Like a fingerprint, every park and community possesses unique characteristics that distinguish them, each shaped by distinct histories, cultures, demographics, and natural environments. Yet, despite their individuality, common threads connect these places across neighborhoods, states, and even continents. It is the role of interpreters, whether in parks, museums, or classrooms, to illuminate those connections, helping people understand and deepen their relationships with the places they visit. According to the National Park Service’s Foundations of Interpretation: Curriculum Content Narrative, interpretation does not have a single, rigid definition. Rather, it draws from key ideas and practices developed by thought leaders in the field of tourism and heritage education. The curriculum outlines interpretation as the act of connecting what is being presented to something meaningful within the visitor’s own experience. Effective interpretation is pleasurable, relevant, well, organized, and anchored by a clear theme. More importantly, it transcends surface, level facts, offering deeper truths that help visitors see themselves reflected in a site’s history, purpose, or environment.
For instance, at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Arkansas, interpreters don't just tell the story of the Little Rock Nine, they help visitors connect that history to ongoing struggles for civil rights today. By drawing parallels between the past and the present, interpreters ensure that history is not just a story of what happened, but a call to action about what can still be done. Interpretation is the vital bridge between a resource, be it a historic structure, scenic overlook, or museum exhibit, and the people who encounter it. It ties the past, present, and future together, helping individuals not only learn about a place but also feel a sense of belonging within it. This connection, when done well, creates lasting memories and encourages repeat visitation, bolstering public support and long, term stewardship of the resource.
Major public destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains and Congaree National Park draw diverse audiences from around the globe. These visitors bring with them varied backgrounds, beliefs, languages, and expectations. An effective interpreter helps every visitor, no matter their identity or origin, see why a butterfly garden, plantation house, or mountain trail holds meaning not just locally, but universally. For example, at Congaree National Park in South Carolina, rangers facilitate canoe trips through the floodplain forest. Along the way, they explain how enslaved Africans once used the river for transportation and refuge. Visitors leave with not only an appreciation for the natural beauty but a deeper understanding of the park’s historical and cultural context.
Interpretation is far more than regurgitating facts. It’s not enough to state that a site was founded in 1892 or that a species is endangered. True interpretation reveals why that history matters, how it connects to the lives of visitors, and what actions people might take as a result of what they've learned. A skilled interpreter captivates, provokes thought, and invites emotional engagement. Take the example of Yellowstone’s wolf reintroduction program. Interpreters there don’t just explain the ecological mechanics of trophic cascades. They talk about the political and cultural debates, the changes in elk populations, and the perspectives of ranchers and environmentalists alike. This multilayered storytelling helps visitors understand that conservation is complex, and that they have a stake in it.
While interpretation is essential in places like parks and cultural sites, its value extends into classrooms. Teachers act as interpreters too, bridging subject matter and student life. When learners understand the relevance of a lesson, they are more likely to engage deeply and retain the knowledge. Like a ranger translating the significance of a Civil War battlefield or an ecologist interpreting a wetland, educators help students see the “why” behind the “what.” For instance, an environmental science teacher might use a school garden to teach about ecosystems. Rather than reading from a textbook, students observe plant growth, track pollinators, and learn about composting. This hands, on interpretation deepens comprehension and instills environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, interpretation empowers people to find their place within a broader narrative. It helps visitors not only see a site, but feel it. Whether walking through a national park, exploring a historical landmark, or sitting in a classroom, people crave connections that enrich their lives and expand their understanding of the world. Interpretation is the thread that weaves those connections into lasting impressions.
References
Bacher, K., Baltrus, A., Barrie, B., Bliss, K., Cardea, D., Chandler, L., … Lacome, B. (2007, March 1). Foundations of Interpretation. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/idp/interp/101/foundationscurriculum.pdf
Making Meaning: The Role of Interpretation in Connecting People and Parks
By Callie McMullin & Michael J. Bradley