’ experience in heritage interpretation, which she shares as the course director for Heritage Interpretation. She has worked in consultancy, on projects large and small, and in community heritage and loves to use that experience to help coach, mentor and train others in the sector.

Where and when is it?
The one day session will take place at Hampton Court Palace on 12th March 2019. However, the course itself begins week commencing 24th February with an introductory email, pre-workshop activity and the opportunity to participate in an introductory conference call. The post-workshop activity will be due for completion by 3rd April.