I love Gene’s take on this theme. As a historical interpreter, his role is to breathe life into a place and help visitors draw meaning from their experience. The result gives Gene a different vantage point to consider the meaning of “More Than a Tourist.”
New photo journals in this series are being posted every other day. Come back Sunday, June 7th to see installment #4!
Click on the first photo to read Gene’s story!
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- In considering the moment when someone becomes “more than a tourist”, I decided to look at this from a different perspective. As a historical interpreter, I have given presentations at historic sites, state parks, and national parks, interacting with guests and other interpreters. As my occupation, I daily portray a prominent Atlanta businessman in 1930.
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- The goal of an interpreter, regardless of where they may be located, is to help the guest form a personal connection with the site and what it represents. In other words, cause them to feel like they are “more than a tourist”.
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- This is done by including the guest in the interpretation. Instead of talking “at” them, I talk “with” them, weaving the facts with personal stories they can identify with. I can throw specific details at them all day long and they may retain part of what they hear, but it will be the personal aspect they identify with.
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- If they can identify with the site, or some aspect of it, they will care beyond being a tourist visiting a spot on the map. They will spread the word and in so doing, will bring others looking for their own experience.
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- Everyone has feelings and emotions which can be tapped into or personal memories waiting to be rekindled. When these sparks burst into flame, they no longer feel as if they are just a tourist.
Return to More than a Tourist #2, (or #1)
Adventures in Aperture is a monthly call for submissions. Check out last month’s reader-based photo collage: Show Us Your Playground! Details for our next contest will be announced next week!
