From Facts to Meaning: A Sense of Place Approach to Inclusive Natural and Cultural Heritage Interpretation

Register here : https://interpretationcanada.ca/event-6763407

Interpretation often begins with facts, chronology, and resource knowledge—but meaningful visitor experiences emerge through something more: atmosphere, sensory awareness, layered stories, perspective, memory, and lived connection to place.

In this workshop, participants will:
- identify layered interpretive opportunities within a landscape
- explore ways different visitors connect to place
- experience practical tools for creating concise, meaningful, and inclusive visitor experiences adaptable to their own sites

Using Historic Fort Henry as an immersive case study, this full-day training introduces a sense-of-place lens as a practical framework for expanding interpretive possibilities across natural, cultural, and historic sites.

Participants will first learn the core concepts of the sense-of-place lens and explore how interpretation can move beyond information delivery toward experiences that invite reflection, relevance, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

Participants will then work collaboratively in the field to brainstorm and design inclusive techniques for interpreting layers of time, story, perspective, and sense-of-place connections that resonate with diverse visitors and learning styles. Particular attention will be given to uncovering overlooked interpretive opportunities, and shaping layered narratives into concise, cohesive visitor experiences.

The training concludes with guided discussion focused on how participants can adapt the tools, exercises, and approaches explored during the session to interpretation at their own sites.