July 13-14 and 17-18, 2023
Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture
125 Bull Street Charleston, South Carolina 29424
Instructor: Erica Veal
Registration Cost: $250 (The certificate is an additional $165)
This course is a part of the "Speaking Our Truths initiative" by the Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) to certify more Black & Brown interpreters as well as faculty, staff & students at the College of Charleston. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.
Charleston, South Carolina was the capital for the importation of enslaved Africans to North America. It became the richest city in colonial America because of the contributions of African people and the settler-occupation of Indigenous lands. Although responsible for building the wealth of the region, Africans (who made up the majority of the population) had no access to it.
Today, Charleston is a top tourist destination. Whether they know it or not, tourists come to Charleston to experience the culture (which came to be known as Gullah Geechee) and the landscapes of Africans and their descendants. Yet, as was the case with their ancestors, Gullah Geechee people largely have no access to the wealth generated by the multibillion dollar a year tourism industry that continues to thrive off and exploit their culture.
There is little consistency in the interpretation of Indigenous American and Gullah Geechee contributions from one historic site to the next. Very few Black and Brown interpreters are employed at historic sites throughout the area; few own tour companies and even fewer are certified interpreters. This initiative seeks to change that and place the Avery Research Center and the College of Charleston at the center of these efforts.
Course Options
There are two options for this course.
Option one: take the course without obtaining the CIG certificate.
Option two: take the course and add the certificate as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). You will pay an additional fee for the certificate. The CIG lasts four years and comes with a complimentary one-year membership. If you are already a member of NAI we will extend your membership an additional year.
The CIG Program
The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certificate is designed for anyone in the interpretive field. Whether you’re a new hire, a professional looking to refresh your skills, or beginning a second career, this course will aid you in improving your presentation techniques. The course combines the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.
This 32-hour course includes:
- The history, definition, and principles of interpretation.
- Techniques on how to make your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic.
- How to use tangible objects to connect your audience to intangible ideas and universal concepts.
- The 2 requirements needed to obtain a CIG (program outline, and 10 minute interpretive presentation).
Member Discount
Those choosing to apply for certification will receive a complimentary one year membership to NAI. Memberships will become active within a couple of weeks of registration and will allow you to purchase webinars and other registrations at the discounted member rate. Once memberships become active, you will receive a receipt via email letting you know that you are all set up. Current NAI members will receive a one year extension on their current membership. If you are registering for $0, your membership will become active when you are certified.
Further Information
For more information about the course, please contact Erica Veal at indigogrio@gmail.com or call (843) 953-7313.
Special Terms and Cancellations
Participants are allowed to transfer one time at no charge. Cancellation and transfer requests cannot be made by phone and must be made in writing and emailed, postmarked, or faxed by June 25, 2023. Cancellations processed before the cancellation deadline will be subject to a $60 cancellation fee (if fees paid are less than $60, no refund will be processed). Cancellations made after this date will not receive a refund. Emailed cancellations and transfers should be sent to certification@interpnet.com.