Interpretation for Today: Museum Interpretation with Shawn Halifax

Interpretation at museums is more politicized than ever before. In this workshop we review the fundamentals of interpretation by defining it, reviewing its key principles, and exploring how effective questioning strategies can lead to meaningful and relevant experiences for audiences, no matter their political ideology. One goal of this workshop experience is to provide museums and museum workers with a sustainable approach to achieving one of their most fundamental purposes, public education.

Shawn Halifax is a public historian whose work focuses on collaborating with people and communities in sharing their history which has been submerged and subject to misinformation at museums and historic sites. He is the executive director at the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria, VA. He is also a certified interpretive planner and trainer for museums and historic sites in the ethical interpretation of history and culture.

Admission is free. Registration is encouraged. Max Capacity: 20. Sponsored by the Mississippi Humanities Council.