As I prepare for the conference I saw Freeman Tilden’s Interpetation principles hanging near my desk. I think they are sage advice for how the ”NWRS can raise its place in the consciousness of Americans”.

Freeman Tilden’s Principles

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 includes information.

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.

4. The chief aim of Interpretation is not instruction, but provocation.

5. Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part, and must address
itself to the whole man rather than any phase.

6. Interpretation addressed to children (up to twelve years) should not be a dilution of the presentation to adults, but should follow a fundamentally different approach. To beat its best it will require a separate program.

While specific to the field of interpretation I think these principles can also be applied to the relevancy of the NWRS. The Interpretive communication style is a powerful tool (and a priority activity) different than other technical, informational or public affairs style communications. I will be in Madison to promote this style of communication in social media, in refuge websites and in all visitor experiences to make the NWRS more relevant to more people.