Museum to offer certified interpretive guide training course

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, will offer an intensive four-day training in the field of interpretation. The course is designed for individuals of all skill levels who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.

The course will be March 27-30 at the museum.

The training will focus on planning and presenting programs for interpretive sites such as museums, nature centers, parks, zoos and historical sites. The course will also provide communication tools for teachers, law and code enforcement officers, librarians and anyone who works with members of the public to capture attention, explain a resource or idea and inspire positive action on the part of the audience.

The course can be taken with or without the goal of becoming a certified interpretive guide. The course is designed for anyone in the interpretation field, regardless of experience, and combines theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretative programming to visitors.

“Through the training, participants will be able to develop their own storytelling skills, learning how to inspire wonder about science, culture and history — that’s the art of interpretation,” said Kristin Strommer, communications manager at the history museum. “We’re excited to partner with the National Association for Interpretation to offer this training here at the UO.”

More information is available online, along with registration and course text information. Registration cost is $230. Certification is an additional $150.

Space for the course is limited, and preregistration is required. For questions, contact Robyn Anderson, at robyna@uoregon.edu or 541-346-1694.