Sense of Place and the
Art of Interpretation
Training
Interpretive Training for Parks, Museums, Heritage Sites, and more.
"We brought Erica in to help us master the art of storytelling and to learn how to share the meaning of these places even more effectively. When we worked with Erica before, it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. I was thrilled by seeing the growth in rangers and the inspiration they gleaned." — National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, DC
Choose from Four Training Levels
Each format offers tools from Erica’s comprehensive Sense of Place and Story Framework.
These formats are scaled to fit a varitey site needs, staffing capacity, and time constraints. Onsite or online options.
1) Micro-Trainings
2-Hours | Online or Onsite
Ideal for targeted skill-building.Each session includes a practical tool participants can apply immediately.
Choose from Three Session Options:
1) Craft a Sense of Place Story: How to use personal experiences to hone foundational story skills and deepen sense of place connections.
2) From Fact to Meaning: How to take facts and create a story that resonates and can become your program outline.
3) The Inclusive Technique Toolkit: Inspiration for innovation and techniques to engage different learning styles.
Individual/Cohort $125
Team $1,500 (up to 15)
Travel fees are additional
2) Masterclasses
4-Hours | Online or Onsite
Ideal for teams or individuals ready to master a specific skill. Includes time to integrate, practice a concept.skill and gain peer support and instructor guidance.
Choose from Two Session Options:
1) Designing and Delivering Sense of Place Stories: Develop skills in creating and delivering sense of place narratives. Practice a personal and site-based story to hone the art of concise, effective storytelling.
2.) Researching and Crafting a Sense of Place Narrative Sequence: Craft experiences that are sequenced to unfold progressively, revealing the layers of depth, meaning, and complexity sites, objects, and stories hold.
Team $2,500 (up to 15)
Individual/Cohort $250
3) Sense of Place Foundations
16-Hours | Multi-day or Multi-week formats | Online or Onsite
Learn the philosophy, framework and approach that will shift your program design and planning. Elevate projects from a fresh perspective.
Participants gain:
✓A foundational shift in interpretive approach
✓ A clear understanding of the Sense of Place and Story Framework
✓ Tools to design programs, media, and plans that go beyond information
✓ A shared language for design and development
Includes Implementation Lab and 1:1 coaching sessions.
Team: $4,500 (up to 20)
Individual/Cohort: $450
4. Comprehensive Training:
Foundations to Delivery
Multi-day or multi-week formats
Designed for sites and individuals seeking comprehensive skill mastery, with immediate onsite application.
Suitable for: Seasonal onboarding, program redevelopment, staff skill advancement, regional or cohort partnerships
Choose the level that fits your goals:
1.Intensive (7 hours):
Core skills in content design and delivery
2. Implementation (14 hours):
Apply tools to craft inclusive, well-sequenced experiences
3. Full Comprehensive (24 hours):
Develop and deliver a refined program ready to give
Pricing:
Custom, based on scope and format. Starts at $3,500
Contact Erica → Request training outlines
What if interpretive training did more than build skills— but also restored your sense of purpose, presence, and creativity?
This practical and creative approach to interpretation has formats designed to meet your staff where they are. It has been created for interpreters, educators, guides, and other support staff at all levels, whether you're just starting out or decades into your career.
Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation training combines foundational techniques and best practices with a learning environment that inspires innovation, sparks creative solutions and provides time to deeply connect with why this work matters.
Erica’s approach is both rigorous and renewing—building skills while helping participants reconnect with purpose. Her framework has been honed through years of in-the-field experience working with sites nationwide, from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes to Independence Hall.
Participants leave with skills content development, program design and delivery techniques that transfer across programs, sites, and audiences.
"I observed my staff applying Erica's approach and feel that the level of programs this year was just outstanding. Even our more 'science-based' interpreters brought in more of the emotional, reflective techniques. Her ideas were especially effective for creating that baseline of connection that leads to meaningful dialogue." — Cape Cod National Seashore, MA
Meet Your Trainer
Erica Wheeler is an interpretive trainer, visitor experience specialist, and founder of Sense of Place Consulting.
Her background in natural history, conservation, writing, and the performing arts come together in training that's been honed through years of in-the-field experience at parks, heritage sites, and museums nationwide—including over 45 National Park Service sites.
Erica's programs help interpreters bring more presence and purpose into their work, offering tools and practices to elevate skills, avoid burnout, and stay aligned with what matters most.
What Team Leaders Say
"Erica provided our interpretive staff with a fresh angle on interpretation, new techniques, and the opportunity to stretch and experiment. Our interpreters strengthened and re-imagined their approach to sharing our resources with visitors. This training served as a solid foundation for our seasonal training." — Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP & Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
"With everyone, from our permanent to seasonal rangers, I noticed changes right away. After the training, they had adjusted the structure of their program and had a clearer theme. They seemed to have found their focus and grew from there." — Women's Rights NHP, NY
What Participants Say
"I used to DREAD the outline process. I would be stuck in the muck for days. Erica has given me the boots I need for this terrain! I will definitely use the tools/techniques and am inspired to create great visitor experiences. Thank you for the gift of this outstanding training."
— Sitka National Historical Park, AK
"I've attended numerous sessions throughout my career, and I honestly feel that this was the best, most energetic, true feeling workshop about what we do and love."
— Howard County Parks and Recreation, MD
"Re-energizing for even the most seasoned staff."
— Fort Stanwix National Historic Site
“This is a paradigm shift for interpretation and creates a gift to offer visitors.”
— Bandiler National Monument
Prior Training Sites Include
National Park Service (45+ sites): Yosemite · Independence · Hawaii Volcanoes · National Mall · Acadia · Cape Cod · Everglades · Great Smoky Mountains · Mesa Verde · Denali · Hot Springs · White Sands · Women's Rights · Gateway · Fort Stanwix · Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller · Saint-Gaudens · and many more
Professional Organizations and Museums: National Association for Interpretation (NAI) · American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) · New England Museum Association (NEMA)
State Parks, Historic Sites and Conservation Organizations: State Parks ·Historical Societies · Regional Land Trusts and Conservation Groups
Whether you’re looking for a focused skill-building session or a comprehensive training partnership,
we can design a format that fits your goals, timeline, and capacity.
Scheduling options: Online or Onsite
Individuals: Join an open-enrollment cohort
Single sites: Host dedicated staff training
Regional partnerships: Collaborate across sites
Ready to get the conversation started? Contact Erica →
Request training details (PDF)
Bring This Training to Your Team or Join a Cohort
Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation supports interpreters in sharing layered stories while staying grounded, focused,
and sustained by their work.
Participants leave with:
Stronger interpretive technique
Clear narrative structure and program arcs
Practical tools they can apply immediately
Greater confidence working with complex content
A foundational approach that transfers across programs, sites, and audiences
Teams gain:
A shared language for continued development
Greater cohesion and collaboration
A renewed spirit of innovation that carries forward
