Category Archives: Historical interpretation

Heritage interpretation notes from Stockholm Days One and Two

Posted on June 14, 2013 by susancrosstelltale

I know it’s easy to mix my work up with what other people do on holiday. Sometimes it’s even easy to mix my work up with what I do on holiday. But there is a difference – when I am working … Continue reading →

Posted in Attractions, enjoying heritage, Good places to visit, Historical interpretation, Interpretation, Museums, Tips and advice, Tourism | Leave a comment

‘Hot’ interpretation: why tourists need us to tell the tough tales

Posted on January 22, 2013 by susancrosstelltale

It can be hard to understand a country as a visitor.  Some parts of national history, usually the highs and lows, are so well known by the natives that they need no explanation.  These parts of the heritage, arguably the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cultural difference, Culture, Heritage attractions, Historical interpretation, Interpretation, Interpretelling, Ireland, Mentoring, Stories, Storytelling, Tourism | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Interpretelling: combining storytelling with heritage interpretation

Posted on January 5, 2013 by susancrosstelltale

I believe interpreters are closely related to storytellers. I ‘invented’ the word ‘interpretelling’ year or so ago. Freshly arrived in Western Australia, I was preparing to deliver a keynote at the Museums Australia/Interpretation Australia Conference in Perth. One evening, somewhat dazzled … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Historical interpretation, Interpretation, Interpretation Australia, Interpretelling, Thematic interpretation, Wildlife interpretation | Leave a comment

Inheritance and legacy, stories in heritage interpretation

Posted on November 9, 2012 by susancrosstelltale

When I consider using story in interpretation, I am mining a vein of thought that has run deep through my 30 years in the interpretation business, constantly welling up into new ideas and questions. For me it has been and continues … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Historical interpretation, Interpretation, Interpretation Australia, Interpretelling, Museums, Stories, Storytelling, Tips and advice | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Hey! that’s my life you are writing about!’ – National Cold War Gallery, Cosford

Posted on October 20, 2012 by susancrosstelltale

We visited three museums on Thursday as part of the AHI Conference in ‘glorious Shropshire’.  The RAF Museum at Cosford was the one I was least looking forward to.  It turned out to be the one with the best interpretation … Continue reading →

Posted in Attractions, Cultural difference, Heritage attractions, Historical interpretation, Museums | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Heritage interpretation as monuments and memorials

Posted on September 17, 2012 by susancrosstelltale

Last week I was at a fascinating seminar on Spaces, Places and Practices of Remembrance and Memory at the National Memorial Arboretum, one of my favorite places (see here). Lots of food for thought. I found myself in the stimulating … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical interpretation, Interpretation Australia, Interpretelling, Ireland, Museums, Stories, Storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why wildlife interpretation is harder work than historical interpretation

Posted on September 3, 2012 by susancrosstelltale

A little while ago, I asked the question ‘which is easier, wildlife or historical interpretation?’ That’s a difficult question. It made me think. Now I have an answer, but not the one I expected. I work in and train people … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Historical interpretation, Stories, Tips and advice, Training, Wildlife, Wildlife and countryside attractions, Wildlife interpretation | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A simple idea, made beautifully

Posted on August 30, 2012 by susancrosstelltale

When we really believe the things we have share are beautiful and valuable it makes a difference to how we share them.  Or, to put it another way, the way we present activities or information carries implicit messages about how … Continue reading →

Posted in Attractions, Environment, Good places to visit, Historical interpretation, Interpretation, Uncategorized, Visitors, Wildlife, Wildlife interpretation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wildlife or historical interpretation – which is easier?

Posted on August 16, 2012 by susancrosstelltale

The grass does always look greener on the other side of the track. When I train wildlife interpreters they frequently complain that historical interpretation is so much easier because of ‘all those stories and characters that you have to work … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical interpretation, Interpretation, Interpretelling, Storytelling, Tips and advice, Training, Wildlife interpretation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

6 heritage attractions that taught me the Irish history I needed to know

Posted on July 7, 2012 by susancrosstelltale

Heritage sites can be good, powerful and human places to encounter and understand the important people and events that have shaped a country’s past and present. I believe they have a particularly important  role for international visitors. I have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Attractions, Cultural difference, Good places to visit, Heritage attractions, Historical interpretation, Ireland, Stories, Tourism, Visit experience, Visitors | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment