Certified Interpretive Guide Training Workshop

September 15-18, 2015
Historic Columbia
1616 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201



Historic Places of Charleston, LLC, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, is offering a professional certification course for individuals who will be delivering interpretive programs or having public contact at interpretive sites.

The CIG Program
The Certified Interpretive Guide program is designed for anyone who delivers interpretive programs to the public. It combines both the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical skills in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.

This 32-hour course includes:

• history, definition, and principles of interpretation
• making your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
• using tangible objects to connect audiences to intangible ideas and universal concepts in interpretive programs
• presentation and communication skills
• certification requirements (open book exam; program outline; 10-min. presentation)
• all materials, workbook, and CIG course textbook

About the Instructor: R. Alan Stello, Jr.
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Alan Stello administrates two heritage-based interpretative groups: The Powder Magazine museum and Historic Places of Charleston, LLC. Stello has degrees in American History, Political Science, and a Master’s in Public Administration. He has been an NAI Certified Interpretative Trainer (CIT) since 2011, and is passionate about museum administration and educational program development. He regularly consults and collaborates with other organizations focused on cultural interpretation.  
 
About the Hosting Site
Historic Columbia Foundation (1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201)

Please note! This course will be organized by Historic Places of Charleston, LLC; however, the actual workshop location will be at Historic Columbia Foundation (Columbia, SC).

Historic Columbia Foundation (HC)
Stewards of Columbia’s past, present, and future...

HC is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Columbia and   Richland County’s historic and cultural heritage. HC keeps neighborhood history alive in the hearts and minds of today’s residents through tours, educational programs, and special events. HC manages several historic properties and provides the following services:

• Daily house & garden tours, walking tours, and bus tours
• Curation of exhibits and local artifacts
• Community programming
• Protection of structures with historical significance

More info: www.HistoricColumbia.org

Requirements for the CIG Course
Anyone age 16 or over with a desire to increase their knowledge and skills related to interpretation may participate. Membership in NAI is not required, but NAI members may pay a discounted fee to participate in the program. You can also elect to take the training without becoming certified.

Interpretation Library
If you wish to purchase your own books, NAI offers a discounted package price. Visit www.interpnet.com/store/ or call NAI at 888-900-8283, order the "CIG Certification Library" and have the books shipped to you now. Although it is not required, I highly recommended reading these resources in advance as it is a lot of material to cover and this will free up your evenings and allow you to focus more on class activities.

The texts used are:
Interpreting Our Heritage by Freeman Tilden;
Interpretation of Cultural & Natural Resources by Knudsen, Cable & Beck;
The Gifts of Interpretation by Beck & Cable;
Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell;
Interpreting for Park Visitors by Bill Lewis.

Registration
Download the registration form or visit Historic Places of Charleston, LLC online.  

Further Information
For more information about the course, please contact Alan Stello at Alan@PowderMag.org or call 843-345-9714. You can visit the Historic Places of Charleston, LLC web site at www.CharlestonClassroom.com.