Empowered Voices
I am honored and humbled to serve as the guest editor for two “Women and Femmes in Interpretation” issues. We had such a tremendous response to the call for articles that we will have a special double issue—the first you are reading now, and the second will be published in May/June 2024.
My first connection to an editorial role for Legacy started in 2021 when Paul Caputo invited me to be an associate editor for the magazine—a role that I am proud to continue today. Collaborating with Lucien Meadows and the other associate editors is a privilege. We are continuing to chart a revised course for Legacy, one that reflects the justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles that are central to the work of NAI. This commitment underscores our dedication to fostering an Association and publication that both reflects the rich diversity within our field and serves as a platform for the voices and stories that have been historically excluded. This issue, which centers all women and femme voices, is just one of the ways in which we are bringing this work to life.
My journey into the field of interpretation began when I was 16 years old as a docent in Ashton Villa in Galveston, Texas. However, my passion for natural and cultural heritage began much earlier. My mother, Patricia Ramsey, was my first inspiration. I was fortunate to grow up in a family, led by my mother’s contagious enthusiasm, that visited museums, musical theaters, parks, beaches, and other heritage sites across the U.S. Now, as a parent myself, I find immense joy in sharing these adventures with my children, Luke and Alden, creating cherished memories and instilling in them a similar love for exploration and connection.
Guest Editor Christina Cid (center) with her parents Mike and Patricia Ramsey and children Alden and Luke (from left to right) near the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. Photo by Christina Cid.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of building meaningful relationships with a diverse community of women and femmes in interpretation. These folks not only excel in their fields but also actively shine a light on others, contributing to a collaborative and empowering environment. I am thrilled that you get to hear from some of these individuals today. Serving as guest editor has also been a catalyst for expanding my network of inspiring women and femmes in the field. I appreciate the collective impact of these voices and am grateful for the chance to connect with such remarkable individuals who continue to shape and elevate the field of interpretation.
Through the articles in this issue, you will encounter stories about trailblazers and those who defied societal norms, paving the way for challenging the constraints imposed by gender-based discrimination. You will explore the nuanced challenge of portraying living history, particularly in creating a character whose values and beliefs are different from your own.
Additionally, the issue examines the importance of continuing to interrogate frequent assumptions about immigrant and diaspora communities. Authors highlight ways in which people and organizations can create deep partnerships to develop programs that center community and help foster cultural identity and a sense of belonging in informal learning spaces.
Authors also highlight programs showcasing the contributions of women and femmes in the outdoors, aiming to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders and, as Angelina Stancampiano writes, to invite women and femmes “to come as they are, embrace their individuality, and find solace and strength in the wild.”