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Interpreting Our Heritage
Every year millions of Americans visit national parks and monuments, state and municipal parks, battlefield areas, historic houses, and museums. By means of guided tours, exhibits, and signs, visitors to these areas receive a very special kind of education through their interpretation of informative materials.
For over thirty-five years, Interpreting Our Heritage has been a source book for those who are responsible for and who respond to such interpretive materials. Whether the problem is to make a prehistoric site come to life or to explain the geological theory behind a particular rock formation, Freeman Tilden provides helpful principles to follow. For anyone interested in our natural and man-made heritage, this book offers guidance for exploring educational and recreational resources.
For over thirty-five years, Interpreting Our Heritage has been a source book for those who are responsible for and who respond to such interpretive materials. Whether the problem is to make a prehistoric site come to life or to explain the geological theory behind a particular rock formation, Freeman Tilden provides helpful principles to follow. For anyone interested in our natural and man-made heritage, this book offers guidance for exploring educational and recreational resources.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 6, 2019
Highly influential amongst interpreters and rangers in the National Park Service (NPS), Freeman Tilden’s Interpreting Our Heritage is considered by many as either the gold standard or cornerstone of modern-day heritage interpretation. Originally published in 1957 when education as a field was instructional and based in lecture format, the participatory and more pedagogically inclusive concepts Tilden put forth were quite revolutionary.
Specifically, Tilden defined interpretation as, “An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information” (33). He further expands on this definition with 6 interpretive principles:
1. Interpretation should relate what is being displayed with the personality/experience of the visitor.
2. Interpretation is revelation based on information, not information itself.
3. Interpretation is an art, and any art is to some degree teachable.
4. The chief goal of interpretation is provocation, not instruction.
5. Interpretation must present a whole, not just a part or faction.
6. Interpretation for children in mixed audiences should not dilute from the interpretation for adults, though it should follow a fundamentally different approach, best practice requires a separate program.
Admittedly, many of these concepts may now read as obvious truisms, though to understand them you must understand the environment in which they were created. Tilden’s background was mainly in service to NPS, which is a federal institution within the Department of the Interior in the United States that oversees the stewardship of so many of the nation’s natural and cultural resources. It is also important to note the historical context which was on the eve of hatching Mission 66—a 10-year NPS program devoting to creating visitor centers in parks prior to the NPS' 50th anniversary in 1966. Enhancing the visitor experience as a means of inspiring protection for parks was centered at the soul of this work.
Tilden’s approach to interpretation certainly pushed the needle forward, though should be honestly evaluated in a modern context. While many of his principles and examples work for many types of heritage properties, I do feel that as is it favors natural resources. This is entirely due to Tilden’s interpretation of what is narratively important and strikes a seemingly primordial sense of wonder. A good example is how he recants the Civil War – which for him is a story of admiration for the soldiers of both sides without mention of the enslaved individuals fighting for freedom. Unless parameters are clearly defined, even empathy can have blind spots, depending on whom you are empathizing with. It should be noted the NPS now teaches the Civil War as one fought for the preservation of enslaving other American citizens, but I digress.
Overall, this book still definitely has value, though should be understood within its context in time and space. Whether you work in heritage interpretation or are curious about the field I would recommend this book; odds are that it has influenced you directly or indirectly in some way.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Specifically, Tilden defined interpretation as, “An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information” (33). He further expands on this definition with 6 interpretive principles:
1. Interpretation should relate what is being displayed with the personality/experience of the visitor.
2. Interpretation is revelation based on information, not information itself.
3. Interpretation is an art, and any art is to some degree teachable.
4. The chief goal of interpretation is provocation, not instruction.
5. Interpretation must present a whole, not just a part or faction.
6. Interpretation for children in mixed audiences should not dilute from the interpretation for adults, though it should follow a fundamentally different approach, best practice requires a separate program.
Admittedly, many of these concepts may now read as obvious truisms, though to understand them you must understand the environment in which they were created. Tilden’s background was mainly in service to NPS, which is a federal institution within the Department of the Interior in the United States that oversees the stewardship of so many of the nation’s natural and cultural resources. It is also important to note the historical context which was on the eve of hatching Mission 66—a 10-year NPS program devoting to creating visitor centers in parks prior to the NPS' 50th anniversary in 1966. Enhancing the visitor experience as a means of inspiring protection for parks was centered at the soul of this work.
Tilden’s approach to interpretation certainly pushed the needle forward, though should be honestly evaluated in a modern context. While many of his principles and examples work for many types of heritage properties, I do feel that as is it favors natural resources. This is entirely due to Tilden’s interpretation of what is narratively important and strikes a seemingly primordial sense of wonder. A good example is how he recants the Civil War – which for him is a story of admiration for the soldiers of both sides without mention of the enslaved individuals fighting for freedom. Unless parameters are clearly defined, even empathy can have blind spots, depending on whom you are empathizing with. It should be noted the NPS now teaches the Civil War as one fought for the preservation of enslaving other American citizens, but I digress.
Overall, this book still definitely has value, though should be understood within its context in time and space. Whether you work in heritage interpretation or are curious about the field I would recommend this book; odds are that it has influenced you directly or indirectly in some way.
Rating: 3.5 stars
February 10, 2013
The first time I tried to read Tilden's book (several years ago) I had to put it down after just a few pages. Perhaps it was my newness to park interpretation but it just did not hold my interest. Knowing that I should read it for it's alleged insight and historical value I picked it up again last week.
I have figured out why I do not really like this book. Tilden's writing style is dated. I found it to be extremely heavy and dense - not "difficult to understand" dense but extremely "wordy" - I felt he used 10 words where 2 or 3 would suffice. It seemed to me that in his writing he was guilty of the very thing he was saying interpretation should not be. After plowing through half the text I started skimming pages. At the final page all I could say was "Whew! I am so glad THAT is over with." In a word, I was bored.
I have figured out why I do not really like this book. Tilden's writing style is dated. I found it to be extremely heavy and dense - not "difficult to understand" dense but extremely "wordy" - I felt he used 10 words where 2 or 3 would suffice. It seemed to me that in his writing he was guilty of the very thing he was saying interpretation should not be. After plowing through half the text I started skimming pages. At the final page all I could say was "Whew! I am so glad THAT is over with." In a word, I was bored.
May 3, 2016
A foundational work in public history, and still well worth a read. I think, knowing its significance, I went in expecting something dense, theoretical, textbook-y. It is theoretical, but in a very friendly, conversational way, and it's a short book, so I think the interested public could also get a lot out of it too (provided they recognize it's sixty years old). For me as a public history practitioner, it's a positive and encouraging book that helps you think about the visitor first and learn how to give that visitor something of value. There are tips and tricks, and six "principles" of interpretation that I think should still be taught to public history students everywhere, but the main thing is this motivational "consider this aspect..." kind of tone. Because the book mostly focuses on the national parks, and mostly on guiding tours within those parks, others might get even more practical instruction out of it. He takes care to reference museums, historic homes, and other sites of interpretation as well, though. Not the be-all and end-all, but good!
October 7, 2025
Okay this was actually really interesting and thought provoking, only issue is I can’t remember what thoughts it provoked but that’s on me.
I think it should definitely be more renowned than it is in light of current events (cough government shutdown cough) and environmental and climate change issues. It is a bit dated in certain phraseology and dominant use of ‘he’ and the masculine assumption, but that’s the convention of the time not his fault specifically.
I think it should definitely be more renowned than it is in light of current events (cough government shutdown cough) and environmental and climate change issues. It is a bit dated in certain phraseology and dominant use of ‘he’ and the masculine assumption, but that’s the convention of the time not his fault specifically.
January 23, 2022
Truly amazing book.
June 21, 2025
National Park Service required reading- life is beauty and love!! Thank u for the reminder mister Tilden sir
July 29, 2011
This work is the original instruction book and statement of purpose for museum education as a unique activity. A must for all beginners in any form of museum site or even for the starting teacher. Many scholars have added to this work but not replaced it.
August 20, 2018
This is a great read for anyone who, like me, works as an interpreter of historical collections and/or enjoys visiting and learning from museums, parks, and historic sites. A beautifully written classic.
October 3, 2017
A museum-field classic. Clear-eyed and finely written. Love this man.
January 12, 2019
The Interpreters Bible
Read it once or a thousand times and you will still learn something new. Freeman Tilden was an explorer but also a great interpreter.
Read it once or a thousand times and you will still learn something new. Freeman Tilden was an explorer but also a great interpreter.
March 21, 2017
"People go to parks because of a keen realization that no picture or printed word, however brilliant, can do more than whet an appetite to experience with one's own senses the grandeur and wonder nature has formed. No textbook, however instructional, can convey the feeling of reality that comes to us when we stand in the very places, among the identical objects, where our history has been wrought by the will and courage and ideals of the earlier days of our nation."
Interpreting Our Heritage is a masterful work dedicated to Tilden's teachings and essays on our national parks. It is both stimulating and informative in advocating for the preservation and conservation of national parks, and each chapter manages to present a different and compelling reason as to why we should do so. From his anecdotes to his experiences, Tilden relates to the reader that national parks are part of America's cultural heritage and identity, and they are vital to our national welfare, not to mention our spiritual and mental wellbeing.
As a museum professional and life-long park visitor, I whole heartedly agree with Tilden that these sublime places should be preserved and conserved. As Tilden states so perfectly, “There is scarcely a phenomenon of nature’s work that is not represented in one or more of the scenic and scientific preserves.” National Parks are places of wonderous beauty and remarkable discoveries, which are refreshing to be surrounded by and see. I know I go to the National Parks to experience something new or revisit something I was inspired by, and I make it a point to try and visit at least one a year (fun fact I have been to the Grand Canyon five times).
Every museum professional and park enthusiast should pick up this book at some point in their lives. I was introduced to Interpreting Our Heritage because it was assigned reading for one of my Master’s courses, and I immensely enjoyed it. After reading this book, if you didn’t already support NPS, you will vigorously promote without shame our national parks and cultural institutions.
To conclude this review, I leave a word of advice from Tilden, “…As the case stands, it is not so much that we have been unmindful of spiritual and moral values: we have not been sufficiently alert to the somber truth that 'the useful encourages itself’ while the preservation and affirmation of beauty needs a constant renewal of faith and the watchful devotion of a shepherd.”
Interpreting Our Heritage is a masterful work dedicated to Tilden's teachings and essays on our national parks. It is both stimulating and informative in advocating for the preservation and conservation of national parks, and each chapter manages to present a different and compelling reason as to why we should do so. From his anecdotes to his experiences, Tilden relates to the reader that national parks are part of America's cultural heritage and identity, and they are vital to our national welfare, not to mention our spiritual and mental wellbeing.
As a museum professional and life-long park visitor, I whole heartedly agree with Tilden that these sublime places should be preserved and conserved. As Tilden states so perfectly, “There is scarcely a phenomenon of nature’s work that is not represented in one or more of the scenic and scientific preserves.” National Parks are places of wonderous beauty and remarkable discoveries, which are refreshing to be surrounded by and see. I know I go to the National Parks to experience something new or revisit something I was inspired by, and I make it a point to try and visit at least one a year (fun fact I have been to the Grand Canyon five times).
Every museum professional and park enthusiast should pick up this book at some point in their lives. I was introduced to Interpreting Our Heritage because it was assigned reading for one of my Master’s courses, and I immensely enjoyed it. After reading this book, if you didn’t already support NPS, you will vigorously promote without shame our national parks and cultural institutions.
To conclude this review, I leave a word of advice from Tilden, “…As the case stands, it is not so much that we have been unmindful of spiritual and moral values: we have not been sufficiently alert to the somber truth that 'the useful encourages itself’ while the preservation and affirmation of beauty needs a constant renewal of faith and the watchful devotion of a shepherd.”
March 1, 2025
I find myself returning to this book many years after I first read it as I work to describe why effective communication in modern times still requires attention to Tilden's six principles (pg 9) and why the written or spoken word, with as little technical intervention as possible, is most effective.
Making our meanings clear involves descriptions of scenes or situations without applying adjectives of "tragic" or "beautiful" or "corrupt," but in telling the story to lead to that conclusion. (pg 80) And "story" is not necessarily a long narrative. (I'm thinking of Hemingway's six-word "story" - "For sale: baby shoes, never worn") that suggests a narrative that grows as the reader considers it. Lines of poetry used as epigrams to set the scene can sum up an entire chapter.
Learning as much as you can about a subject and drawing from that knowledge as you read your audience as you give an interpretive talk is an important lesson. Interpreters don't memorize their programs; they may have a standard script they follow, but the length of it, the introduction, and the summary will vary according to the audience and circumstances of the talk or tour.
This book needed writing; Tilden addressed the philosophy of interpretation within a wide-ranging field. Whether national parks, forests, state, county, or municipal settings, those with the job of interpreting that site or aspects of it will benefit from seeing how important their work is and how to successfully meet the needs of all visitors who want to know about the place.
Making our meanings clear involves descriptions of scenes or situations without applying adjectives of "tragic" or "beautiful" or "corrupt," but in telling the story to lead to that conclusion. (pg 80) And "story" is not necessarily a long narrative. (I'm thinking of Hemingway's six-word "story" - "For sale: baby shoes, never worn") that suggests a narrative that grows as the reader considers it. Lines of poetry used as epigrams to set the scene can sum up an entire chapter.
Learning as much as you can about a subject and drawing from that knowledge as you read your audience as you give an interpretive talk is an important lesson. Interpreters don't memorize their programs; they may have a standard script they follow, but the length of it, the introduction, and the summary will vary according to the audience and circumstances of the talk or tour.
This book needed writing; Tilden addressed the philosophy of interpretation within a wide-ranging field. Whether national parks, forests, state, county, or municipal settings, those with the job of interpreting that site or aspects of it will benefit from seeing how important their work is and how to successfully meet the needs of all visitors who want to know about the place.
July 17, 2020
I can't express how interesting this book is. I thought it was just about how to do public history well but it turned into a psychology, philosophy and sometimes even a self help book which was amazing. It was originally made in the 1950s and is a basis for how public history itself even became a study so there are a lot of lens that you can read this book through and walk away with something different. I finished it in only a few hours. There are some dry parts here and there but it still is an overall fantastic read.
December 12, 2018
A wonderful excursus on the prospect of interpreting the natural and humanly created resources of the United States. Tilden, using literary gifts owned only by very cultured people, helps students/guides/docents/rangers, etc. understand that meaningful interpretation leads to provocation which leads beyond what is seen to what is imagined. A worthwhile read for anyone who has a responsibility to share our heritage.
August 2, 2022
This was okay. A great attempt at laying a groundwork philosophy of interpretation, just seems as though it’s difficult to do. Working as an interpreter this summer I see many of the practices talked about in the book come to fruition on a daily basis. This was applicable, but I also feel I didn’t necessarily learn or gain much from this. I enjoyed his quotes from Darwin, Twain, Emerson, Thoreau, and the likes. Overall though this book was just okay to me.
November 10, 2022
I wasn't sure that this book written in 1957 would hold true to the demands of the modern profession of interpretation in museums, galleries, public programming, but i was pleasantly delighted by Mr. Tilden. The content is still has relevance and introspective material that is essential to modern day. I don't normally think you need a "bible" of a field, but this should be read by every aspiring museum professional.
September 7, 2024
This book was informative & gives some perspective into interpretation of national parks, museums & historic sites. Overall, this book contains solid information but it is very dated. I also feel like it could have been organized better because I felt like some sections didn't seem relevant or were just in an odd order. While this did touch on museums & historic sites, it focused largely on National Parks & felt like it could have had additional information about museums & historic sites.
January 12, 2020
A classic textbook on the art of interpretation, the foundations of the content remain valid though technology may have given museums a lot more tools than when the book was written. Its importance and quality is in its continued relevance as the basic principles of interpretation which are technologically agnostic.
October 10, 2025
Required reading for docents at Milwaukee Public Museum, Tilden's book is both biography and primer for those working in the National Parks. However, its chapters have many uses for guides in various settings who want to interpret a diorama, a painting or a geological formation. The chapters are well organized to prepare a guide for a meaningful study and are interestingly written.
September 8, 2018
Peninggalan sejarah berupa artefak ataupun situs merupakan hal yang menarik, tidak hanya sebagai benda saja namun juga bisa juga menjadi seperti halnya catatan, situs merekam berbagai macam peristiwa, dengan melihat, membaca kemudian menafsirkanya maka peristiwa dan ingatan tersebut menjadi hidup dan memberikan berbagai macam informasi
December 27, 2019
This is the book that established the discipline of interpreting history. A must read for anyone interesting in museums or history interpretation. It only gets 4 starts because, although important and interesting, it wasn't riveting.
July 15, 2021
I actually would give this a 3.5 if I could. Some moments made me feel tremendous things. Others had me skimming through. I can’t decide if Tilden is a comedian or condescending, but his philosophies are idealistic and I love that about him. This book makes me want to be a better interpreter.
August 22, 2021
I read this for work. It is "the" guide for interpretation. As a visitor who wants to know actual information, I struggled with some of the concepts with interpretation, but perhaps that is just me. I still think this was a useful read.
February 24, 2018
Solid info - good for beginners and/or for those who need to put a spark in their interpretation.
April 13, 2020
I should have read this classic about two decades ago. It was certainly worth the wait! Enlightening and provocative!
March 17, 2022
Highly useful assessment of public history as an educational resource, as well as a path of self-fulfillment, and overall mentorship. Highly recommend, despite its age.
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September 7, 2023Insightful and thought provoking read
October 18, 2023
I took so many notes
October 6, 2024
like the bible for nps interpretation. would love to read something more modern on this topic. was highly encouraged to read it for work, so i read it.
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