Next Practices: Discussions on the Future of Interpretation - A Virtual Summit
- Registration Closed
Overview
Join the AASLH Educators and Interpreters Committee as we investigate new and developing models of history and museum interpretation, considering all sides of the big questions facing our teams and organizations. Representatives from sites across the country will share their successes, tips, and strategies for adapting to our rapidly changing public history landscape.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
- 12:00 to 1:15pm ET Opening Plenary: Building a Sustainable and Relevant Future
- 1:30 to 2:30pm ET Getting Your Board on Board: Communicating What Interpretation Is and Why it Matters
- 2:45 to 3:45pm ET The Art of Change: Successful Strategies for Evolving Interpretation Plans
- 4:00 to 5:15pm ET The “So What” of Interpreting Slavery with Young Audiences
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
- 12:00 to 1:00pm ET Discussion Group: Preparing for the Future
- 1:15 to 2:15pm ET On the Front Line: Supporting and Caring for Staff
- 2:30 to 3:30pm ET First-Person Interpretation: What’s Working, What’s Challenging, and How Are We Evolving?
- 3:45 to 4:45pm ET Post-Pivot: Virtual Interpretation in 2024 and Beyond
- 5:00 to 5:30pm ET Closing Session: What's Next?
Recording and Captioning
This event will be recorded. Registrants of this event receive complimentary access to the recording in their Dashboard. Captioning will be provided for the live event.
How to Register
Click here for instructions on how to register yourself or another user for this event.
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August 7, 2024 5:00 - 5:30 pm | Wrap up the summit with the Educators and Interpreter’s Committee as we discuss how to bring all that we’ve learned back to our communities, colleagues, and audiences!
Wrap up the summit with the Educators and Interpreter’s Committee as we discuss how to bring all that we’ve learned back to our communities, colleagues, and audiences!
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Bethany Hrachovec
Director of Education and Engagement
Indiana Historical Society
Bethany Hrachovec, Director of Education and Engagement at the Indiana Historical Society, has been working in informal education for over 10 years. She is a graduate of the Indiana University Indianapolis Museum Studies Master’s program and AASLH’S History Leadership Institute, has been named AMM’s 2024 Promising Leader of the Year, and has served as a middle leader for over 6 years. She brings experience working with small to large organizations including museums, libraries, archives, children’s museums, and art museums.
Meredith Leonard (she/her)
Senior Curator Learning and Interpretation, Planning and Economic Development Tourism and Culture
City of Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario
Carla Mello
Department Manager, School and Teacher Support
Ohio History Connection
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August 7, 2024 3:45 - 4:45 pm ET | Four years after the pandemic, visitors are back onsite at historic sites but virtual interpretation and programming is still going strong at many institutions. While started out of necessity, many sites now see virtual programming as a vital part of educational outreach, especially ahead of the celebration of the 250th birthday of America. This session will explore how virtual interpretation (virtual tours, programming, field trips, etc.) has evolved over the past four years, and look to the future of virtual interpretation at several historic sites.
Four years after the pandemic, visitors are back onsite at historic sites but virtual interpretation and programming is still going strong at many institutions. While started out of necessity, many sites now see virtual programming as a vital part of educational outreach, especially ahead of the celebration of the 250th birthday of America. This session will explore how virtual interpretation (virtual tours, programming, field trips, etc.) has evolved over the past four years, and look to the future of virtual interpretation at several historic sites.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Melanie Holland (she/her)
Curator of Digital Programs and Content
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville, VA
Meredith Leonard (she/her)
Senior Curator Learning and Interpretation, Planning and Economic Development Tourism and Culture
City of Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario
David Silvernail (they/them)
Professional Learning Coordinator
New-York Historical Society, New York, NY
Sadie Troy (she/her)
Education Director
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, Independence, MO
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August 7, 2024 2:30-3:30 pm ET |We will explore what’s working well in the field, the challenges interpreters face, and how this dynamic form of storytelling is evolving. Through firsthand accounts from experienced interpreters and museum professionals, attendees will gain insights into the power and challenges of living history, innovative practices, and strategies for overcoming obstacles.
We will explore what’s working well in the field, the challenges interpreters face, and how this dynamic form of storytelling is evolving. Through firsthand accounts from experienced interpreters and museum professionals, attendees will gain insights into the power and challenges of living history, innovative practices, and strategies for overcoming obstacles.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Richard Cooper (he/him)
President & CEO
Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte, NC
Elizabeth Keaney
Youth and Family Programs Coordinator
Office of Historic Alexandria and Board Secretary, International Museum Theatre Alliance-Americas
Ryan Spencer
VP & Chief Programs Officer
Conner Prairie
Gretchen Johnson
Living History Manager
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Jay Templin
Content & Training Supervisor
Jamestown Settlement
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August 7, 2024 1:15-2:15 pm ET | How do we care for front line staff knowing visitors are more challenging, difficult, irreverent, and even dangerous than ever before? How do new approaches to interpretation on our sites and integrating histories of enslavement and conflict shape how we hire, serve, and retain volunteers and staff? This session will help participants explore options and approaches to adapting to the rapidly changing visitor services and education landscape.
How do we care for front line staff knowing visitors are more challenging, difficult, irreverent, and even dangerous than ever before? How do new approaches to interpretation on our sites and integrating histories of enslavement and conflict shape how we hire, serve, and retain volunteers and staff? This session will help participants explore options and approaches to adapting to the rapidly changing visitor services and education landscape.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Kathleen Ford
Interpretive Supervisor
George Washinton's Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, VA
Kelvis Hernandez (he/him)
John Brown House Museum Manager
Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, RI
K. Allison Wickens (she/her)
Vice President, Education
George Washington's Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, VA
Allison Wickens leads the Education and Guest Services division at Mount Vernon and oversees the history and civics learning goals for the institution’s onsite, offsite, and digital outreach programs. She writes and speaks about the education and learning of young people at museums, historic sites, and schools and has written on this subject in articles published in the Journal of Museum Education. She received an M.A. in History and a certificate in Museum Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder and a B.A. in history from Grinnell College. is the Vice President for Education at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. She can be reached at allison.wickens@mountvernon.org.
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August 7, 2024 Noon-1 pm ET |
Discussion Group: Join members of the AASLH Educators & Interpreters committee and other summit attendees for small group discussions on what we've learned so far and the issues and opportunities you face at your site.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
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August 6, 2024 4:00-5:15 pm ET | How do we encourage young audiences to connect to the country’s history of slavery, develop empathy for those who were enslaved, and find relevance in the history of slavery? This session will help education and interpretation staff gain skills to become confident and competent in using inquiry learning methods (including hands-on objects, activities, and documents) to inspire critical thinking and encourage compassionate, active citizenship.
How do we encourage young audiences to connect to the country’s history of slavery, develop empathy for those who were enslaved, and find relevance in the history of slavery? This session will help education and interpretation staff gain skills to become confident and competent in using inquiry learning methods (including hands-on objects, activities, and documents) to inspire critical thinking and encourage compassionate, active citizenship.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Kristin Gallas
Principal
MUSE Consulting, Medford, MA
Kristin facilitates workshops for museums and historic sites on developing comprehensive and conscientious interpretation of slavery and speaks regularly at conferences. Clients include: George Mason’s Gunston Hall, multiple National Park Service sites, Historic Philadelphia, Morven Museum and Garden, Royall House and Slave Quarters, and Whitney Plantation. She is the co-editor, with James DeWolf Perry, of Interpreting Slavery at Museums and Historic Sites, and author of Interpreting Slavery with Children and Teens at Museums and Historic Sites. Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary history education from University of Vermont and a master’s degree in museum education from George Washington University.
Krystal Gladden
Manager of School Programs
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville, VA
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August 6, 2024, 2:45-3:45 pm ET | Navigating changes in interpretation plans and strategies can be challenging. It's essential to have a crystal clear understanding of the why, what, and how to chart the best course of action. This involves carefully planning how to effectively communicate these changes to staff, volunteers, docents, and your audience. In this engaging session, we'll dive into real world examples from the Ohio History Connection and the Office of Historic Alexandria. Discover how these organizations tackled significant shifts in their interpretation plans through strategic planning, comprehensive training, and thoughtful communication. Join us to gain valuable insights and practical approaches that can help you manage and implement transformative changes in your own organization.
Navigating changes in interpretation plans and strategies can be challenging. It's essential to have a crystal clear understanding of the why, what, and how to chart the best course of action. This involves carefully planning how to effectively communicate these changes to staff, volunteers, docents, and your audience. In this engaging session, we'll dive into real world examples from the Ohio History Connection and the Office of Historic Alexandria. Discover how these organizations tackled significant shifts in their interpretation plans through strategic planning, comprehensive training, and thoughtful communication. Join us to gain valuable insights and practical approaches that can help you manage and implement transformative changes in your own organization.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Andrew Hall
Manager, Ohio Village Programs
Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
Michele Longo
Director of Education and Museums Operations
Office of Historic Alexandria, Alexandria, VA
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August 6, 2024, 1:30-2:30 pm ET | History museum professionals are well-versed in the research, terminology, and best/next practices informing our day-to-day work and big picture planning. We all “speak the language” of historical interpretation. Yet, one of our most critical stakeholder groups—our board—is often composed of professionals from outside the field who are unfamiliar with some of the foundational concepts guiding our work. In this session, we will explore the challenges of and share successful strategies for engaging our boards in meaningful conversation about what interpretation is and why matters.
History museum professionals are well-versed in the research, terminology, and best/next practices informing our day-to-day work and big picture planning. We all “speak the language” of historical interpretation. Yet, one of our most critical stakeholder groups—our board—is often composed of professionals from outside the field who are unfamiliar with some of the foundational concepts guiding our work. In this session, we will explore the challenges of and share successful strategies for engaging our boards in meaningful conversation about what interpretation is and why matters.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Dr. Mariruth Leftwich
Senior Director of Museum Operations & Education
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Williamsburg, VA
Tracie Liberatore
Executive Director
Bradford House Historical Association, Washington, PA
Elisabeth Nevins
Seed Education Consulting, Boston, MA
Dr. Noelle Trent
President and CEO
Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket, MA
Dr. Noelle Trent is the Director of Interpretation, Collections & Education at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee where she oversees its permanent and traveling exhibitions; collections’ donations and acquisitions; education programming and initiatives; collaborates with a variety of partners. In her role, she has presented internationally at the European Solidarity Center in Gdansk, Poland, and at high schools in Warsaw and Sopot, Poland. In 2018, she curated an exhibition and planned the commemorative service for the museum’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination, MLK50.
Dr. Trent is an accomplished public historian and has worked with several noted organizations and projects including: the National Park Service, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture where she contributed to the exhibition Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation 1876 - 1968. Dr. Trent is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Howard University where she also earned a doctorate in American history.
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August 6, 2024 Noon-1:15 pm ET | Public history professionals are experienced in managing change, especially after the last few years of radical reimaginings in how we serve our audiences. In this opening session, we’ll explore the big questions facing our sites and organizations with professionals who have analyzed and managed big changes in interpretation.
Public history professionals are experienced in managing change, especially after the last few years of radical reimaginings in how we serve our audiences. In this opening session, we’ll explore the big questions facing our sites and organizations with professionals who have analyzed and managed big changes in interpretation.
Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
Richard Cooper (he/him)
President & CEO
Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte, NC
Kevin Maijala (he/him)
Senior Vice President, Education and Interpretation
Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN
Melissa Prycer (she/her)
Principal
Prycer Consulting
Though Melissa Prycer’s career began with a deep love of history, her work has expanded to a passion for building sustainability at nonprofits of all types and sizes. Originally hired as the Program Manager at Dallas Heritage Village, Melissa became Executive Director in 2014, after doing a little bit of everything. Melissa launched Prycer Consulting in 2021, focusing on strategic planning, fundraising, and historical services. She has guided small history museums in developing their first strategic plan, set up fundraising systems at institutions of all sizes, refined and developed key policies and procedures, and guided organizations through significant change. Clients include Readers 2 Leaders, Manassas Museum System, the National Park Service, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, and others. Melissa is active in several professional organizations, especially the American Association for State and Local History. She has published articles and spoken on local history, women’s history, and museums throughout the country. She currently resides in Dallas, TX.
Nicole A. Moore (she/her) (Moderator)
Director of Education
National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, GA
Nicole A. Moore is a public historian and consultant with over a decade of museum experience. Her passion has been helping historic sites and museums strengthen their interpretation of the enslaved through workshops and training sessions, interpretive planning, and exhibition review. In her current role, Nicole serves as the Director of Education at the National Center for Civil Rights in Atlanta, leading a multi-year expansion of educational content developed by and for The Center. Engaging audiences that range from K-12, to Fortune 500 C-suite executives and professional sports teams, Nicole urges groups to seek ways to protect the civil and human rights of all. Her publications include chapters for Interpreting Slavery and Interpreting the Civil War for Museums and Historic Sites, as well as Radical Roots: Public History and a Tradition of Social Justice Activism. A proud Charlotte 49er, Nicole received her BA in Psychology, and MA in History with a concentration in Public History from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
