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Archeological
Interpretation
Protection of America’s
archeological resources is dependent upon public
recognition, understanding, and stewardship. Through
interpretation, visitors are afforded opportunities to
make emotional and intellectual connections with
archeological resources, which lead toward resource
stewardship. This manual is intended to be “an inspiring
guide” to encourage NPS archeologists and interpreters
to work together to attain the shared competency of
effectively interpreting archeological resources 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.
To this end, archeologists and interpreters seeking to
gain shared competency must start with an understanding
of three basic principles in archeological
interpretation:
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Recognition
that the protection of archeological resources is
dependent upon the public’s recognition,
understanding, and stewardship; |
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Commitment
to working together jointly in professional
development; and |
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Awareness
of special issues, including federal laws and
regulations, the value of multiple perspectives, and
the importance of dialogue between archeologists and
interpreters. |
Archeologists
must gain a
firm foundation in and understanding of the purpose,
philosophy, and techniques of interpretation.
Interpreters
must gain an understanding of basic archeological
principles and techniques as well as comprehensive and
accurate knowledge of historical and archaeological
information.
Together,
archeologists and interpreters must provide the public
with opportunities to establish their own compelling
intellectual and emotional connections to cultural
resources based on current factual research and creative
interpretive techniques.
Visitors
then will
gain the opportunity to
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Learn
about archeological interpretations and how they are
made;
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Ascribe
their own meanings to archeological resources; and
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Increase their understanding
of and concern for preservation and protection of
archeological resources
Only by committing to
these principles will a shared competency program reach
the intended goal: the development of more effective
interpretation of archeological resources in order to
increase the public’s awareness of and participation in
the stewardship of those resources.
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