1. Any interpretation that does not
somehow relate what is being displayed or described to something within the personality or experience of the visitor will be sterile.
2. Information, as such, is not Interpretation. Interpretation is revelation based upon information. But they are entirely different things. However, all interpretation also includes information.
REVEAL
3. Interpretation is an art, which combines many arts, whether the materials presented are scientific, historical or architectural. Any art is in some degree teachable.
ART
PROVOKE
5. Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part, and must address itself to the whole man rather than any phase.
HOLISTIC
6. Interpretation addressed to children (say, up to the age of twelve) should not be a dilution of the presentation to adults, but should follow a fundamentally different approach. To be at its best it will require a separate program.
AGE
Passion
Interpretation
Larry Beck & Ted Cable (1997):
& finally:
Tilden's 6 Principles Revisited
Specific to 21st century:
#8 - Technology
#12 - Financially attractive
Interpretation for the 21st Century
Fifteen Guiding Principles for
Interpreting Nature and Culture
RELATE
4. The chief aim of Interpretation is not instruction, but provocation.
Tilden's Principles
"Through interpretation, understanding;
through understanding, appreciation;
through appreciation, protection."
Interpreting Our Heritage (1957)
Freeman Tilden
National Park Service