Freeman Tilden (1883–1980)

This is a manual for interpretive rangers in any kind of park setting, whether national, state, local, scenic or historical. The purpose of an interpretive ranger is to stimulate the listener "to widen his horizon of interests and knowledge." I'm paraphrasing now: it is through interpretation that visitors develop an understanding, through understanding, visitors develop appreciation, and through appreciation, visitors develop the desire to protect.

Mr. Tilden uses many examples of places, show more most of them in the National Park system, to make his points. My husband and I have visited a large majority of the places he mentions, and truly appreciate and understand what he is saying.

The book discusses the value of how rangers make their presentations and the value of visitor centers, guided tours, self-guided walks, campfire programs, park museums, roadside markers and exhibits, handbooks, and audio-visual tools, all of which most visitors take for granted. I cannot imagine visiting a venue in the National Park system without the multitude visitor educational aids.

Also, discussed is the value of the book shops/gift shops, which is where I purchased this book, and where I almost always buy an abundance of books, so I can learn even more after I have seen and experienced the location. Some people like to read about a location before they visit. However, while I include some background material in our trip planning frequently through the park's website, I need to see and experience before I'm ready for in depth learning.

Can you tell that I loved this book? show less

Excellent book! It is not only a biography, but also a history of the old west and photography. The photographs in the book have been reproduced in excellent quality as well.

Excellent and thoughtful book on hoiw to interpret history to those who are not familiar with history. An excellent guide for park rangers who are often asked questions by visitors, and how to answer them in ways that make the visitors see the history and natural history of the park.

Filled with principles of interpretation, amplified by example meant to motivate. The basic book used by National Interpretation Assn as a teaching tool. We shall see whether its initial read supports the basic class?