FEATURE
Full Circle:
A Homecoming of Heritage and Interpretation
With the crack of muskets and a cloud of smoke, we reenact the moments that shaped battles and nations. Photo by TC Sheridan.
Exploring how the power of place connects us to our roots, we consider how interpreters can bridge past and present, foster belonging, and transform changes in historic sites into opportunities for deeper connection and lasting understanding.
Returning to St. Augustine for the 2024 NAI National Conference, after decades away, feels like stepping back into the vivid memories of my childhood, where musket fire and stories of Spanish explorers brought history to life. This city, with its cobblestone streets and timeless charm, is where my journey as an interpreter began, and so it holds a special place in my heart.
As I prepare for the 2024 NAI Conference, I’m filled with both anticipation and apprehension. How will this homecoming unfold? Will the city embrace me with the same warmth, or will it feel like a place I no longer recognize? These questions linger, not just for me, but for countless others who return to places that have shaped their lives, drawn by a yearning to reconnect with their essence—and themselves.
The Beginning: A Place Called Home
Before settling in St. Augustine, my family moved frequently due to my father’s Navy career. Each new location brought feelings of isolation and unfamiliarity. However, when we arrived in Jacksonville and began spending weekends in St. Augustine, our lives transformed. The historic streets, with their coquina walls and ancient oak trees, offered a sense of stability and connection we had never known.
In December 1984, a spontaneous visit to the city led us to a living history event where reenactors brought the past to life through stories, muskets, and cannon fire. Captivated by the experience, my family joined the Saint Augustine Garrison Reenactment Group, discovering not just a hobby but a community where we truly belonged. St. Augustine became our sanctuary, a place where history came alive and meaningful. It was here that I first discovered my passion for interpretation, igniting a desire to connect people with the stories of the past.
For the past 30+ years, I’ve dedicated myself to a career as an outdoor leader, educator and interpreter, guiding diverse audiences through both nature and history. A decade of that time was spent aboard historic tall ships, expedition vessels, and research ships. It was aboard the tall ships that I rediscovered my passion for historical interpretation, while my work on expedition and research vessels deepened my commitment to environmental education. Over the years, I’ve also served as a historic interpreter at the Spanish Quarter Living History Museum in St. Augustine and the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, and I’ve volunteered at Castillo de San Marcos and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Most recently, I’ve embraced the role of Interpretive Park Ranger, sharing my experiences at Rocky Mountain National Park, North Cascades National Park, and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
Exploring the icy wilderness, where the rugged beauty of Alaska meets the call of adventure and discovery. Photo courtesy of TC Sheridan.
The Homecoming: Facing Change and Uncertainty
Now, I return to St. Augustine as a seasoned interpreter, wondering how the city has changed. Will tranquil streets now buzz with tourists? Have developments altered familiar landscapes, and have historic sites been repurposed? The city is also adapting to climate change, combating rising sea levels that threaten its priceless landmarks. Will the community feel different? Will I still feel the same connection, or will I be a stranger in the place I once called home?
This uncertainty mirrors the experiences of many visitors returning to places of personal significance. They come with memories and emotions, seeking to reconnect with the past and reaffirm their ties to a place that had shaped them. As interpreters, we play a crucial role in helping visitors navigate these emotions, offering them a bridge to their memories and a pathway to understanding the changes they encounter.
The Interpreter’s Role: Bridging Past and Present
As interpreters, our task is to understand the diverse needs of our visitors—whether they are first-time seekers eager to learn or returning souls seeking to reconnect with their past. Empathy is a guiding principle for many interpreters, leading us to recognize the quiet tear of a visitor reminiscing about a lost loved one or the eager smile of a child discovering history for the first time. By noticing these details, we adapt our approach, whether by offering a listening ear or sharing a hands-on activity.
During a season at Rocky Mountain National Park, I encountered a visitor returning after many years. Her eyes glistened with nostalgia as she shared memories of visiting with her father. I realized her visit wasn’t just about the mountains but reconnecting with a cherished memory. By inviting her to share her experiences, I helped to create a space where her connection to the site was honored and celebrated. This experience highlights the power of empathy in interpretation. By actively listening and adapting our approach, we can create meaningful experiences that resonate with our visitors and help them reconnect with the places that matter to them.
Surrounded by my "extended reenactment family," where every moment we share breathes life into the stories of our past. Photo by Steven Martin.
Together at the Alafia Rendezvous, celebrating history, tradition, and the bonds forged through reenactment. Photo by TC Sheridan.
Creating a Sense of Belonging and Connection
At the heart of interpretation is recognizing the desire for belonging and connection. Our goal is to foster a sense of community, making each visitor feel valued—whether through interactive programs or connecting visitors with others who share similar historical ties. By encouraging engagement, we help visitors not only learn history but see themselves as part of the ongoing narrative. By listening to personal stories—like a veteran recalling his service or a family tracing their lineage—we weave these narratives into our programs, creating a sense of belonging that is deeply valued.
During a recent pop-up program I led at the Historic Jamestown Visitor Center, part of my role as an Interpretive Park Ranger for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, an elderly gentleman shared his story of visiting historical sites around Williamsburg that inspired his career in history. The group that had gathered listened intently. His passion sparked a lively discussion, and soon, others began to share their own connections to history. The energy shifted from a passive experience to an engaged communal dialogue.
As others contributed their stories, a collective sense of belonging seemed to emerge. It was no longer just a tour but a shared journey where each person had the opportunity to feel that their experiences were acknowledged and valued. By facilitating these moments, interpreters create spaces where visitors don’t just learn—they connect deeply with the place and each other, building a community bound by shared histories and newfound respect for one another.
Carrying the weight of history on my shoulders, I walk the land where past and present meet, sharing the stories of those who once stood here. Photo by Erin Sheridan.
Embracing Change: Building Belonging at an Evolving Site
As interpreters, we often encounter sites that have undergone significant changes over time—whether through natural evolution, modernization, or shifts in cultural narratives. Rather than viewing these changes as disruptions, we guide our visitors to see them as opportunities to deepen their connection to the site—whether by exploring how modernization has reshaped historic landmarks, engaging with new interpretive narratives that bring previously untold stories to light, or participating in preservation efforts that ensure the site's legacy continues. For instance, when visitors learn about ecological restoration projects at a historic battlefield, they not only connect with its past but also contribute to its future, becoming active participants in the ongoing story of the site. By framing change as a natural part of a site’s story, we invite visitors to become part of that ongoing narrative, fostering an open-minded and adaptable approach to interpretation.
We can also create programs that directly address the theme of change. For instance, at Jamestown, interpretation has evolved from focusing solely on the English settlers to a more inclusive narrative that highlights the Indigenous communities who lived here long before the English arrived, and the African communities that formed as a result of forced migration and enslavement. By engaging visitors in discussions about these broader stories, we help them understand how the site’s evolution reflects a more complete and accurate portrayal of history.
Likewise, the story of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail has evolved from simply recounting John Smith’s exploration to telling the stories of the Native peoples he encountered and their significant contributions to the region, as well as further discussions about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and watershed.
By emphasizing these shifts in interpretation, we help visitors see the site’s evolution as a positive force—one that fosters a deeper understanding and connection with the diverse histories that continue to shape our present.
Embracing the Future
Returning to St. Augustine after decades away fills me with a profound mix of joy and apprehension. I yearn to walk the familiar brick streets, feel the ocean breeze, and reconnect with the community that once embraced me. Yet, I wonder: Will the city still hold the warmth and charm of my childhood, or has time and change distanced us?
Many visitors experience similar emotions when revisiting cherished parks and historic sites after years away. They return, driven by a longing for the comfort of familiar landscapes and communities that once provided solace and joy. Yet, as they encounter the inevitable changes time brings, they may fear that these places have altered beyond recognition, leaving them feeling disconnected from what was once familiar.
Amidst the canvas of history, we carry forward the stories of resilience, family, and life on the frontier. Photo by Richard Sheridan.
Honored to protect and interpret the rugged beauty of the North Cascades, where nature speaks in towering peaks and ancient forests. Photo by TC Sheridan.
Sharing the wonders of the Chesapeake with the next generation, inspiring curiosity and stewardship for our natural heritage. Photo by Remi Sarihan, NPS.
As interpreters, it is our privilege and responsibility to bridge this gap between past and present, familiarity and change. This means creating programs that connect historical events to contemporary issues, such as linking the preservation of a historic site to current environmental conservation efforts. It could also involve using technology to bring the past to life for modern audiences, like virtual reality tours that allow visitors to experience a site as it was centuries ago, while also understanding its relevance today. Through empathy, we create welcoming spaces that honor the deep connections visitors have with these sites, acknowledging their memories while inviting them to discover new facets and stories.
When a long-time visitor returns to Jamestown and expresses dismay at the changes they’ve observed, we can listen attentively to their stories, allowing them to share what the site has meant to them over the years. By validating their experiences and emotions, we acknowledge the personal significance the place holds for them. We can then gently guide them to explore how these changes have enriched the site’s narrative, introducing new perspectives and stories that add depth and inclusivity to its history.
In my own return to St. Augustine, I hope to encounter interpreters and community members who embody this spirit of empathy and openness. I look forward to sharing my stories and hearing how the city has continued to thrive. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, I believe I can reconnect with my roots while also embracing the new dimensions that time has woven into the fabric of this cherished place.
This approach transforms change from a source of discomfort into an opportunity for growth and deeper connection. It allows both returning visitors and the sites themselves to engage in a dynamic dialogue where past memories and present realities come together to create a richer, more inclusive understanding.
As interpreters, let us continue to cultivate these connections by being attentive, responsive, and compassionate. Let us welcome returning visitors not just as guests but as integral parts of the ongoing story of these places. By doing so, we honor their personal journeys and contributions, ensuring that they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Ultimately, embracing change through empathy and connection allows us all to find our place within the evolving narratives of these sites. Whether we are returning after many years or discovering a place for the first time, we can find belonging and inspiration in the shared stories that connect us across time and experience.
As I return to St. Augustine, I carry with me the hope that despite the changes, the essence of what made this city my home remains. I am excited to rediscover its wonders, connect with its people, and contribute once more to its living history. Through empathy and open-hearted exploration, we can all rediscover our way home again, no matter how much time has passed or how much the landscape has transformed.
Rising above the trees, this architectural gem stands as a testament to the rich history and vibrant culture of St. Augustine. Photo by TC Sheridan.
