HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION
Interpretation is one of the most powerful ways to share stories of historical sites, figures, and events with the public. To interpret is not to just state the facts but to create a story that promotes a connection, whether emotional or intellectual, between the visitor and a particular site, person, or event. The best historical interpretation is often nuanced and complex, adding layers to what may be a well-known piece of history. In my work, I have found historical interpretation to be an important way to share stories that are often glossed over or overlooked. I am passionate about finding and sharing these stories, especially the bits and pieces of local history that are often so compelling but not widely known. Below are some examples of my interpretive work.
The Brookfield Floating Bridge, no date. The white building to the left of the frame is the fork shop. To the right, the bell tower of the Pond Village schoolhouse is visible. Both buildings are still standing. Source: Middlebury College via Archive.org.
Walking Tour Brochure for Brookfield’s Pond Village
I am currently working with the Brookfield Historical Society to create a walking tour brochure for the town’s historic Pond Village. Notable buildings in the village date from the early nineteenth century and include the three-story town hall, the “fork shop” (a former farm implement manufacturing building), and the former Green Trails Inn. Brookfield is also famous for its floating bridge over Sunset Lake, first built in 1812 and subsequently redesigned and rebuilt. The Brookfield Village Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The final brochure will highlight the people associated with some of these notable village sites in an effort to tell Brookfield’s story in a compelling way for both local history buffs and casual visitors.
Georeferenced Online Interpretive Content for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
I helped develop interpretive content for 80 sites along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The National Park Service will use this content for its place-based digital interpretive platforms, including its website and mobile apps. Colleagues and I conducted research and wrote engaging interpretive content for each of the sites, georeferencing that content to the appropriate location on the trail.
Detail of a maple leaf (vine maple, Acer circinatum) from the journals of Lewis and Clark, February 10, 1806. Source: Missouri Historical Society.