Planning for American Indian Interpretation

NPS | Larcom

Interpreting American Indian history and culture

American Indian history and culture is very popular, especially with heritage tourists and families with children, and interpretation at many places throughout the PHT corridor enhances outdoor recreational experiences. Site managers exploring such interpretation consider what forms of interpretation are best suited to the site, from static to dynamic exhibits to inter-personal discussions. Living history presentations are a powerful way to connect with audiences, and other forms of programming, including lectures, panels, or seminars; teacher workshops; special events, such as American Indian Day (Friday after Thanksgiving); and cultural landscape interpretation can help to communicate the relevance of the culture and history associated with the site in the present . Some resources include:

• Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Native organizations and tribal contacts
• regional archaeologists
• Virginia Indian Program
• various primary and secondary sources