Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters

Michael W. Twitty is and has been a guide, interpreter, culinary historian, author, and food writer who has spent his career tracing the deep connections between food, ancestry, and identity. He's the creator of Afroculinaria, the first blog dedicated to African American historic foodways, and the author of several acclaimed books, including The Cooking Gene, which won the 2018 James Beard Award for Book of the Year and Best Writing, making him the first Black author to receive that honor. He followed it with Rice, KosherSoul (winner of the National Jewish Book Award), and his newest release, Recipes from the American South. Twitty's work has taken him from the Smithsonian to Yale to the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery, and he's shared his research on NPR's The Splendid Table, in the Washington Post, and across numerous television appearances, including High on the Hog, Taste the Nation, and Bizarre Foods America. He's a National Geographic Explorer, a TED Fellow, and was named to the TIME 100 Next list. He also teaches Judaic studies and writes widely on Jewish cultural identity, weaving together the African American and Jewish threads of his own heritage in everything he does.

Dr. Spencer R. Crew has worked in public history institutions for more than thirty years.  He is currently the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of History at George Mason University and Emeritus Director of the National Museum of African American History and the National Museum of American History.     Previous to Mason he served as president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for six years and worked at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution for twenty years.  Nine of those years, he served as the director of NMAH.  He served as the interim Director at the National Museum of African American History and Culture from July of 2019 until January of 2021.  At each of those institutions, he sought to make history accessible to the public through innovative and inclusive exhibitions and public programs.  Crew has published extensively in the areas of African American and Public History. He also has curated numerous exhibitions the most recent one at the National Museum of African American History and Culture entitled “Make Good the Promises:  Reconstruction and Its Legacies.”  He is a graduate of Brown University and holds a master's degree and a doctorate from Rutgers University.  His most recent publication is Thurgood Marshall A Life in American History.   https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistoryMatters #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackVoices #BlackExcellence #OurHistoryOurStory #HonoringHeritage #FromSlaveryToFreedom #DiasporaStories #SmithsonianInstitution #ExploreSmithsonian #HistoryUnveiled #MuseumsMatter #SmithsonianAfricanAmerican #DiscoverTheSmithsonian #LearnWithSmithsonian

Kimberly Kelly attended Catholic University Undergrad, and Parsons School of Design, Graduate School. She did further study at the University of North Carolina. She was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship for graduate Studies. She worked at the National Portrait Gallery, Arts and Industries Building, and National Museum of American History during her 30+ years at the Smithsonian Institution. She has performed Living History presentations for the Smithsonian, National Park Service, and Public Television. She has taught Living History at Universities in the area. She is an enrolled citizen of the Nottoway Tribe of Virginia.    https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #AmericanHistory #Smithsonian #SmithsonianMuseum #LivingHistory #NottowayTribe #NottowayIndianTribeOfVirginia #VirginiaHistory #IndigenousHistory #NativeAmericanHistory #VirginiaIndigenousHistory #TribalHistory #AmericanIndianHistory #CulturalHeritage #HeritageInterpretation #HistoryEducation #PublicHistory #HonoringIndigenousVoices #LivingHeritage #HistoryMatters #ReflectionsOnInterpretation #TimMerriman 

Devon Headdress is a content creator, community health educator, and founder of BrightHawk Fitness LLC, now rebranding to Headdress Health, based in Molt, Montana. His work centers Indigenous education, treaty rights, and sovereignty, with a focus on how policy and systems impact Native community health and wellness. As a graduate student studying Indigenous health policy, he bridges data, lived experience, and traditional knowledge to advocate for culturally grounded approaches to wellness. Through social media storytelling and educational content, he amplifies Native voices and connects everyday listeners to the real-world impact of federal, state, and tribal policy on Indigenous communities. #DevonHeaddress #NativeAmericanHistory #IndigenousVoices #NativeAmericanStories #IndigenousHistory #DigitalStorytelling #DigitalBroadcasting #NativeContentCreator #CulturalInterpretation #HeritageInterpretation #LivingHistory #PublicHistory #IndigenousPerspectives #CulturalHeritage #ReflectionsOnInterpretation #InterpretiveProfessionals #StorytellingMatters #RepresentationMatters #AmplifyIndigenousVoices #NativeAmericanHeritage #timmerriman

Julia Washburn is a native Washingtonian, recently retired from 35 years with America’s National Parks. Recently, Julia served as Superintendent of Rock Creek Park for six years. Previously, she was the National Park Service Associate Director for Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers. Julia started her career in 1989 after serving two years in the US Peace Corps as a volunteer science teacher in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Her first NPS job was as a park ranger at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast, DC. She has also worked at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, W.Va., the National Park Service’s National Capital Regional Office, and as Senior Vice President for Grants and Programs at the National Park Foundation. Julia has a master’s degree in museum education from Bank Street College of Education and taught as an adjunct in the Museum Education Program at George Washington University for 14 years. She and her husband, Bill, now live on a 118-acre farm in Western Massachusetts, where they practice permaculture and manage the property for wildlife habitat. After leaving the NPS, Julia attended perfume school in Italy. She also earned a diploma in aromatherapy from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. In 2026, she and her business partner launched Willow-Botanicals.com, a small business that makes all-natural perfumes, skincare, and aromatherapy products. #timmerriman #InterpretationMatters #HEARTApproach #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation  

This week on Reflections on Interpretation, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman interview a musical performer and instructor who consistently receives rave reviews. Scott brings a wealth of musical and historical experience with him to the stage and the classroom.  Coming of age during the Civil Rights era and the protests against the Vietnam War, Scott has a deep reverence for cross-cultural exchange and a strong commitment to social justice. He is the author of Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads and video teacher on the instructional DVD, Robert Johnson: Signature Licks. In 2010, Acoustic Guitar featured Scott’s lesson on Robert Johnson’s music in its November issue. The article with TAB, transcription of Johnson’s Crossroads Blues, and sixteen minutes of video instruction is archived on their website at: http://acousticguitar.com.  With six solo recordings to his credit, Scott’s award-winning The Last Shot Got Him has garnered strong reviews here and in Europe.

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney as they talk story with Greg Gnesios about his diverse career in NPS, BLM and Orbridge Travel. For 27 years Greg was a ranger/naturalist with the National Park Service in places such as Pinnacles National Park and Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California; and Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico.  In the late 1970s he was a ranger in Canyonlands National Park. He moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 2001 as the first manager of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. He has since served as Chairman of the Board for the Colorado National Monument Association  and Byway Coordinator for the Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway.  During the summer season, he leads tours throughout the west for various travel organizations. His award-winning photography has appeared in numerous journals, magazines, museum exhibits, calendars and books.   #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

Alan Alex Marti is more than a safari guide, he is a cultural bridge and storyteller shaped by the landscapes and traditions of northern Tanzania. Of Maasai and Iraqwi heritage, Alan represents just two of the country’s 127 tribes, diverse communities united by a shared national language, Swahili, while each maintains its own rich linguistic and cultural identity. Fluent in Swahili, English, and Maa, Alan moves easily between worlds, welcoming guests from across the globe while remaining deeply rooted in his own. As a freelance guide working with multiple safari companies, he navigates not only vast distances, across a country larger than Texas, but also the expectations, curiosities, and emotions of every traveler he hosts. Behind the wheel of his Toyota Land Cruiser, Alan carries more than six guests at a time, he carries responsibility. He is a driver on rugged terrain, a mechanic when challenges arise, a naturalist interpreting wildlife behavior, a historian giving voice to the land, and a host creating a sense of belonging in unfamiliar places. What truly sets Alan apart, however, is his presence. His warm, congenial nature invites connection, transforming a safari from a sightseeing trip into a shared human experience. Through his guidance, guests don’t just see Tanzania, they begin to understand it, feel it, and carry a piece of it with them long after the journey ends. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nationalpark  #Tanzania #Serengeti #VisitTanzania #GreatMigration #SerengetiMigration #AfricanWildlife #SafariExperience

With more than 32 years of experience in interpretation with the National Park Service, Susan brings a depth of wisdom shaped by service, leadership, and a passion for meaningful connection. Her career began as an intern and quickly progressed to a seasonal interpreter, permanent park guide, and ultimately Park Ranger Interpreter. Along the way, she supervised and mentored interpretive staff, championed audience-centered interpretation, and trained teams in the most current, effective interpretive techniques. A certified interpreter instructor through both the National Park Service’s Mather Training Center and the National Association for Interpretation, she has led large volunteer programs and equipped volunteers with skills in customer service and informal interpretation, ensuring that every visitor encounter has the potential to inspire. Among her most meaningful accomplishments was partnering with two Native American tribes to reconnect youth and elders with their traditional homeland at Rocky Mountain National Park. Together, they created opportunities for intergenerational storytelling that strengthened cultural identity and ultimately enriched park staff and visitors alike. She draws on decades of lived experience to explore the art and heart of interpretation, sharing stories, practical tools, and thoughtful conversations that inspire listeners to create deeper emotional and intellectual connections between people and place. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

Dominic Cardea (Dom) recently retired after a 34 year National Park Service career spent turning big ideas—geology, history, culture, and community—into invitations to be curious. He helped shape and facilitate national interpretation and leadership programs, coached frontline interpreters, and trained hundreds in digital interpretation. A curious philosopher at heart, Dom loves the “why” behind a place and its objects—what they reveal, how they connect, and the questions they spark. He champions audience-centered, resource-focused interpretation that’s collaborative and co-creative, not a TED Talk in the woods. He’s happiest when the guests, places and objects becomes the co-facilitators of experiences—and everyone leaves wanting to explore more- including him . #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach  #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

Join us for a powerful conversation with Karen Cucurullo, a seasoned leader with nearly 35 years in the National Park Service. From Manassas to Death Valley, Karen has served in diverse roles, from interpretation and education to resource management and law enforcement. Before retiring she supervised in the Southeast Regional Office, supporting parks and communities across 9 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Discover how her holistic perspective shapes stewardship of 3.8 million acres of national treasures, thousands of cultural sites, and endangered species protection—connecting people, places, and purpose through the heart of public lands.   #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

Heather Holm is the Chief of the Interpretation and Education Division of California State Parks and is the guest of Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters podcast. Heather has 22 years of experience in interpretation, having worked in various positions in California State Parks. Her work experience includes interpretive program development and facilitation, distance learning program development, project management, policy development, interpretive planning, intellectual property rights administration, and interpretive training development and facilitation. She has also worked in various non-profit museums and archives doing collection work, research, and record processing.   Heather is passionate about supporting front-line interpretive staff and volunteers in their work, and coaching and mentoring interpreters. She has a Master of Arts degree in Public History from California State University, Sacramento.   #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach#Interpretation #InterpretiveGuide #CaliforniaStateParks #ExploreCalifornia #CAStateParks #SeeCalifornia #CaliforniaNature #CaliforniaHistory #CaliforniaOutdoors

Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney talk story with Daniel Martinez on Reflections on Interpretation. For historian Daniel Martinez, history isn’t just something to study—it’s something you feel. After 44 years with the National Park Service, most recently as historian at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Martinez reflects on a career dedicated to keeping the past vividly alive. From his own family’s memories of December 7, 1941 to his years connecting with survivors, leaders, and visitors, Martinez has helped countless people see the human side of history—and feel its lasting presence. He shares the stories, moments, and relationships that shaped his life’s work from his start at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument to Pearl Harbor and why the lessons of war, peace, and resilience still matter today. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #MatherTrainingCenter #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice #OralHistory #HumanHistory #PearlHarbor #WWIIHistory #December71941 #PearlHarborRemembrance

Gary Candelaria brings a lifetime of dedication to America’s public lands to this episode of Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. Raised in Los Angeles and inspired early on to become a park ranger, he pursued that dream through a forestry degree at Oregon State University before entering the prestigious Intake Ranger program in 1975. His first assignment at Saratoga National Historical Park during the nation’s Bicentennial set the stage for a distinguished National Park Service career. Candelaria went on to serve in key leadership roles across the country, Assistant Chief of Interpretation at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Chief Ranger at Sitka National Historical Park, and Superintendent at Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Pinnacles (then National Monument), and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve. Along the way he earned a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and worked in Washington, D.C., as assistant to Director Roger Kennedy. Before retiring in 2008, Candelaria capped his service as Assistant Director of Harpers Ferry Center and Associate Regional Director for Cultural Resources in Omaha. Now living in Sharpsburg, Maryland, he continues contributing to historical scholarship as a contractor for the U.S. Navy, updating the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Join Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman as Gary reflects on a remarkable career shaped by curiosity, stewardship, and a deep commitment to interpretation. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #MatherTrainingCenter #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

Costa Dillon is a retired National Park Service ranger and park superintendent who worked in more than a dozen parks in his 35-year career including as Superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park, Fire Island National Seashore, and the Horace Albright Training Center. He is the recipient of the Department of the Interior’s Meritorious Service Award, the National Parks Conservation Association's Stephen Mather Award, and the National Association for Interpretation’s Meritorious Service Award. Mr. Dillon has a B.S. from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Costa has been an adjunct faculty member of the University of New Hampshire and Indiana University where he is an Honorary Fellow of the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.. He currently teaches at San Diego State University and California State University, San Marcos. Mr. Dillon is the creator and principal writer of the feature film Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, as well as five other feature motion pictures.  #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters   #VoicesOfInterpretation #HeritageInterpretation #NationalParks, #InterpretiveVoices, #NPSVoices, #KillerTomatoes

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney for a fascinating conversation with T. Lindsay Baker, a historian of the American West who doesn’t just write about the past, he’s lived it. Author of more than two dozen peer-reviewed histories and a lifelong interpreter, Baker brings academic rigor and interpretive insight together in ways few others do. Known for using first-person interpretive scenarios in his university classrooms and immersive living history to inform his writing, Lindsay once built and lived in a sod house on the Great Plains for 18 months, just to better understand frontier life. T. Lindsay shows how deep empathy and lived experience can change how we teach, write, and guide at the intersections of history, storytelling, and self-awareness. Whether you’re a museum educator, park interpreter, or heritage trainer, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think differently about how and why we interpret. He's also a Fulbright Scholar and Texas Tech alum who held curatorial and faculty roles at major institutions across Texas and beyond. But we think you’ll appreciate him most for his humility, humor, and the way he helps us see interpretation as a tool for deep connection. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #heritage interpretive guide  

For more than fifty years, I’ve been asking one question: What is the purpose of heritage interpretation? Early in my career, a few key experiences set me on a path of reflection—a path that has shaped every step of my professional life since. Few of us have the luxury of working in isolation or for ourselves alone. If interpretation is to be meaningful and sustainable, it must do more than entertain or inform. We have to protect the resource itself and nurture the circumstances that make interpretation possible. That means building purpose—real, intentional purpose—into everything we plan and do. I’m Tim Merriman, and in this week’s episode of Reflections on Interpretation, I share a story from my early years—one that forever changed how I think about purpose in our work. It began with a simple question from another trainer: Why did purpose become so important to you so early on? Join me for this short, heartfelt episode. I hope it inspires you to think about how your work supports the mission and purpose of your organization—and why that purpose matters to you.

Dr. Robert Powell’s research at Clemson University focuses on informal STEM education, interpretation, protected area management, and sustainable tourism. He has led multiple NSF-funded national studies on learning outcomes in parks and environmental education, publishing over 100 peer-reviewed articles. A former U.S. Canoe and Kayak Team member, Bob spent 20 years guiding whitewater and sea kayaking tours spanning 45+ countries and seven continents before earning his PhD from Yale University in 2005. Dr. Marc J. Stern is a professor in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, where he teaches interpretation, environmental education, sustainability, and social science research methods. His research explores human behavior in environmental communication, interpretation, education, protected areas, and natural resource planning. He has published widely and serves as co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Interpretation Research, alongside Bob Powell. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #MatherTrainingCenter #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #Clemson #ClemsonPRTM #ClemsonResearch #SustainableTourism #ConservationAtClemson #InterpretiveLeadership #VirginiaTech #VTCNRE #VirginiaTechResearch

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Celeste Bernardo, who devoted 35 years to the National Park Service (NPS), building bridges between people, places, and heritage. With a career spanning coastlines, historic neighborhoods, and international cultural exchanges, Celeste is known for her gift of turning partnerships into lasting legacies. As acting Deputy Regional Director for the North Atlantic-Appalachian region, she supported more than forty national park units—from wilderness preserves and coastal habitats to historic sites and battlefields. Before that, she spent sixteen years as superintendent of partnership parks, where she championed community-driven projects: restoring historic structures, constructing trails, opening visitor centers, upgrading transportation systems, and hosting large-scale cultural events. Her leadership at Lowell National Historical Park, Boston National Historical Park, the Boston African American National Historic Site, and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park demonstrates her ability to connect diverse communities to their shared stories. Celeste also served in the Washington Office as the first NPS Partnership Training Specialist, designing curriculum to strengthen leadership’s ability to collaborate across agencies, nonprofits, and communities. Earlier in her career, she honed her interpretive and visitor services skills at national seashores, historical parks, and recreation areas across the country. Since retiring in 2021, Celeste has continued her mission globally—volunteering in Thailand to enhance interpretive services and leading volunteer management training for park leaders from 38 national parks. From Massachusetts mills to Thai rainforests, Celeste’s story is about the power of collaboration, heritage, and the enduring human connection to place. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #MatherTrainingCenter #NPSInterpretation #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #nps #nationalpark #nationalparks #nationalparkservice

Toby Merriman, MFA, works each day as Assistant Director of Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University in assisting faculty in understanding how AI, VR and Gamification may improve their teaching and research. Toby grew up with Tim Merriman, his father, at a nature center and actually worked as an interpretive guide at a Dinosaurs Alive Exhibit when he was 15. He helps Tim and other interpreters understand how they can use these new tech platforms to improve their interpretive planning and execution in many different ways. Join them on Reflections on Interpretation for 39 minutes of talking story about their collaboration in these new tech areas.  #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation

Today on Reflections I am talking story with my podcast co-host, Bill Gwaltney, who recently returned from a trip to western Europe to visit friends from his long career with National Park Service and especially with friends he made during his final five years with American Battle Monuments Commission. Born and raised in the Nation’s Capital, Bill Gwaltney is a seventh generation native of Washington, D.C. His pursuit of a degree in Forestry/Botany led him to change majors focusing on Western American History and Parks and Recreation Management. Gwaltney had many roles in his thirty-five-year career with the National Park Service from Seasonal Interpreter to Museum Curator and from Regional Interpretive Specialist to Chief Ranger, Site Manager and Park Superintendent. He also served as President of The Association of African American Museums. In addition, Gwaltney served as Chief Naturalist at Rocky Mountain National Park and as Assistant Regional Director for Workforce Diversity at the Intermountain Region in Denver, Colorado. Gwaltney’s last two years in the National Park Service found him on loan to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for the Smithsonian Institution, where he designed and developed the exhibit on Military History. The last five years of his career took him to Paris, France, where he worked for The American Battle Monuments Commission, as the Director of Interpretation and Visitor Services, assisting with the planning, Interpreter training, and Visitor Center development for the 26 American overseas military cemeteries under the Agency’s responsibilities. Still teaching classes to park and museum employees and volunteers, Gwaltney is a trained Instructor of the H.E.A.R.T approach to Interpretation. #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #NPS #ABMC

Michael Stuckey had a career of many decades with National Park Service working in both natural and cultural history parks in a variety of roles, but especially in interpretation. He tells his own story well, "Born in Los Angeles and somehow history grabbed me early on. I began to explore how to work with it professionally. Richmond Battlefield in Virginia was my first park and from there I was able to work in a dozen other parks and sites – natural and historical – and feel that the 33 years where the most wonderful one could imagine. My favorite park? Historically there is a tie between Antietam and Pearl Harbor, and the natural park is hands down, Yosemite.   Interpretation has always been my focus, but I have worn many hats including law enforcement, resources management, wildland fire, management, acting Superintendent, and a special niche in living history. I worked with the Interpretive Development Program for several years as an instructor and that taught me tons about how interpretation can and should work.   #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #NationalParks  #PublicLands #ConservationConversation #ParksLeadership  #NatureTalks #Park  

Monique Thompson, CIT, is a Restorative Justice practitioner, nature enthusiast, and expert in interpretive education. Her programs inspire community connection and inclusivity, with a focus on environmental and personal well-being. She has been engaged in the education field for over 25 years as an instructor, collaborator, and learner. Early in her career she taught English as a Second Language to young people in Mozambique while serving in the Peace Corps. Since 2019 she has been a very active trainer of CIGs  with National Association for Interpretation.  https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman  #InterpretationMatters  #HEARTApproach #InterpretiveConnections #VoicesOfInterpretation #raindropnaturalist

Matt Villamaino, Bill Gwaltney, Toby Merriman, and Tim Merriman gather on Zoom to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence in heritage interpretation—with a focus on authenticity, ethics, and emerging opportunities. Toby Merriman, MFA, serves as Assistant Director of the Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University, where he supports faculty in integrating AI, virtual reality, and gamification into teaching and research. This dynamic discussion examines how these technologies might enhance both interpretive training and the design of meaningful visitor experiences.

Born and raised in California, Marc Blackburn’s love of history led him to the Pacific Northwest, where he earned a B.A. in history from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Inspired by a passion for teaching and the complexities of the American experience, he pursued graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia. There, under the mentorship of the renowned historian Dr. Russell F. Weigley, Marc earned a Ph.D. with a focus on modern American military and diplomatic history. What began as a summer job in 1987 as a seasonal park ranger at Independence National Historical Park turned into a lifelong calling. Over more than three decades, Marc has brought history to life in some of America’s most iconic and meaningful places—from the Klondike Gold Rush site in Seattle to the battlefields and sacred lands of the Nez Perce, and from the volcanic landscapes of Lava Beds and Tule Lake to the solemn grounds of Colonial National Historical Park, where he currently serves as Manager of Visitor Experience and Community Engagement. Now based in Virginia’s historic Tidewater region with his wife, Marc continues to share stories that connect people to the past, illuminate the present, and inspire stewardship for the future.

Matt Villamaino has worked in the interpretive field for over 15 years, not counting the dinosaur museum he and a friend started in his basement at age 8. He currently works for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as the Regional Interpretive Coordinator for the Central Region. He is a Certified Interpretive Trainer, Planner, and Heritage Interpreter and has worked and done training in iconic places like the USS Constitution, Pilgrim Memorial State Park and Springfield Armory NHS in living history and interpretive roles. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation 

David Larsen (1960-2011) was a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger who became the Manager of Interpretive Training with National Park Service (NPS) at The Mather Employee Development Center. After many years as a frontline interpreter at sites such as the the Vietnam Memorial and Harper's Ferry National Historic Park, David stepped up to become a leader in Interpretive thought, philosophy, and training.   Bill Gwaltney, Connie Rudd, and Kim Sikoryak were colleagues and collaborators with David during his training years and knew him well. Tim Merriman interviews the trio on “Reflections on Interpretation” about the enduring impact David's philosophy on training and the conceptual framework of Interpretation that has impacted the entire profession of heritage interpretation. Thanks is due NPS for our use of short clips of David speaking via a series of 5-videos available on youtube.com. We highly recommend you watch the entire series of about one hour and fifteen minutes. David's excellent interactive book entitled “Meaningful Interpretation” published by the Eastern National Cooperating Association is available through the association. 

Today Tim Merriman is interviewed by Bill Gwaltney about the HEART Train the Trainers Program. This innovative new training program for the fundamentals of the interpretive approach to communication began in October of 2024 and is now being used by many experienced trainers as a more affordable approach to training new hires, seasonal guides, docents and other frontline workers at parks, zoos, museums, nature centers, historic sites and tour companies. It includes the application of Artificial Intelligence in development of new programs, tours and presentations. Available now at https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ or by YouTube at https://youtu.be/ObEolw2Bd74 #heritageinterpretation #timmerriman #interpretivetraining 

Toby Merriman is the Acting Director of Center for Virtual Expression at Southern Illinois University (SIU). He and his staff assist faculty at SIU in the uses of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Gamification in teaching university students, who so readily employ these new tools. Join Monique Thompson, Clark Hancock, Rosemary Prince, Angel Burns, Matt Villamaino, Joanna Robinson and Tim Merriman in an hour and 8 minutes of Questions and Answers about the uses of these new tools in training interpreters, guides and the many people who employ an interpretive approach to communication.  #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #interpretivetraining

Interpretive Trainers are our guests this week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. Karin Hostetter, Robert Smith, Jamie Hubert, Clark Hancock, Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman discuss the economic changes affecting training, the challenges of training large numbers of docents, seasonal workers and frontline staff and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on training. Join us for a lively conversation on your favorite audio platform.   https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #ParkPreservation #interpretivetraining  

With nearly four decades of experience with the National Park Service (NPS), Robert G. Stanton has an unmatched depth of experience about the Agency from top to bottom. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Robert Stanton’s experience growing up in an African American community and the need to deal with Race and Racism brought a special focus to his life and career. His career with the NPS began in 1962 when the Secretary of the Interior appointed him as a summer seasonal park ranger at Grand Teton National Park (NP) in Wyoming. He went on to a variety of other jobs including Personnel Management, Public Information Specialist, Management Assistant, Park Superintendent, Deputy Regional Director, Regional Director, Associate Director for Operations, and finally, Director of the National Park Service. As NPS Director, Stanton actively promoted Diversity within the national park system, increased opportunities for young people, and enhanced NPS public programs to better serve all Americans. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters  #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation  #BringingHistoryToLife #AfricanAmericanHistory

Born during a snowstorm in Ft. Riley, Kansas, Connie's adventurous spirit was kindled from the start. This early connection to winter led to a passion for sled dog racing with her purebred Samoyed team, a venture she pursued for 20 years across the United States. Raised in Athens, Ohio, Connie developed a love for reading that sparked her imagination, inspired by stories like “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon.” After earning a double major in English and Physical Geography from Ohio University, she continued her education at the University of Illinois, focusing on fluvial geomorphology. Connie began her career as a GS-3 Dispatcher with the National Park Service at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, later transitioning to roles at Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain National Parks. In 1991, she became Regional Chief of Interpretation, where she pioneered “Compelling Stories” workshops enhancing storytelling within the Service. Connie eventually served as Superintendent at several national parks before retiring in 2014. Today, she works as a professional photographer, capturing landscapes and wildlife while promoting conservation and inspiring others to connect with nature. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #NationalParks #PublicLands #ConservationConversation #ParksLeadership #NatureTalks #ParkPreservation #connieruddphotography  

John Steinle, originally from Hamilton, Ohio, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Dayton. After several years as a commercial artist, he switched careers to history. He obtained a master’s degree in Museum and Archival Management from Wright State University and worked as a Curator and Archivist at the Cincinnati Art Museum and Cincinnati Historical Society. In 1992, he moved to Colorado, where he held Director positions at various Ohio museums before becoming the Administrator of the Hiwan Homestead Museum in Evergreen in 1994, under Jefferson County Open Space. Steinle was later promoted to History Education Supervisor and Region Supervisor for the Bear Creek Region, retiring in 2016. An author of several books on Frontier Forts, Colorado during the Civil War, and Silver Mining, he has been active in living history and reenactments since 1975, participating in groups like the 1st Colorado Volunteers Civil War unit and the American Military Living History Association. He currently serves as the President of the latter, presenting educational programs and taking part in events that commemorate American military history. Steinle has performed as various historical figures, including Doctor Edward Bancroft, members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a 19th Century phrenologist, Indian Agent William W. Bent, and Colorado Senator Henry Teller. He and his wife, Mary, reside in Arvada, Colorado. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation #BringingHistoryToLife 

Michael Watson began his career as a High School Intern at a Minute Man Missile Plant, a Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck Driver, 4-H Camp Naturalist, and Naturalist at Burr Oak State Park (OH). After graduating from The Ohio State University (1967), he became a Science Teacher in the Marion (OH) Public School System (1967-1971).   His National Park Service career began as a Seasonal Interpreter at Mount Rainier National Park (WA) (1971) before relocating to Everglades National Park (FL) as its Environmental Education Program Coordinator (1976).  He became a Training Instructor at the Stephen T. Mather Training Center (Harpers Ferry, WV) (1981) where he developed and trained NPS Rangers who educate and interpret to park visitors and students. As Director of Interpretation for the National Park Service in Headquarters, Washington, DC (1987-1992), Watson developed policy and guidelines for 3,000+ uniformed Interpretive Park Rangers. From 1992-2006, he returned to the Mather Training Center as its Superintendent.    During his career, he also completed a series of international assignments to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Russia, Austria, and others where he helped develop public interpretation and education, environmental education, and staff training programs in their respective park services.   In retirement, Mike is an NPS Volunteer in Parks and has staffed the Museum of the National Park Ranger at Yellowstone NP several summers. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #NationalParkService #NPS #NationalParks #NatureInterpretation #ParkRanger #Conservation #ExploreYourPark  

Rob Pacheco's journey began in California, where he spent his formative years assisting a local beekeeper and fostering a deep curiosity for the nature around him. At the University of Colorado, Rob enrolled in a multi-disciplinary environmental program while beekeeping for researchers studying honey bee genetics. He moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, eager to immerse himself in the world of bees. Along this path, Rob blossomed into an extraordinary naturalist, marked by an insatiable curiosity and remarkable skill. As a student, he discovered his knack for engaging with children through bee programs, igniting a desire to work in education and outreach. In Hawaii, he expanded this passion into children's tours, which evolved into Hawaii Forest & Trail—a company that has become one of the most respected and sought-after experiences in the islands. For over 31 years, Rob has championed interpretation as a foundational value for HFT. Now, as the Founder and CEO, he is entrusting the business to his son and other family members while continuing to share his expertise on the trails, a skilled naturalist and storyteller with countless tales to share.

Join Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story for an engaging conversation with author, photographer, mule packer, storyteller, and cowboy poet E.T. Collinsworth. Together, they will explore E.T.'s remarkable life, adventures, and experiences on both sides of the border. E.T. Collinsworth hails from Tennessee but has deep ties to Chicago and the Czech Republic. After pursuing a traditional education, he ventured to the unconventional Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. There, he embraced a call for adventure, taking a summer job as a cowboy on a cattle ranch in Brazil. Immersing himself in the culture, E.T. not only learned Portuguese but also honed his skills as a saddle tramp, launching a diverse career that spanned South America, Mexico, and the U.S.-Mexico border. His work with the U.S. Forest Service in support of wildland firefighting, along with his role as a Volunteer-In-Parks for the National Park Service, showcases his commitment to the land and its stories. A multi-talented individual and an extraordinary storyteller, E.T. Collinsworth draws from his rich experiences to cultivate a unique perspective on languages and a profound empathy for different cultures. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a consummate storyteller whose narratives resonate with adventure and heart. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #TimMerriman #heritageinterpretation #CowboyPoetry #Storyteller #CowboyLife #CowboyStories #RuralStoryteller #WesternCulture #TalesFromTheTrail #WildernessPoet #OutdoorsAndPoetry #LifeOfACowboy #PoeticJourney      

Immerse yourself in an enlightening conversation with Walt Dabney, a distinguished former National Park Service Superintendent, NPS Chief Ranger, and ex-Director of Texas State Parks. Walt's illustrious career spans decades, marked by his significant contributions to both our cherished National Parks and the Texas State Parks system.   Early in his tenure with the NPS, Walt was entrusted with the unique role of accompanying Freeman Tilden, fondly known as "The Father of Interpretation," as his host, driver, guide, and "adjutant" for a year. This transformative experience saw them journey across the National Park System, engaging in profound daily discussions about life, public lands, and the art of Interpretation.   A proud 1969 alumnus of Texas A&M, Dabney dedicated over thirty years to the National Park Service. Post-retirement, he revitalized the Texas State Parks, turning an underfunded system into a well-financed, professional, customer-oriented, and technologically advanced entity. Now, in his second retirement, Walt remains a passionate advocate for the preservation, protection, and enjoyment of Public Lands. Discover more about his insights by watching his video: "The History & Future of America's Public Land with Walt Dabney."   https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #NationalParks #TexasStateParks #PublicLands #ConservationConversation #ParksLeadership #WaltDabney #NatureTalks #ParkPreservation

This week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters our guest is Susan Marie Frontczak. Storysmith® Susan Marie Frontczak's deeply researched Living History programs are the center of her repertoire. In her programs as Marie Curie, Mary Shelley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Irene Castle, Erma Bombeck and Clara Barton, Susan Marie melts, stretches, and reforms the boundaries between theatre, storytelling, and public speaking. These programs are presented with no imaginary "fourth wall" between the historical figure and the audience. Rather, the audience travels back in time to hear from and converse with the historical personage. Many of these are in the "Chautauqua" format consisting of a monologue in character, followed first by a Q&A with the historical figure, and then a Q&A out of character as the scholar. Susan Marie has presented over 900 Living History programs in 43 of the United States and nine countries abroad since 2001.

Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Interpreters and Guides was honored to recently interview Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution—and its first African American and first historian to hold the position. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1952 to educators Lonnie II and Montrose Bunch, Dr. Bunch earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in American and African American history from American University. His career began at the Smithsonian while completing his master’s degree, and he has since become a leading figure in museums, education, and interpretation. Dr. Bunch’s groundbreaking contributions include serving as founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) from 2005 to 2019. There, he led traveling exhibitions and public programs before opening the museum to global acclaim. Previously, he directed the Chicago History Museum, held curatorial roles at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and served at the California African American Museum. A member of the American Philosophical Society, Dr. Bunch has also contributed to historic preservation, serving on the White House Preservation Commission under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. On May 28, 2019, he was elected Secretary of the Smithsonian, where he continues to shape the future of cultural storytelling.   https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #heritageinterpretation #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistoryMatters #CelebrateBlackHistory #BlackVoices #BlackExcellence #OurHistoryOurStory #HonoringHeritage #FromSlaveryToFreedom #DiasporaStories #SmithsonianInstitution #ExploreSmithsonian #HistoryUnveiled #MuseumsMatter #SmithsonianAfricanAmerican #DiscoverTheSmithsonian #LearnWithSmithsonian  

Juan Castaing, a Chilean Interpretive Guide and Trainer, specializes in heritage interpretation, media and hospitality services. He has been combining ecotourism and communication for more than 20 years. His expertise lies in effectively communicating and managing cultural experiences, particularly those blending nature and culture. Castaing offers consulting services and workshops to help other guides and organizations develop strong interpretation and destination planning strategies. As a member of various global interpreter associations, he's dedicated to fostering leadership and excellence in the field of heritage interpretation in Chile. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #DiscoverChile #ChileTravel #VisitChile #ChileAdventure #ExploreChile #ChileanHeritage #ChileCulturalHeritage #ChileHistory #PatrimonioChileno #CulturaChilena #HistoriaDeChile #ChileNature #ChileLandscapes #ChileWildlife #PatagoniaChile #SustainableChile #EcotourismChile #LocalGuidesChile #ResponsibleTourismChile #GuidedTourChile #ChileanGuides #ChileInterpretation #InterpretChile  

Kathe Hambrick is Executive Director of the Amistad Research Center in Louisiana. In this role, Hambrick sees an opportunity to mentor and shape a new generation of curators, archivists, and digitization specialists. The mission of the Amistad Research Center is to "collect, preserve, and provide access to original documents that highlight the social and cultural significance of America's ethnic and racial history, the African Diaspora, human rights, and civil rights. "Hambrick is also an accomplished author and co-author of several books, including Juke Joint Men, Oh Say Can You See: Flag Paintings of Malaika Favorite, Our Roots Run Deep, and Freedoms' Journey: Understanding the Underground Railroad in South Louisiana. She taught "Introduction to Museology" at Southern University in New Orleans, where she earned her Master’s degree in Museum Studies in 2012. Kathe Hambrick has long chosen the challenging path to truth, using interpretation to tell stories that are often overlooked or deliberately erased. "Making a Way Out of No Way" has been a guiding principle for Hambrick, who founded and served as the Director of the River Road African American Museum in rural Louisiana, her home state. In this role, she was dedicated to promoting the history of African Americans in the rural parishes along the Mississippi River, relying more on passion and inspiration than on consistent financial support. Hambrick also served as President of the Association of African American Museums, a demanding, unpaid volunteer position that required significant leadership in historic preservation and public history. Her tenure involved making decisions that shaped the understanding and representation of African American history on a national scale. Today, Kathe Hambrick is an independent consultant, curator, public historian, author, and public speaker. In April 2021, she founded her consulting business, 2PRESERVE LLC, where she provides expertise in exhibit design, program development, museum governance, and interpretive planning. Throughout her career, Hambrick has been deeply committed to preserving historic buildings and slavery-era burial grounds, ensuring these sites and their stories are remembered. She has a strong background in community relations, having served as a liaison between corporations, museums, governmental agencies, community leaders, and faith-based organizations. As Chief Curator and Director of Interpretation for the West Baton Rouge Museum, Hambrick curated over 100 exhibits, including "The Rural Roots of Jazz" and "Rural Black Doctors." Her latest projects include a permanent exhibit about the enslaved people sold by the Jesuits of Georgetown to an Episcopal sugar planter in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. Throughout her career, Kathe Hambrick has used costumed interpretation, exhibits, and interpretive programs to weave together the diverse threads of American history, creating a more complete and inclusive narrative.

While teaching as a Geography Professor at University of Puerto Rico for twenty-two years, Eliezer Nieves-Rodriguez has trained Certified Interpretive Guides, served as an interpretive planner and consultant to local communities as well as international interpretive trainer for the RESERVA Program. .He grew up in Puerto Rico and has spent his long career devoted to protection of the island’s unique natural areas along with support of local people working in tourism and conservation. Join us this week on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters as Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney visit with Eliezer to reveal his unique journey in the professions of interpretation and education. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #DiscoverPuertoRico #ExplorePuertoRico #VisitPuertoRico #TravelPuertoRico #IslaDelEncanto #PuertoRicoAdventures #CulturalHeritagePR #PuertoRicoHistory #PuertoRicanCulture #InterpretationMatters #SustainablePuertoRico #ConservationPR #EcoTourismPR #PreserveNaturePR #NatureConservationPR

Tom Medema, the Associate Director of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers for the National Park Service (NPS), has had an inspiring career journey that began in Muskegon, Michigan. After earning both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Tom embarked on a 35-year adventure with the NPS, taking on increasingly impactful roles—from interpreter to superintendent, ultimately becoming Associate Director. In this episode, Tom shares the remarkable stories from his career and his recent philanthropic efforts, including his work in providing motorcycles to rangers around the world who lack the means to acquire a motor vehicle. Tune in on your favorite audio platform to hear more about his extraordinary journey. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/page/1/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #interpretivenaturalists #interpretivetraining #heritageinterpretation #NationalParkService #NPS #NatureInterpretation #CulturalInterpretation #InterpretationMatters #ConnectingPeopleToParks #TomMedema #ParkLeader #ConservationChampion #RangerStories #NPSLeadership

Today is a special edition of Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters podcast featuring more than one hour of conversation among five very experienced interpretive trainers. Clark Hancock from Austin, Texas, Donna Horton from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gabriela Plumasseau from Paris, France, Heidi McFarland from Boulder Creek, California, and Lisa Brochu, my wife and training partner, join me in discussing training options that are affordable and time-saving. This is a followup to a discussion I posted on May 24 with a group of trainers.   During this I explain how my new Put the HEART Back in Your Interpretive Communications is designed to serve those who may not be able to afford NAI’s Interpretive Guide Certificate course such as students, docents, volunteers, part-timers, and seasonals.   Join us on your favorite audio platform at https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #InterpretationServices #interpreter #heritageinterpretation #interpretivenaturalist #interpretiveguide #certifiedinterpretiveguide

Today Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman talk story with Omar Eaton-Martinez, who began his career as a teacher in eastern cities and later worked with the National Park Service on youth programs, serving as staff to the National Latino American Museum Commission. Born to Puerto Rican parents, Omar bridges gaps between White Americans, Americans of Color, African Americans, and Latinos. Holding degrees in African American Studies and Education, he served as the Smithsonian’s Museum Liaison for pre- and post-doctoral fellows. He was also a Public Outreach Specialist for NASA and Assistant Division Chief of Historical Resources for the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission. Currently, he is the Senior Vice President for Historic Sites at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Association of African American Museums, and a Board member for the International National Trust Organisation.   https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters  #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation  #BringingHistoryToLife #AfricanAmericanHistory

Edward W. Gantt, a retired Navy Captain with a unique background, talks story with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney for "Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters." Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gantt graduated from Howard University and the National Defense University. He served 30 years in the military, first as a door gunner on a Huey helicopter in Vietnam with the Army, then joining the Navy after completing his degree, eventually rising to Navy Captain. He served as a Naval Flight Officer in F-14 TOMCAT squadrons, both in the U.S. and aboard aircraft carriers.   After retiring from the military, Gantt became a high school teacher in public schools in Prince George’s County, MD, and Washington, D.C. Passionate about telling underrepresented stories, he joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, an African American Civil War reenactment group, and also serves with the 23rd USCT in Maryland. He is active with The African Americans in the Civil War Era Round Table and serves as Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW).   Now, as a historical interpreter, Ed Gantt challenges myths like the “Black Confederate” while embodying period roles. He is a powerful force in sharing history.   https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/   #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation  #LivingHistory #LivingHistoryEnthusiast #HistoricalReenactment #HistoryReenactment #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters  #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling #HistoryComesAlive #HistoryMatters #HistoricalInterpretation #ReenactmentCommunity #BringingHistoryToLife #CivilWarHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #USColoredTroops #54thMassachusetts #BlackCivilWarSoldiers #AfricanAmericansInWar

A Native of Eatonville, Florida, Christy Coleman grew up in the shadow of African American anthropologist and writer Zora Neale Hurston. As a teenager in 1982, wanting to become an actor, she accepted a summer position as a character actor for an enslaved woman named Rebecca at Colonial Williamsburg. Her growing enthusiasm for History led her to a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a master’s degree in museum studies. Becoming the first female Director of African American Interpretation at Williamsburg, Coleman led and participated in a reenactment of a slave auction, which has become legendary. Coleman later became President of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, and later became the Director of the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar in Richmond, Virginia. Leaving Richmond in 2019, Christy is now the Executive Director for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. An unstoppable force in Public History and Interpretation, Christy Coleman has an unforgettable story and shares it with Tim Merriman and Bill Gwaltney on Reflections on Interpretation: Talking Story with Guides and Interpreters. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation  #LivingHistory #LivingHistoryEnthusiast #HistoricalReenactment #HistoryReenactment #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMatters  #ColonialWilliamsburg #AmericanHistory #AfricanAmericanHeritage #BlackStoriesMatter #BlackColonialHistory #BlackVoicesInHistory #AfricanAmericanStorytelling    

A Co-Founder of “The Camp Moreno Project” along with her late Husband, Roberto Moreno and former National Park Ranger Bill Gwaltney, Louise Moreno has been a long-term activist promoting sharing the out of doors with Latino communities and families across the United States. Louise fell in love with the dashing Roberto Moreno and the pair were married after a courtship of only four days. Married for decades, together they had two daughters as well as a number of grandchildren. Sadly, Roberto Moreno passed away in 2020. Working with Roberto in the Tourism Industry in the Rocky Mountains, Louise joined her Husband in an attempt to get the Ski Business in Colorado to think more and differently about getting Latino children introduced to skiing. The Morenos created the Alpino Mountain Sports Foundation. As former hoteliers Roberto Lopez Moreno and his wife Louise, created snow-sports and family camping experiences for over 28,100 children and families since incorporating as a non-profit 501(c)3 in Colorado in 2006. Its signature program became “The Camp Moreno Project,” which was a partnership between the U.S. National Park Service and the Alpino Mountain Sports Foundation. Camp Moreno provided intensive instructional weekend camping experiences for families of color in Colorado, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California national parks and monuments. The Foundation also oversaw the Camp Moreno Community Organizing Academy and administered and funded Santiago Banuelos Lopez snow-sports scholarships to deserving middle school and high school athletes who attend schools offering free or reduced lunch programs. https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/page/1/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #interpretivenaturalists  #heritageinterpretation #LatinosInNature #ExploreYourParks #CampMoreno #NuestroParque #LatinxOutdoors #NatureParaTodos #FamiliasAlAireLibre #VivaLaAventura #DescubreLosParques #LatinosExplore #ConoceTusParques #HikeLatino #CulturaYNaturaleza #UnidosPorLaAventura #ParquesParaTodos

Lorraine Johnson Coleman was born in the deep south, but also has roots in urban New York City. The proud daughter of a WWII African American U.S. Marine, she appreciates both the bitterness, and the sweetness that is part of growing up Black in America. Her interest in family history, shared stories and her attention to detail of African American Culture has made it possible for her to have lived several lives already. Working in Investment Banking, Lorraine discovered Interpretation even after she had become a Storyteller and her Interpretive exploits have taken her to many places with many organizations. She has done Plenary Sessions for Annual Meetings of the National Association for Interpretation, and has  worked with organizations such as the Kellogg Foundation, Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions and had her own Storytelling Series on National Public Radio. The author of several books, Lorraine has had a very special career as a storyteller, author and interpreter of African-American culture.    This is Part Two of Lorraine's conversation with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation sharing her appearance on Oprah and becoming a special adviser and performer for Hewlett-Packard and other corporations.  Part 2 - Aug. 2 https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #BlackHistory #BlackCulture #AfricanAmericanHistory #Storyteller #BlackVoices #BlackNarratives #BlackExcellence #BlackStories #OurHistory #CultureKeeper #AfricanAmericanCulture #BlackHeritage #BlackArt

Lorraine Johnson Coleman was born in the deep south, but also has roots in urban New York City. The proud daughter of a WWII African American U.S. Marine, she appreciates both the bitterness, and the sweetness that is part of growing up Black in America. Her interest in family history, shared stories and her attention to detail of African American Culture has made it possible for her to have lived several lives already. Working in Investment Banking, Lorraine discovered Interpretation even after she had become a Storyteller and her Interpretive exploits have taken her to many places with many organizations. She has done Plenary Sessions for Annual Meetings of the National Association for Interpretation, and has  worked with organizations such as the Kellogg Foundation, Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions and had her own Storytelling Series on National Public Radio. The author of several books, Lorraine has had a very special career as a storyteller, author and interpreter of African-American culture.    This two part conversation with Bill Gwaltney and Tim Merriman on Reflections on Interpretation will follow her from her beginning as a freelance storyteller to appearing on Oprah and becoming a special adviser and performer for Hewlett-Packard and other corporations. Part 1 - July 26, Part 2 - Aug. 2 https://timfmerriman.podbean.com/ #timmerriman #interpretationservices #interpretation #heritageinterpretation #BlackHistory #BlackCulture #AfricanAmericanHistory #Storyteller #BlackVoices #BlackNarratives #BlackExcellence #BlackStories #OurHistory #CultureKeeper #AfricanAmericanCulture #BlackHeritage #BlackArt