Freeman Tilden was the first person to formalize and record the prevailing thinking on the principles of effective interpretation. He did so in his book Interpreting Our Heritage, first published in 1957. Below is a video to introduce his 6 principles of interpretation.

Tilden's Six Principles of Interpretation 
1. Any interpretation that does not somehow relate what is being displayed or described to something within the personality or experience of the visitor will be sterile. 

2. Information, as such, is not interpretation. Interpretation is revelation based upon information. but they are entirely different things. However, all interpretation includes information. 

3. Interpretation is an art, which combines many arts, whether the materials presented are scientific, historical or architectural. Any art is in some degree teachable. 

4. The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation. 

5. Interpretation should aim to present a whole rather than a part, and must address itself to the whole man rather than any phase. 

6. Interpretation addressed to children (birth to 12 years of age) should not be a dilution of the presentation to adults, but should follow a fundamentally different approach. 

Think about how these principles relate to the Gallery Ambassador's role as active, rather than passive. Also, play close attention to principle # 2, which reinforces that interpretation is more than providing factual information. Remember, interpretation is defined as a communication process. How you communicate the Aquarium's mission and conservation messaging will be essential to your position as a Gallery Ambassador. 





POETRY
NAI uses this acronym as a helpful way to remember the interpretive approach you should use when engaging guests.

Interpretation serves a Purpose

• The information should support the mission and goals of the organization.