The Care of Antiques and Historical Collections, 2nd Revised & Expanded Edition

by Per E. Guldbeck, Shirley Payne Low

Interpretation of Historic Sites offers essential knowledge on how to develop and conduct interpretive programs for every historic site, regardless of size or budget.

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Schuyler Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my usual genre of book to review but, being interested in historical sites and places to visit, I wanted to know something about the method of selecting such locations and how they were established. All the information I needed is in Alderson and Low’s masterful guide, “Interpretation of Historic Sites.”

The authors, both experts in their chosen field, had extensive background to rely on as they prepared this book. But, more than that, their techniques in both determining the validity of selecting a site and then staffing, funding, and promoting it are presented in exemplary fashion. The advice is of such a valuable and interesting nature that the book is fascinating reading.

We’ve all visited historic venues and either suffered through mediocre presentations or departed with uplifted spirits at having gained knowledge. We have suffered through interminable lines only to be greeted by an interpreter who either put us off with his or her lack of knowledge and/or unprofessional attitude. We have seen displays of uninteresting, dusty globs of nothingness and listened to rambling drones of insipid dialogue. We have stumbled along ragged pathways that lead to nowhere and been dismissed at the end of the presentation feeling extremely disappointed as though our ice cream cone had a hair in it.

On the plus side we have been to spots that gleamed with sparkling exhibits, buoyed our spirits with guides that inspired and intrigued, and departed with a feeling of great happiness and an urge to return again as soon as possible. This is the spirit that Alderson and Low was anxious to bring to light with their uplifting manual of instruction.

If you like to travel, or relish visiting magnificent historical locations that thrill you, this book will explain how all the good things happen and tell of others worth visiting. It will also explain how to set up sites that inspire and to avoid creating others that sour the milk. Every person in charge of historical preservation and the creation of interpretative programs should have this excellent little guidebook in their reference library. Avid travelers will also enjoy it for the pleasant memories it invokes of well-run sites. It’s a worthwhile escape into a world you might not have yet enjoyed.

[Bridget · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a profound waste of time. If you're thinking of reading this, just close the damn book and go to your nearest historic site and speak to the people who work there. You will get better information without anywhere near the condescension that these pages hold. I sincerely wish the worst for William. There are better, more current books that actually treat the subjects of the narrative (visitors and interpreters) with empathy and respect.

[Justinian · Rating 3 out of 5]

2013-12 – Interpretation of Historic Sites. William T. Anderson and Shirley Payne Low (Authors). 202 Pages.1985.

Read this as preparation and background for my winter self-directed guides training for Waynesborough. It is a very good introduction and handbook for those who are in charge of historical sites or who work there. Provides insight and best practices as well as additional resources.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a practical guide to interpretation at historic sites. The authors argue that sites do not need a large budget or abundant resources in order to provide high quality interpretation at their site. The first step is identifying site objectives, which includes identifying what type of site it is (documentary or representative). The authors define interpretation as both a plan and an activity; the goal of both types of interpretation is to promote understanding between the site and its visitors. After identifying site objectives, the next interpretive step would be creating an interpretation plan, which involves knowing who the site’s visitors are and why they come, with attention to research, organization, and good taste, as well as both the primary and secondary objectives of the site. According to the authors, successful interpretation is dependent on regular accessibility to the site, ease of navigation once there, and perhaps most importantly, the personnel’s manner; making the visitor comfortable is essential. The authors acknowledge the true importance of a skilled interpretive staff to the success of the site. Besides advice on selecting and training interpretive staff, the book also briefly addresses alternate form of interpretation, such as: publications, audiovisuals, and working with school groups. Although dated, this book remains a relevant guide for the basic principles and essential importance of interpretation at historic sites.