C-1 Know Yourself By Knowing the Past: the Conservation/Preservation Movement
Through the use of first person interpretation, the participants are introduced to life in the late 1800’s to learn of attitudes and “land ethic” during the age of the industrial revolution and the subsequent evolution of its counterpart, the environmental/cultural preservation revolution. Following the living history presentation, the audience is guided through the progression of time, learning about the founders of the conservation/preservation movement and how we are linked to these “pillars from the past”. What each person passes on to future generations depends on “knowing yourself by knowing the past”.
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum staff; Environmental organizations
Time Length: 90 minutes
(May also be adapted into a 60 minute keynote motivational address)
C-2 Respect It! Establishing a Land Ethic With Our Love! (Aldo Leopold’s Legacy)
A variation of C-1 focusing on the legacy and contributions of 
Aldo Leopold to our 21st century land ethic–including his connection to the other greats of the Environmental Hall of Fame (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Enos Mills, Teddy Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot and Rosalie Edge). In this presentation, the audience will first meet 1890’s woodhick (logger) Jack Hains whose attitude toward the land and those “darn” conservationists sets the stage for the counter revolution to come!
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum staff; Environmental organizations
Time Length: 90 minutes
(May also be adapted into a 60 minute keynote motivational address)
Interpretive Skills Workshops
I-1 Nuts and Bolts: Principles and Mechanics of an Interpretive Program
Every quality interpretive presentation has a unifying process to its success. This session looks at the necessary components of a successful interpretive presentation (title, topic, objectives, themes, outline, lesson plan, etc.). Presenting a successful interpretive presentation is not a “hit or miss” process. It is an art which can be learned. (In the 120 minute version, the attendees will have a “hands-on” opportunity to begin their own interpretive presentation utilizing the methods presented.)
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum interpretive/educational personnel
Time Length: 90-120 minutes
Living History Workshops
L-1 How to Handle History
Beginning with a living history presentation, this session examines the need to organize, develop and utilize available historical information in a method that is both enjoyable and educational to the public. Details the sources of relevant historical information and presents the differences between living history and other costumed interpretation techniques.
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum personnel; Historical organizations; Educational organizations (Ideal for administrative personnel)
Time Length: 90 minutes
(May also be adapted into a 60-90 minute conference keynote address)
L-2 Living History as an Interpretive Tool
This session looks at one of the most powerful and yet potentially dangerous tools available to the interpreter/educator – living history. Beginning with an example (a living history presentation), this session presents the differences between living history and other costumed interpretation techniques, the value of living history and things to consider when contemplating a living history program. This seminar is designed to give an overview of the challenge of historically accurate living history.
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum personnel; Historical organizations; Educational organizations (Ideal for administrative personnel)
Time Length: 90 minutes
(May also be adapted into a 60 minute keynote motivational address)
L-3 But All I Wanted to Do Was Wear Old Clothes and Go Back to the Past
Beginning with an example of a living history program by the instructor, this session presents the differences between living history and other costumed interpretation techniques, the value of living history, the history and genesis of this interpretive tool and explores the question, “No one can recreate the past, so why use living history?”. This session and #L-4 (Past into Present) provide an advanced investigation of the proper way to approach historically accurate living history.
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum interpretive/educational personnel; Historical organizations; Reenactors
Time Length: 45-60 minute program, followed by 90 minute session
L-4 Past into Present – Living History Pros, Cons and Process
The instructor and participants discuss the pros and cons of living history and look at the various reasons why people become involved with this interpretive tool. The actual process of developing a living history program is be detailed. This session and #L-3 (But All I Wanted to Do Was Wear Old Clothes…) provide an advanced investigation of the proper way to approach historically accurate living history.
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum interpretive/educational personnel; Historical organizations; Reenactors
Time Length: 90 minutes (If used without #L-3, may be preceded by an 45-60 minute example program.)
L-5 Tricks of the Trade: What is that in Thine Hand
Every living history interpreter carries with them a number of techniques or tricks which they use when they conduct program, walk or a talk. These tricks are the “icing on the cake” which make the difference between the mediocre and excellent first person interpreter. The participants will have the opportunity to share positive experiences and evaluate new techniques that have a proven record of success.
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum interpretive/educational personnel; Historical organizations; Reenactors
Time Length: 60 minutes
Visitor Services
V-1 The Visitor Comes First!
There is a motive behind every visitor question. Understanding those motives and the people behind them improves our service to the visitor. This session examines the needs of the visitor, identifies the types of visitors, explores the interactions between park personnel and visitor, analyzes visitor questions and the best method of response and discusses the importance of presenting a positive image.
Recommended Audience: Park/Museum staff (Ideal for seasonal training)
Time Length: 60 minutes