Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation
Training & Consulting for Parks, Museums, Heritage Sites, and Mission-Based Organizations
Elevate Your Interpretive Practice
Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation expands interpretive practice by exploring how meaning takes shape through story and relationship with place—and how those meanings guide program design, delivery, and engagement.
Erica’s approach to training is both rigorous and renewing. It has been honed through decades of in-the-field experience and refined through feedback from parks, museums, and heritage sites across the country.
Designed for interpreters, educators, planners, media specialists, volunteers, and partners, this training is offered in a variety of formats, designed to work within today’s constraints of time, funding, and capacity for teams and individuals.
A Distinct Approach Within an Established Field
The field of interpretation is grounded in core foundations that support the design and delivery of meaningful, engaging programs.
This training does not aim to replace those foundations.
It builds on them.
Participants gain core interpretive skills, including:
Developing clear themes and program messages
Structuring programs for flow, clarity, and engagement
Delivering programs with confidence
Shaping meaningful narratives from site resources
Participants also gain tools to work with complex stories and layered histories and practices to stay grounded in the purpose of their work during challenging times.
The difference is not in the skills gained, but in the method used to gain and develop them.
The result is training that helps to:
Meet and go beyond performance objectives
Strengthen program structure, engagement, and delivery
Develop practical tools that transfer across topics, sites, and formats
Gain a shared language for collaboration across roles and experience level
"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
How it Works
Most trainings begin with techniques and program structure. This training begins with how people form connections to places and uses that understanding to guide interpretive choices.
By examining how meaning forms through relationship to place, story, and experience, participants craft programs to evoke stories and connection using skills grounded in authenticity and intention.
In practice, this means interpreters learn to:
Craft experiences that help visitors gain a sense of place
Work with layered stories and multiple perspectives, including those that visitors carry with them or uncover on site.
Shape programs so that meaning is revealed through place-centered narratives, reflection, and engagement
Stay centered and aligned with the deeper purpose of the work
"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."
— Sitka National Historical Park, AK
What Gets Accomplished
This training offers a reliable way for new or returning staff to strengthen foundational skills—and to move beyond the basics toward confident, purposeful program design and delivery.
For teams seeking to elevate their work further, the training provides tools, time, and support for creative problem-solving—helping staff design experiences aligned with audiences today and the deeper purpose of interpretation.
After the training, interpreters can apply a sense of place lens to uncover meaningful connections and craft content from that foundation. They apply the art of interpretation by skillfully evoking sense of place qualities in programs and other interpretive products.
Training Formats
Sense of Place and the Art of Interpretation is Erica’s comprehensive signature training program. It is offered in a range of formats with different scopes and durations, so sites can choose an option that fits their goals, schedules, and budgets.
Each format provides a complete, high-quality learning experience, while also connecting naturally to deeper levels of training if desired. All formats are available onsite or online.
Suitable for: Seasonal onboarding · Program redevelopment or training refresher · Staff advancement · Regional or cohort partnerships · Interpretive media design · Interpretive planning
For Teams
Organizations, sites, or partnerships can schedule a group training directly.
Request training dates and availability →
For Individuals
Individuals may participate in a cohort when offered through Sense of Place Consulting or in partnership with organizations such as the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).
Get notified when the next cohort opens →
Option 1: Micro-Trainings
90 minutes to 2 hours
Quick, focused skill-building for teams or individuals. Each micro-training delivers one contained toolset with immediate application.
1) Craft a Sense of Place Story
Learn Erica’s Touchstone Story Method to craft a personal and site-based story grounded in authentic connection. You’ll leave with: a sense of place story + a repeatable story-development process.
2) From Facts to Meaning: Getting to the Heart of Story
Use a tangible resource or fact to find the heart of the story and craft a resonant narrative.
You’ll leave with: practical tools for turning content into meaning and a story that resonates
3) Build an Inclusive Technique Toolkit
Develop a starter set of participatory, sensory, and reflective techniques that fit diverse learning styles and feel authentic to your delivery. You’ll leave with: a usable toolkit you can adapt across programs and audiences
Option 2: Masterclasses
3 to 4 hours
Development and practice-based sessions with guided application, structured feedback, and time to refine work.
1) Craft and Deliver Sense of Place Stories
Create and practice delivering one personal and one site-based story with structure, confidence, and impact.
You’ll leave with: stories honed for immediate application.
2) Sense of Place Narrative Sequencing
Design tours and programs as narrative journeys where layers of meaning are revealed with clarity—even when stories are not linear or fully visible. Includes working with natural and cultural heritage sites as well as with objects, events, and layered histories. You’ll leave with: a narrative arc ready for implementation.
Option 3: Sense of Place Foundations
10-16 hours | Multi-day or multi-week formats
Designed to establish a shared orienting framework that teams can use across programs.
Suitable for interpretive program design, media, and planning.
Includes implementation labs and 1:1 coaching sessions.
Participants gain:
A foundational shift in interpretive approach
In-depth understanding of the Sense of Place Story Framework
Shared language for design and development
Tools that go beyond information delivery
Option 4: Signature Training (Three Levels)
7 hours to 25 hours | Multi-day or multi-week formats
Best for comprehensive skill development, applied outcomes, and program-ready experiences.
Each level may stand alone or will build sequentially.
Sessions are designed for up to 20 participants, with flexibility for larger sites and seasonal onboarding.
Intensive (7 hours)
Core skills in content development, narrative structure, and engagement skills. Draft a program outline.
2. Implementation (14 hours)
Apply tools and techniques with time for practice, feedback, and refinement. Includes collaborative group work and 1:1 coaching
3. Comprehensive: From Development to Delivery (24 hours)
Develop and hone a polished interpretive experience ready for delivery. Includes collaborative group work and 1:1 coaching
Investment
Training formats are designed to be flexible, accessible, and scalable for different teams, goals, and schedules. Final pricing reflects scope, delivery format, and customization. Travel costs are additional.
Micro-Classes (2 hours)
$1,500 (up to 15 participants)
Half-Day Masterclasses
$2,500–$3,500 (up to 15 participants)
Sense of Place Foundations Course
$3,000–$4,500 (depending on length and format) ( up to 15 participants)
Signature Multi-Day Training
$3,500–$5,500+ (based on duration, customization, and location) (Number of participants is flexible)
Interested in a Training?
For a detailed breakdown of formats, options, and pricing, request the training buyer’s guide, or reach out so we can explore the best fit during an exploratory no-pressure conversation.
Request the Training Buyer’s Guide →
Start the Conversation →
"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 and founder of Sense of Place Consulting.
Her background in natural history, conservation, writing, and the performing arts informs training developed through decades of field experience with parks, heritage sites, and museums nationwide.
Her programs help interpreters strengthen skills, clarify intent, and sustain long-term engagement with their work.
Prior Training Sites Include
National Park Service (45+ sites): Yosemite NP · Independence NHP · Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP · National Mall and Memorial Parks · Acadia NP · Cape Cod NS · Everglades NP · Great Smoky Mountains NP · Mesa Verde NP · Denali NP & Preserve · Hot Springs NP · White Sands NP · Women’s Rights NHP · Gateway NRA · Fort Stanwix NM · Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP · Saint-Gaudens NHP · 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
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'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.” — Bandelier National Monument
What if interpretive training did more than build skills? What if it also strengthened purpose, presence, and creativity in the work itself?
If you’re ready to strengthen foundational skills while also expanding creative capacity, this training offers a practical, proven approach.
Participants leave with clearer programs, stronger delivery, and a deeper connection to the purpose of their work.
Bring this training to your team
Request the Training Buyer’s Guide →
Start the Conversation →
For teams:
Request training dates and availability →
For individuals:
Get notified when the next cohort opens →
