NPS Tenets of Interpretation

Resources possess meanings and have relevance.

• Resources act as icons for meanings.

Visitors are seeking something special —something of value for themselves.

• Individuals find different value/meanings in the same resource.

Interpretation facilitates a connection between the interests of the visitor and the meanings of the resource.

• Primary objective is to provide access to meanings.
• Connections involve moments of intellectual and/or emotional revelation, perception, insight or discovery related to the meanings of the resource.
• Connections are the bridge between information and meanings.

Role of Interpretation in Preservation

• Audiences must care about a resource before they value the preservation of the resource.
• The primary goal of interpretation is not to preach preservation but to facilitate an attitude of care on the part of the audience.
• Preservation depends on audience access and personal connection to the meanings of the resource.

Last revised 17-Aug-13