The document traces the history of heritage interpretation in the U.S. from early pioneers like John Muir and Enos Mills to the formation of interpretation associations and adoption of principles like Freeman Tilden's Six Principles of Interpretation. It provides details on the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) such as its membership of over 5,000 individuals across 30 countries, definition of interpretation, and program activities including certification, training, publications, and workshops.

1. Tim Merriman, Executive Director
Lisa Brochu, Associate Director

2. History of Heritage Interpretation
in the U.S.
I'll interpret the rocks,
learn the language of
the flood, storm, and
the avalanche. I'll
acquaint myself with
the glaciers and wild
gardens, and get as
near the heart of the
world as I can.
John Muir

3. Enos Mills – 1868-1920
Adventures of a
Nature Guide 1920
The aim is to
illuminate big
principles . . .

4. Freeman Tilden – 1883-1980
Interpreting
Our Heritage
1957
Tilden’s Six
Principles of
Interpretation

5. Association of Interpretive Naturalists – 1954
Western Interpreters Association – 1963
National Association for Interpretation - 1988

6. NAI’s Membership
About 5000 individuals in 30 countries
(mostly US)
Federal
State
County/Local
Private NGO
For Profit

7. Definition of Interpretation
A mission-based
communication
process that forges
emotional and
intellectual
connections between
the interests of the
audience and the
meanings inherent in
the resource.

8. NAI Program Activities
ž Certification of professionals through
peer review
ž Training program for volunteers, part-
time or seasonal workers, docents, new
hires
ž 5-day training workshops for trainers
and planners

9. NAI program activities
(continued)
ž InterpPress books and ebooks
ž Legacy Magazine
ž Newsletters
ž Standards and Best Practices
ž Definitions Project
(www.definitionsproject.com)

10. NAI program activities
(continued)
ž National Workshop (about 1000 people
annually in the US)
ž Regional and section activities
ž International section
ž International conference (about 150
people, in locations around the world)