Archeology for Interpreters > 1. Introduction

Welcome

Welcome to Archeology for Interpreters: A Guide to Knowledge of the Resource. Through this guide, interpreters may gain the basic knowledge needed to carry out effective interpretation of archeological resources. This guide covers interpreting archeological resources—the physical evidences of past human activity, including evidences of the effects of that activity on the environment (such as Indian mounds, campsites, battlefields, farms, shipwrecks, and trash pits)—in all kinds of places (such as national parks, museums, and the classroom.) This guide is one of several additional developmental opportunities available to NPS interpretive rangers.

This guide supports Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources: The Archeology-Interpretation Shared Competency Course of Study (Module 440) finalized in 2000. An interdisciplinary work group of archeologists and interpreters developed this training module in response to the NPS Employee Training and Development Strategy. Through this joint course of study archeologists and interpreters can be trained together in the skills and abilities needed to carry out effective interpretation of archeological resources.

Archeology for Interpreters is not a substitute for Module 440. Rather, it is a resource for interpreters to learn more specifically about archeology.

Try It Yourself

Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources: The Archeology-Interpretation Shared Competency Course of Study (Module 440)
Look for Module 440 under “Competencies.” This professional development opportunity provides training tools for archeologists and interpreters to help them work together to provide effective and accurate interpretation of archeological information and resources to the public.

Interpretation for Archeologists
Learn methods and philosophies of interpretation for engaging the public's hearts and minds with archeological resources to encourage people to care about archeology and to develop an ethic of stewardship.

Study Tour of Archeological Interpretation
View interpretation with “fresh eyes” to evaluate choices and strategies for interpreting archeology in parks and historic sites. Download worksheets to assist in evaluating both onsite interpretation and virtual visits.

For Your Information

NPS Interpretive Development Program
This web site presents the Interpretive Development Program, designed to foster professionalism in interpretation in the National Park Service. This site provides you with immediate access to the latest curriculum, resources, contacts, FAQs and other information you need to develop your personalized training program for interpretive excellence.

“An Inspiring Guide”: Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources
This manual describes a curriculum that is adaptable to any geographic region and may be adapted by any agency or organization desiring to improve the quality of archeological presentation to the public. Employing the concept of “shared competency,” archeologists and interpreters receive training in each other’s disciplines and work together to provide effective and accurate interpretation of archeological information and resources to the public.