Planning your Heritage Interpretation Programme
Download PDF versions of the Heritage Notes at the Community Development website:
Heritage Notes #1 (pdf)
N. Christopher Robinson
Every heritage facility, whether a museum, interpretive centre
or historic site, should have an interpretive plan as
the basis for all its programming. In order to write
this document, you must first understand what
interpretation is and how it can best be done at your
site. Many definitions of interpretation have been
formulated. While they may differ in their applications,
all agree that interpretation is a communication process
whereby information, its meanings and interrelationships
are conveyed to the intended audience. When this is done
well, it can impart an understanding and appreciation of
our heritage. In its Interpretation Programme documents,
the Historic Sites and Archives Service of Alberta
Culture and Multiculturalism defines interpretation as:
"any communication process designed
to reveal the characteristics, meanings and
relationships of Alberta’s cultural heritage to the
public through reference to objects, artifacts,
landscapes, structures or persons."
Contained in this Heritage Note is discussion on:
- Interpretive Content
- Interpretive Matrix
- Messages
- Relevant Resources
- Appropriate Media
- Audience
- Constraints
- Selected Media
- Interpretive Goals and Objectives
- Audience Analysis
- Interpretive Delivery
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