Unit 06 Blog Post – Nature Interpretation Through History: Why Delving Deeper Is Important
Many of us live in the present, but we constantly plan for our futures. Through this cycle of repetition, how do we truly appreciate the progress we’ve made? Well, through history! Simply put, history can be defined as the series of past events that connect us with either someone or something (Macfie, 2013, p. 401).
A great example of the history of our past juxtaposed with the modernity of a museum, indicating how the past informs our future (Parmiter, 2020).
So, what is nature interpretation through history? Interpretation breathes life and meaning into past events, architecture and artifacts (Hooykaas, 2021). In doing so it nurtures the development of not only a personal identity; but it also aids in forming values that guide us in the present. Without the ability to interpret, artifacts are merely old things, historic buildings are just old buildings, and ceremonies are merely entertainment (Beck et al., 2018, p. 326).
Thus, nature interpretation through history not only contributes to the unification of the past and present; but also allows an individual to consider themselves within the historical context of the past.
Delving deeper into nature interpretation through history, sheds light on the importance of the quote:
There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things.…. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it.
(Edward Hyams, Chapter 7, The Gifts of Interpretation)
Further “unpacking” this quote provides a unique look into how we view our past and how the past informs our future.
This is extremely relevant to the landscape of our world in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays, it seems as though many people have an attitude that follows the notion of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, which enables an individual to forgo integrity. Consequently, without “merit in integrity … [that] entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things” it becomes difficult for an individual to learn or grow from their past.
Furthermore, history enables an individual to examine themselves, where they have been, and why they are there. Therefore, “to think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it” sheds light on the intersection between an individual’s history, and the historical context of the past that feeds an individual’s identity.
This photo was taken on a walk I took with some friends while we were trying to find “cool” places to do a photoshoot. I remember clearly as we walked around, we tried to come up with different stories about the history of our surroundings. Guelph, ON – Photo taken by Agam Verma.
Consequently, in terms of nature interpretation, history, and storytelling play a large role in communicating the essence of a place (Hooykaas, 2021). Thereby shedding light on the importance that interpretive writing can play in allowing an individual to turn abstract words into a story (Beck et al., 2018, p. 322). Relaying this back to the “unpacking” of the quote by Edward Hyams elucidates the importance that history, storytelling, and interpretive writing play in nature interpretation.
I have linked a great video which delves into the intersection between interpretation and history (Be A Better Guide - Free Tour Guide Training, 2017, 0:00-7:39). Have a watch and share your thoughts!
Be a Better Guide - Free Tour Guide Training. (2017, May 4). Interpretation tips for tour guides - interpreting culture, the environment, history and heritage [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkhTY7UWi4M
Beck, L., Cable, T., & Knudson, D. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.
Hooykaas, A. (2021). Unit 06: Nature interpretation through history [Course website]. University of Guelph CourseLink. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca
Macfie, A. L. (2013). Towards a new definition of history. Rethinking History, 17(3), 401–412. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642529.2013.774730
Parmiter, C. (2020, July 22). People wearing facemasks in a museum because of the pandemic [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/RLQ0YYzQuis